Those Crazy Rich Asians

Of course, I had to see CRAZY RICH ASIANS. Yes, there was an unfortunate, smarmy start, but afterward the film gets to present times. There is some New York City, but mostly it is Singapore and crazy rich Asians and some Asians that are not so crazy and rich.

The hype behind the picture is not exactly true. The last big "Hollywood" Asian film was not JOY LUCK CLUB, but rather MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA. But no matter, it is hype and to be expected. And some can argue that the lack of mentioning the GEISHA film is accurate given this or that. (Interestingly, Michelle Yeoh stars in both films.)

A warning though, that the film seems a "chick flick" a significant amount of time. Which means it is about relationships and love and all the things that can make a guy squirm. Sorry, there are no Kung Fu fights or historical epic battles. There is also an embracing gay element that some who are not filled with modern understanding or not gay themselves may find off-putting.

That said, I found much of the film toward the last part emotional, which is some achievement. The marriage of friends was beautifully done, and the focus on Asians and Asian-Americans was sincere and maybe eye-opening to those not Asian-American.

There was also as scene containing the making of dumplings! And it was very nice and emotional, too, seeing Lisa Lu, who, aside from films, had done a lot of American TV shows.

I had a problem with the end, which takes place aboard something that crazy rich Asians would like. And one of the exit songs, "Money," was unfortunate.

There's a promise of sequels, which would be appropriate, as the book is a series, too.

Oh, and I just learned that the author, Kevin Kwan, is wanted by the Singapore government for avoiding service. Hopefully, he can work something out.