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REVIEW: "Crazy Rich Asians"

Genre: Romance; Comedy
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Written by: Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, based on "Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan
Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Nico Santos, Lisa Lu, Ken Jeong and Michelle Yeoh
In Theaters: August 15, 2018 (USA)
The box-office hit of the moment, Crazy Rich Asians might well be named The Comedy of 2018 Summer and one of the most daring films in the last couple of decades since it is a major Hollywood production which features an all-Asian cast. 
And guess what? Somehow it feels like a fresh take on a classic plot-line that feels so unique due to the energy, visual splendor em A-level acting between Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh. In fact, about Constance Wu, she delivers what can be considered a star-making performance... After an acclaimed turn in Fresh Off the Boat TV series, Crazy Rich Asians might turn her the most significant Asian leading lady after Gong Li and Michelle Yeoh herself. We know Hollywood has some internal trouble about embracing and recognizing Asian actors and actresses, but Wu's talent is undeniable and Crazy Rich Asians is the box-office hit she leads! And speaking of recognition... What about an Oscar nomination for Michelle Yeoh for her performance in this one? She's terrific and delicious to watch and she's overdue for an Academy Award nod! 
So, a humble girl goes to Singapure with his boyfriend to attend his relative's wedding and she discovers he's one of the most desirable (and CRAZY RICH) single man in town, facing "social differences' issues" and battling against his mother's protective wings. Just a "I've already seen this" kind of plot, but I liked it!Beautiful asians, eye-popping production design work, a lot of fashion, foodporn (!!!) and an incredible inner beat, Crazy Rich Asians is the perfect Summer movie for most audiences and a great movie to watch with your bae. 
And while some may argue this is a The Big Sick meets The Devil Wears Prada, let me say this: Crazy Rich Asians isn't as smart as The Big Sick, but it is more refined than Prada. It also deals with questions concerning globalization, generational gap and a man's objectification (yeah! men also suffer from being seen as sexual/social objects), Asians has a brain and a heart as well. 
In fact, there's no secret ingredient to make this romantic-comedy formula work - it's all pretty clear and pretty simple, proving that sometimes "less is more". Of course, there's a lot of chemistry between Wu and the newcomer Henry Golding and there's the scene-stealer AKA antagonist that happens to be a "monster-mom who's not that monster" played by Yeoh, but Crazy Rich Asians is good because it is feel-good at heart.


RATING: 4 / 5


Oscar potential categories:
  • Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Yeoh)
  • Best Adapted Screenplay
  • Best Production Design
  • Best Costume Design

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