‘Crazy Rich Asians’ puts a fun new spin on a story we’ve seen before

Posted on August 24, 2018

By MARK VIOLA

Among all of the film genres out there, the two I probably see the least of are horror flicks and romantic comedies. While they’ll never be my first choice, I am willing to admit that there are good examples of both to be found if you look hard enough. Earlier this year we got a great example of a horror film in “A Quiet Place,” and now we have an excellent example of a romantic comedy in “Crazy Rich Asians.”

The movie is well-acted and boasts downright beautiful sets and costumes, while threading enough new angles into its story that we forgive the elements we’ve all seen countless times before — or at least those who watch more romantic comedies than I do. For such a movie to work, it needs to get its audience to do two things: laugh and care. I was doing both throughout watching “Crazy Rich Asians.”

Much has been made of the fact that this is a major Hollywood release with a predominantly Asian cast. That might not sound like a big deal, until you realize that it has been 25 years since Hollywood’s last such film, 1993’s “The Joy Luck Club.” The Asian cast of characters also gives the film a chance to explore cultures many non-Asian moviegoers will see as new and different, allowing those aforementioned new angles to seep into the story.

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