Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Genre: Romantic comedy
Director: Jon M. Chu
Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong
Duration: 120 minutes
Class: 12A
KRS Releasing Ltd

The film that has taken the world by storm is now hitting Maltese cinema screens.

Based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan, it is the first film to feature an all-Asian ensemble cast from a major studio, drawn from Taiwan, Britain, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, the US and Australia.

The plot follows economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who flies to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family only to discover that it is one of the wealthiest in the country.

Amid the lavish parties and romantic setbacks, the film highlights the clash of Western and Asian cultures and the tension between old-money Chinese families in Singapore and the nouveau riche.

The film is also a love letter to Singapore, as the camera lingers on the city’s modern and traditional architecture, parks, nearby tropical beaches, street food and music.

Critics loved the film.

Molly Freeman of Screen Rant wrote: “Crazy Rich Asians is a spectacular, heartwarming instant classic of a romantic comedy that brings some much-needed representation to the genre.”

Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post commented: “Crazy Rich Asians possesses a sprightly, optimistic tone that pushes every pleasure button of inveterate romcom fans, including a fabulous soundtrack of Chinese language pop covers.”

And the critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “With a terrific cast and a surfeit of visual razzle dazzle, Crazy Rich Asians takes a satisfying step forwardfor screen representation while deftly drawing inspiration from the classic – and still effective – romcom formula.”

Made on a $30 million budget, the film grossed $206.6 million worldwide since its release in the US on August 15.

Ratings
IMDB: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Empire: 4 stars

A real-life heist is at the centre of American Animals.

American Animals (2018)
Genre: Crime drama
Director: Bart Layton
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Evan Peters, Blake Jenner, Jared Abrahamson, Ann Dowd
Duration: 116 minutes
Class: 15
KRS Releasing Ltd

Directed by Barry Layton (The Imposter), the crime drama is based on the true story of a library heist that took place in the US in 2004.

The film is about Spencer Reinhard, Warren Lipka, Eric Borsuk and Chas Allen, four friends who live an ordinary existence in Kentucky. After a visit to Transylvania University, Lipka comes up with the idea to steal the rarest and most valuable books from the school’s library.

As one of the most audacious art heists in US history starts to unfold, the men question whether their attempts to inject excitement and purpose into their lives are simply misguided attempts at achieving the American dream.

The film was praised by critics.

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone magazine shared his enthusiasm for the movie by writing: “American Animals is a high-style caper that touches a deeper chord of youthful indiscretion and moral imbalance. You won't be able to stop talking about it.”

Similarly, Guy Lodge of Variety  described the film as “a riveting college-boy crime caper that speeds along on pure movie-movie adrenaline, before U-turning into a sobering reflection on young male privilege and entitlement.”

And Michael O’Sullivan wrote: “The embrace of factuality’s slippery nature lends the film a delirious headiness, turning what might otherwise have been just another true-crime story into something more philosophical and complex.”

The film has so far had a very limited release in the US and only grossed $2.8 million since June 3.

Ratings
IMDB: 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Empire: 4 stars

Owen Vaccaro is fascinated by Jack Black’s powers in The House with a Clock in its Walls.

The House with a Clock in its Walls (2018)
Genre: Fantasy
Directors: Eli Roth
Starring: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Kyle MacLachlan, Owen Vaccaro
Duration: 105 minutes
Class: 12A
KRS Releasing Ltd

Director, producer and actor Eli Roth, who is mostly associated with the horror genre (Cabin Fever, Hostel), turns family-friendly with his latest film.

Based on the 1973 novel of the same name by John Bellairs, the film revolves around 10-year-old Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) who goes to live with his oddball uncle in a creaky old house that contains a mysterious ticktock noise.

He soon learns that Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) and his feisty neighbour, Mrs  Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett), are powerful practitioners of the magic arts.

The film received average reviews, with critics praising the blend of humour and horror and its sense of fun.

Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times summed it up:  “Roth plunders elements from countless other tales of supernatural spookery – ominous spell books, shuddering tombstones, grown men and little kids shooting lightning bolts from their fingertips – and nudges them eerily close to genuine enchantment.”

Ratings
IMDB: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Empire: 3 stars