GENRE:
Action Comedy
RATING:
R for strong violence and some language
RUNTIME:
2 hours and 19 minutes
PLATFORM:
Prime
STARRING:
Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Dragon)
Ke Huy Quan (Indiana Jones 2);
James Hong (Kung Fu Panda)
DIRECTORS:
Dan Kwan & Daniel Sheinert (Swiss
Army Man)
WRITERS:
Kwan & Sheinert (Swiss Army Man)
PLOT:
A Chinese laundromat owner is swept up in an insane adventure that involves multiple
universes, the IRS and her daughter.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Just heard stuff and was told I should watch it.
STORY STUFF: I won’t say the story is easy to follow. Among the bizarre and quick paced multi-verse hopping is a story of a Chinese mother finding meaning in her life and trying to connect with and accept her daughter. I think. There is a lot going on and while I was drawn into the flashiness, the thematic storyline was just okay. There are some weird moments in the early part of the film, but about fifty minutes in it goes to a whole new level. Doctor Strange should have taken notes on how to use a multi-verse effectively.
ACTING STUFF: Yeoh spends most of the film either confused or kicking ass; she does both well. Quan, as her husband Waymond, steals a bunch of the scenes he’s in – he plays an adorable nerd, an action star and our guide to the multi-verse. That fact that he was Short Round in Temple of Doom is the icing on the cake. I found Stephanie Hsu kind of annoying as the daughter. Maybe I’m supposed to feel this way though. It was interesting seeing Jamie Lee Curtis in this IRS and antagonistic role. Also, James Hong is always a welcome presence in a film.
ARTISTIC STUFF: The multi-verse special effects are impressive. The creative alternate universes are entertaining with an odd amount of time spent in a world where fingers are like long hot dogs. A lot of the amazing multi-verse hopping should be credited to the awesome editing of Paul Rogers, a relative newcomer. His playfulness with speed is definitely eye-catching. When it comes to props, I will say I have never seen a better use of a fanny pack. Kudos.
VERDICT:
Three stars out of five
SEE IT IF:
You’re into mother-daughter stuff mixed with bizarre action.
UPCOMING REVIEW: Babylon
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