Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Has anyone seen the 1969 movie "If this is Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium?". " My life in Ruins"-what an excellent if corny title- is much the same theme. The film could have been serialised in Mad magazine. No, it is not a great movie but good light entertainment not to be taken seriously. I dwell in Greece and like Nia I am a Greek Canadian, we both speak Greek fluently enough but with a bad accent. I have never taken a bus tour in Greece but have Canadian friends who did and have told me of similar experiences as those shown in the movie. My one and only experience as a tourist on a bus full of Torontonians and Montrealers was in Mexcio in 1977 and it was pretty much the same. A crazy and life threatening driver called Pedro, a funny guide Pepe who realised we all wanted more humour than education about the Mexican ruins etc "Thees was where the thee pipi room was. You know, when the Aztecs they wanna make pipi". My Life in Ruins spares nobody be they Greek, American, Canadian, Spanish, British or Australian. I think it would be hard to appreciate the comedy for anyone who has never visited Greece or ever been part of a tourist bus group and laugh as much as I did. That's the thing about comedies, probably the most difficult of all movie genres; one has to relate to the situation and to the characters. I would put My Life in Ruins on a par with My Big Fat Greek Wedding (though not the later TV show which was a disaster).

As a professional tour guide I think the movie is a very close approach to the real tour experience dealing with all kind of people, problems on the road, hotel reservations, personal matters, etc. I enjoyed watching the movie and I recommend it to all my colleagues and future tour guides.I am planning using the movie to take a test to my students by watching the movie and getting important lessons about guiding and dealing with people. As many other professions, the key is to enjoy what you do, to suit the peoples's interests to the tour script and make traveling a wonderful experience beyond cold facts. Actors did not get any Oscar, but they did a fine job and gave us a fun time, specially to the ones that know the "language" of tourism.

This Big Fat Greek Tragedy is the most embarrassing thing to come out of the Eastern Mediterrranean since Prince Philip. Turgid and sappy, it's bad enough to make you smash plates over your own head. It's like "Mamma Mia!" without the songs, wit and charm, or "Shirley Valentine" after a full frontal lobotomy. Nia Vardalos, playing a professorial tour guide, is repeatedly informed, "You're not funny!" Those watching this movie will echo the sentiment as they slog their way through the clichés, predictable scenarios and failed attempts at humour. It's a bit like ouzo: seems like fun at the time but you'll no doubt regret it in the morning.

Whether it's "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium," or any other film with tourists, the common theme is always that we're along for a joyful ride. "My Life in Ruins" is certainly no exception to this rule.A Nia Vardalos plays an American who came to Greece to teach at a university. When the job fizzles, she lands a position as a tourist guide. She is rated just about average for the job.She is on her last outing when she meets a lot of engaging people. They in turn teach her about life. Richard Dreyfuss is an absolute standout as Irv, a widowed ice cream taster, who has much of a philosophy about life and learning.An assortment of interesting people provide comic relief in this very satisfying film. The tour itself of ancient Athens with the Parthenon and Delph Oracle is really satisfying. Yes, there is also romance along the way.