CRAZY RICH ASIANS – Review

There is a long tradition of films that feature the plot of a man or woman introducing a new partner to the family for the first time. It’s a formula we’ve seen in romantic comedies for decades. Is the family going to approve of him or her? Will the couple end up together despite the family’s disapproval? It’s never truly a nail-biter as much as it’s a structure to explore ideas of acceptance and tolerance. Given how much CRAZY RICH ASIANS has been talked about as the first Hollywood film in 25 yrs to feature an entirely Asian cast, it seems fitting that this adaptation of the popular book series is as much about a Chinese-American woman facing adversity from a proud Chinese family as it is about American audiences accepting a culture and actors rarely featured in a major studio film. Contemporary audiences need this introduction into this specific world as much as the lead of the story does. And I have a feeling mainstream audiences will welcome it with open arms.

That seems like a lot of pressure for a film that the main goal is to be an entertaining, romantic romp through Singapore, but director Jon M. Chu is more than up for the challenge as he explores this fascinating culture built on lush food and vibrant cityscapes, family traditions, and cultural behaviors passed down from generation to generation. In the film, no one is more aware of this than Nick Young (played by newcomer Henry Golding). Nick invites his girlfriend Rachel (Constance Wu) to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Little does the NYU professor know that she’s actually dating a member of one of the wealthiest families in Singapore. The trip and the wedding festivities (“The Wedding of the Year,” as it’s described by locals) result in her becoming enveloped in an entirely new world of the rich and famous, as well as an overbearing family led with an iron fist by Nick’s mother (Michelle Yeoh in a surprisingly cold and effective performance).

The film feels less like a rollercoaster of emotions than what you would expect given the plot synopsis and more like a travelogue set to renditions of classic songs like “Can’t Help But Falling in Love,” “Money (That’s What I Want),” and “Material Girl,” to name a few. The level of opulence is off the chart as the film quickly becomes a feast for the eyes with designer outfits and exotic locales. One could argue the biggest star of CRAZY RICH ASIANS is the setting of the film, Singapore, and they wouldn’t be wrong. So much is put into the art direction and look of the film that it reaches THE GREAT GATSBY height of extravagance and beauty.

Thankfully, Jon M. Chu grounds the film by first introducing us to the warm and genuine leads before throwing us into the visual feast. Henry Golding and Constance Wu make for a charming couple with instant chemistry. His slight British accent adds a touch of dashing manliness to his boyish disposition. He’s a natural leading man, but it’s Constance who is put to the test as she has to serve as the wide-eyed foreigner as well as a strong force to be reckoned with when the time comes. Because of the large family at the center of the story, there is a variety of characters with flimsy to defined backstories that have a hand in Nick’s life. However, most are given little screen time to flex their acting chops.

While the romantic comedy label is unfortunately pushed much more in the direction of romance than comedy, actress Akwafina (who was in OCEAN’S 8 earlier this year) makes her presence known in a handful of scenes as Rachel’s loud-mouth sidekick. She fares much better than the one-note loud groomsman and the over-the-top bachelor party scene that falls flat. At a lengthy two hours, CRAZY RICH ASIANS feels a little stretched out. Yet, it always pulls you back in with spectacular sights like a show-stopping wedding sequence and a dazzling reception under the stars in the end. This predictable but cute romantic comedy may be remembered for the glitz and glamour, but it’s the film’s loving approach to a rich culture built on specific ideals and traditions that is worth applauding.

Overall score: 3.5 out of 5

CRAZY RICH ASIANS opens in theaters Aug. 15th