DREAMS can come true, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the glittering proof. Joel Zwick's charming culture-clash comedy, written by and starring Nia Vardalos, has become the sleeper hit of the year across the Atlantic.

The potent combination of a smart script, breezy direction and quirky characters has clearly struck a chord.

Vardalos stars as Toula, a dowdy yet kind-hearted Greek thirtysomething who gives herself a makeover, and immediately attracts handsome high-school teacher Ian Miller (John Corbett).

There is an instant spark of attraction, but Toula is wary of telling her parents (Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan) about her new beau, since Ian isn't Greek.

When he proposes, Toula is forced to drop the bombshell. Thankfully, Ian agrees to be baptised in a Greek Orthodox church so the marriage can go ahead.

Little does he realise the chaos of a traditional wedding, masterminded by Toula's overbearing aunt, Voula (Andrea Martin).

My Big Fat Greek Wedding is an unabashed joy - a film with a heart of gold in which true love conquers all and everybody ends up singing and dancing when the end credits roll.

The energy of the cast and the honesty of the screenplay (inspired by Vardalos's experiences with her own family) overcome any predictability.

Vardalos is a feisty and adorable heroine and, refreshingly for a romantic comedy, she's not blessed with movie star glamour.

Corbett complements his leading lady nicely, playing his groom-to-be with amusement and perplexity, as a whirlwind of taffeta tears through the Portokalos household.

Supporting performances are excellent, from Constantine's disapproving father to the relative who, on learning Ian is a vegetarian, says: "He don't eat no meat? That's alright, I'll make lamb!''

DS