Georgia (Nia Vardalos) went to Greece to teach at a university but ended up giving tours of the islands instead, due to unforeseen circumstances. She sends off resumes each week, looking for another professorship, but, until then, she tries to enlighten the tourists about the grandeur of Greece. They want none of it, usually, as they would rather shop or bask on the beaches. One day, Georgia gets a new driver, Poupi, a scruffy-looking Greek, and a new group of stereotypical tourists. These include Irv (Richard Dreyfuss),an American widower with a knack for making jokes, a frequently-tipsy couple from Australia, two scantily-dressed, Spanish women looking for rich husbands, and so on. As usual, they have no interest in Greek ruins but do like the "genuinely fake" Greek souvenirs. How will Georgia endure this without going stark raving mad? And, is Poupi hiding a handsome exterior and a kind interior under his beard? This is an enjoyable film for fans of romantic comedy but it is by no means especially memorable. That's not Vardalos' fault for she has great comedic skills and Dreyfuss does a good job, too. Its more the lack of a surefire script and direction, for it is funny in spots but not-so-funny in others and it has a far too-leisurely pace, at times. On the plus side, however, the scenery of the Greek Isles is very beautiful and the costuming and camera work are quite, quite nice. All in all, if you love funny tales of love, this one will most likely be a good time for you and yours. But, it is not in the same category as this year's wonderful New in Town so, if you don't go with unreasonably high expectations, you will have fun.

Georgia Ianakopolis (Nia Vardalos) is an American in Greece teaching English. She lost her job and is stuck as a poor tour guide. She's not a very happy gal and usually given the bad tour group. She keeps trying to teach Greek culture to the tour but they would rather have fun. Irv Gideon (Richard Dreyfuss) is the jokester who teaches her to have fun. Big Al (Harland Williams) and Kim Sawchuck (Rachel Dratch) are the ugly American couple. The group is filled with outlandish people from around the world. Poupi Kakas (Alexis Georgoulis) is the bus driver and the bus is a wreck. The other tour guide Nico is trying to get Georgia fired.

Georgia could be a reasonable flustered single girl but the movie piles on too much on her. She's also a bit too angry at the start. The tour group has too many ridiculous people. Harland Williams and Rachel Dratch are the worst overplaying the ugly Americans. They are not funny. Georgia's constant complaining is not funny either. The movie works better when they dig into their problems and Georgia loosens up. The first half is a horrible unfunny broad comedy. The second half is slightly better when they start acting more human-like. It's not much better. At least it doesn't get worst.

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.