Tropic Sprockets / Crazy Rich Asians

The effervescent and sparkling “Crazy Rich Asians” by Jon M. Chu (Step
Up 3D) is delightfully unassuming. Its smooth fluidity and verve makes
great entertainment and diversion while also offering some dramatic
heft. The story strikes the perfect balance between frivolity and
commentary. It is soaring and colorful throughout.

Rachel (Constance Wu) has been invited to a friend’s wedding by her
longtime boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) so that she can meet Nick’s
family in Singapore. Rachel is thrilled, albeit nervous.

From the very start Rachel is flabbergasted; her boyfriend is a regular
on first class flights. She visits her best friend Peik Lin (Awkwafina)
who says that Rachel won’t have a chance with Nick’s family unless she
dresses well.
This is essentially a direct Cinderella story, but its terrific energy
along with some carbonated humor and heart sets it above the rest.

Golding and Wu have a solid and entertaining chemistry. One believes
they are actually in love. Both Michelle Yeoh and Lisa Lu deliver stand
out performances as Nick’s mother and grandmother, respectively, while
Ken Jeong (The Hangover) delivers some laughs that are sincerely funny.
The entire story glides along with a glittering slickness in dazzling
eye-popping flashes almost like a 3D film, no glasses necessary.

There are wonderfully luscious shots of food. Bright plates of crispy
meat pop with color and sizzle in flame, while noodles and dumplings
dance, twist and roll. The art of eating is transformed to pyrotechnics.
Constance Wu makes a dazzling “Cinderella” whose eyes open in innocent
joy time and time again.

Some may rightly call this pure Disneyesque entertainment, and they
would be right. But it achieves this wonderfully well. The actors have
heart and potency and while it does indeed have the stuff of a soap
opera, no one treats it as such. These characters are drawn with quirk
and care, and we in turn care about them.

Part comedy, part drama, part romance and part social commentary, “Crazy
Rich Asians” is a vibrant surprise through and through. While its
melodramaic clichés are well in force, it is quickly evident that cheer
is paramount. Though we know what’s coming, all elements are sincerely
affecting with popping colors and joyful motion.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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