I enjoyed this movie for what it was; a timepiece for the culture. While watching the movie, I found myself comparing it to mean girls, thinking about potential memes and to see if this movie was worth watching again.

I’d probably watch it once more but only to appreciate the tiny details that made it enjoyable; such as the wardrobes and props. Although I enjoyed it and felt it was a breath of fresh air to see a film with a mostly Asian cast; an attractive cast at that, I felt the movie was missing a few layers.

The director threw too many jabs and not enough right hooks; for most of the movie, it felt as if I was watching a Vlog or video on YouTube rather than a film with depth. Perhaps my expectations were too high for a movie that was meant to be a pop hit meant for everyone to enjoy rather than a select few.

I know it’s rather easy to be a critic than to be on the other end. But I’m the consumer aren’t I? And it’s much more fun to have conversations about a controversial movie such as this than not.

My favorite character in the movie was Astrid, if anything I felt her narrative had more substance and it was much more relatable than that of Rachel Chu.

Not everyone gets a chance to marry a prince such as Nick Young but the probability of not feeling man enough because you’ve married someone wealthier is common. Such as cheating and having love affairs.

Astrid’s husband dehumanized her because she was rich. She was less of a human and seen more of a cold-hearted shopping machine that only cared about how others thought of her and her family. He didn’t bother talking to her about anything other than surface level conversation such as that of acquaintances.

He didn’t love her; he wanted power over her in that she needed to be less for him to love her which isn’t what I’d call love. This brought up thoughts about masculinity and if it had anything to do with ones wealth.

She did mention that he was an army commander prior to his current line of work. Which meant he was useful to a collective, he had authority and power that came with being in the military.

Now that he is back in civilian life, he probably feels useless; powerless. Not in command at home or at work. That’s why he cheated, perhaps to feel wanted, a bit more worthy and powerful. Which was wrong in that he lost his wife and family in doing so.

As far as the friend from NYU goes (Awkwafina); I’ve been hearing things about how she is appropriating black culture by sounding, “ghetto”, or using slang from black culture in America. I think culture should be shared as long as it’s not degrading of it. I thought her character was refreshing as it showed how some college kids spoke like in New York. Besides it wasn’t like she was obnoxiously blurting out the n-word every five seconds.

Leaving the movie theatre, I felt like I didn’t know the main characters as well as I should have. I guess I wanted more drama, I wanted Nick Young to undergo more stress; I wanted more chaos, I wanted to see a hero’s journey of slaying the dragon to get the girl. That way it would’ve shown the audience more of the character’s personality and depth. But I guess his allure was that he was rich and dreamy and said cheesy romantic lines.

Which I totally get, it’s a crowd pleaser and I’m sure lots of folk would enjoy this movie such as any other rom com. What makes this movie stand out though is it’s asian cast featuring Asian leads. Would I recommend this movie to my friends? Sure if they’re into Romantic comedies and are looking for something easy to watch.

For the people who haven’t watched it yet, I’d advise to keep your expectations low and just enjoy it as you would any other rom- com and not take it too seriously.

All movie stuff aside; I’m very happy to see asian faces on the big screen and I’m so proud of all the people who came together to make a production such as this one. I felt it was long overdue and much needed. So yeah, hope you guys enjoyed my two cents.