I wanted to go see this opening night last week, but couldn’t find anyone to go with me. There’s just something about seeing movies in limited release that makes me feel like I’m in on something. And there’s something about seeing stylish movies. And msot especially, there’s something about seeing Asian Americans on film acting normally and not like chefs, kung fu stars, or wacky comic relief.
I was really uppity about seeing this movie. I avoided reading reviews that were too specific so that I could see it fresh. I kept telling friends how important it was that this movie do well so that more Asian American movies can get made. Secretly I worried that it would suck.
It didn’t suck.
There were parts of this movie that I absolutely loved. I will admit that it felt a little long. Also, some of the acting wasn’t totally convincing in areas, but perhaps that was just me thinking, “I wish I could be up there.”
Ben was OK, but his friend Virigl is freakin’ wonderful, in a role that could have quickly gone into Jar Jar land. Also, Han is good, even with few lines to work with. Daric… well… hm. I’m mixed on Daric.
Possible spoilers below. Read it after you see the movie. Oh, and go see the movie. Even if you’re not Asian (although in our audience, the only gwailo were accompanied by Asian or half Asian dates (El, thanks for coming, you’re the best)).
Cuz it’s important for the movie to do well, blah blah blah, but also because it’s really worth seeing.
Final note: the movie got screened on Friday at NU! I could’ve gone and met the director and cast. Alas, I didn’t find out until I was checking out the Better Luck Tomorrow site. If you go there, check out the personal sites. Han’s cracked me up.
Things I loved:
Ben and Steph slowdancing and then it turns into a rave, but they keep slowdancing.
The dictionary words onscreen: gimmicky, but hey, I love words.
When Ben says goodbye to Daric in the hospital.
The spinny scene (disturbing, but so gripping).
The activists at the basketball game.
When Virgil calls Steve “Chow Yun Fat.”
Anytime they go running after Virgil.
Virgil crying in the car.
well, it’s out in sf but not in san diego, and since i’m in san diego - it’s a no go till i get back. unless Matt and I drive up to la this weekend.
by the way, glad to see you’re writing again. it was so long since your last entry i was afraid you’d suffered brain damage in your window encounter.