ALEX & EVE

SYNOPSIS: Alex (Richard Brancatisano) is a 30 something Greek Orthodox whose parents want him to marry a good Greek girl. But Alex has fallen in love with Eve (Andrea Demetriades), a Lebanese Muslim woman whose parents are adamant she marries Mohomad (Hazem Shammas), an old family friend from Lebanon. Like oil and water, the two should never mix. Torn between different religions, traditional and modern values, Alex and Eve must do everything under the heavens to stop themselves from falling in love.

Review by Louise Keller:
With its upbeat vibe and charismatic leads, there's something irresistible about this laugh-out loud cross-culture Aussie rom com. Adapted from his stageplay, Alex Lykos has written a multi-layered screenplay bursting with home truths and colour. If you liked My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), you will warm to this good-hearted, larger than life tale in which The Kings of Mykonos director, Peter Andrikidis captures the essence of how true love conquers all. It might be played for laughs and the feel good ending is never in doubt, but reality bubbles through beautifully with moments of pathos along the way.

Getting married is the theme from the get-go and in the opening wedding scene, it is hardly a recommendation when we hear that once married you are miserable; but at least you are married! The pressure is on - for handsome high school teacher Alex (Richard Brancatisano) and attractive lawyer Eve (Andrea Demetriades) - to find a spouse and settle down. Alex is tired of being set up with dates and I like the way Alex's pupils are more interested in his love life than their school work. They play a pivotal role in his relationship. Sydney's Harbour Bridge is the backdrop for many key moments - like the disastrous meeting between Alex and Eve and their first kiss, vertigo not withstanding.

Much is made of the cultural differences in the respective homes and the pressure the parents put on Alex and Eve to marry someone of their own background. Watch out for the scene in which the two sets of parents meet. I laughed when the Lebanese greeting sounded like an expletive.

Tony Nikolakopoulos is a standout as Alex's overbearing father, while Zoe Carides delivers a stylish double dose of pathos as his mother. The scene in which she makes her first ever demand of her husband is terrific. Also excellent is the supporting cast and the way the cultural backgrounds are reflected in the music score.

Of course we are reminded that love is that magical thing that defies all logic. As a result, the fun is contagious.