Lazy niche suasions call, audiences answer back, and damn if it isn’t the surprise hit of the summer. Director Jon M. Chu (Step Up 3D, Justin Bieber's Believe), eager to exploit the novelty of an Asian-dominant cast, plays it safe with this regulation Hollywood romcom that if nothing else, will do wonders for Singapore tourism. (Pack gum!) The premise rests upon the illogical foundation of a brilliant academic named Rachel (Constance Wu) whom we are led to believe doesn’t know a lick about Nick (Henry Golding), the billionaire mama’s boy she’s been dating for a year-and-a-half. What follows is pretty much a big fat Chinese wedding, complete with unwanted guests. The revocation of Ken Jeong’s Asian card has been long overdue; his character-breaking entrance tells you it’s time to take advantage of the free popcorn refill. But, Yo! Michelle Yeoh! As the mother with the everlasting scowl, her one-note portrayal comes on colder than a Mongolian winter. (2018) — Scott Marks
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