Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

An economics professor (Constance Wu) at NYU is invited by her boyfriend (Henry Golding) to come with him to Singapore to meet his family. Once there however, she is stunned to discover that he comes from a filthy rich family whose matriarch (Michelle Yeoh, TOMORROW NEVER DIES) immediately disapproves of her. Based on the novel by Kevin Kwan and directed by John M. Chu (G.I. JOE: RETALIATION). This is easily the best romcom since MY FRIEND'S WEDDING (1997) (I don't consider THE BIG SICK a romcom though it certainly has elements). As a romantic comedy, it's not particularly original as it follows the usual romcom path (including a makeover of its heroine) but there's a vitality to it and the all Asian cast is more than just a novelty, it's about time we saw Asian actors in the forefront of mainstream Hollywood movies and their ethnicity is a factor in the narrative. There's enough of a bite to the film's often wry eye on Asian stereotypes and generational conflicts but first and foremost, it's an entertainment and it never forgets that. Big kudos to Nelson Coates' stunning production design and Leslie Ewe's art direction. The excellent cast includes Lisa Lu, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina (OCEAN'S EIGHT), Ken Jeong, Tan Kheng Hua, Nick Santos and Pierre Png.