Even if this film was to be bad (which thankfully it's not), it would be groundbreaking in the world of cinema. Because not in a very long time has a film reached the silver screen consisting of an all Asian cast. And just because of that fact alone, Crazy Rich Asians deserves all the praise it can possibly get. But, I have to admit, I am extremely biased on this film, because of the fact that I have read Kevin Kwan's book of the same name, and walked into the film ready to compare everything between the two pieces of work. I'm going to write it right here, early on in the review, for anyone who read the book wondering if the film follows the book: the answer is yes and no. Yes for the first half of the film, where the movie is literally just the book being performed by the cast. But, as the second half of the movie begins, the movie begins to stray from the book in many ways, and by the end; its a completely new idea. Now, I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but it does impose some ideas on to the viewer who read the book's head. But, regardless of this setback, I thoroughly enjoyed the film, although it had a few major flaws. The film tells the story of Rachel Chu, an American-born-Chinese economics professor at NYU, and her boyfriend Nicholas Young, who asks her to accompany him back to his home in Singapore for his best friend's wedding. Not knowing the richness behind her boyfriend's family, Rachel says yes, and is immediately thrown into the world of Singapore's most elite. In this world, she must learn to deal with Nick's family, this new exquisite world, and all the people thinking she's some "gold digger" trying to rob Nick of his money. The most consistent part of Crazy Rich Asians is the fact that right from the opening minute, the film creates a laughable atmosphere, and maintains the humor factor throughout the whole film. The cast does a great job channeling these funny moments, and using their skills as actors to bring them out when necessary. The film is perfectly cast, and Constance Wu thrives in her role as Rachel Chu. The film is entertaining from start to finish, and does a good job in following the book (mostly in the first two acts). I was a really big fan of the first two acts, but I really wasn't a fan of the third act, finding it slow and a drag-on. The biggest problem I had with the film itself is that (just like the book) I just didn't think there was enough events to supply a whole-hearted film. The plot was too thin, and very two-dimensional; and it's heard to make a good film out of a plot like this. It is important to know that I'm not saying Crazy Rich Asians was bad, because I liked the film itself, I just thought it could be more. The cast was so pristine and powerful that I just wish that there was a thicker plot for them to act out. But, Crazy Rich Asians is a good film, with great performances. And, it shows that movies with an Asian only cast can exist and do well, which hopefully will allow more films like this to see the silver screen in the near-future. And that right there is a win in itself.
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