Book an Asian neighbour

Bad Times  - Crazy Rich  - Won't You?
pop culture daily @ weekly 045

This should have been more current to my daily consumption and here's my first step to right the wrong. I feel daunted by the task of writing hence the scarcity of writing-heavy posts as of late but here I am trying my best ...:

Bad Times at the El Royale

R | 2h 21min | Crime, Drama Mystery

Drew Goddard's Cabin in the Woods is such an entertaining flick with an effective commentary on the horror genre and while he has been unfortunate to keep getting caught in one failed project after another, the long wait for his followup film is worth it for me, having a wonderful throwback crime thriller with a unique central location and colourful and eclectic characters that populate it causing an engaging narrative when they interact with each other. It's been awhile since I last watch it but what comes clearly to mind is the gorgeous location complimented by the excellent cinematography and smart framing while the transition and editing from one scene to another is so exceptional that I can't help from being amazed from frame to frame. The cast is quite renowned as well with Jeff Bridges as a dependable seasoned veteran and a star-making performance by Cynthia Erivo but I can't underestimate the fact that Chris Hemsworth is such an enigma the moment he arrived in the second half, in an almost unrecognizable role compared to his previous works. This movie is a treat from start to finish!

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Crazy Rich Asian

PG-13 | 2h | Asian, Comedy, Romance

Having such a successful Asian-heavy feature in awhile that actually treats the Asian elements with dignity and class for once is something that's I welcome so much in the current climate. A romantic flick that grosses the most in recent years makes me want to give the credit to the script as well as the charming leads that have quite the chemistry with each other! The director, Jon M. Chu, has deft hands in dealing with the delicate matter of using the Asian culture or more specifically the Chinese culture to the benefit of the film, slowly unravel it throughout while letting it be the throughline of the narrative that split the traditional from the modern and how they try so hard to overcome it. The country it is situated is just beside mine and while I know the lifestyle of the rich and famous here is on a whole other level, it's a nice change of pace that Hollywood decides to splurge on portraying our wealth and riches, which is effectively presented by the crisp cinematography from the moment they arrive in Singapore until well after the second act, with the luxurious locations and activities that will make you green with envy. The cast is excellent with a range of talents from across the industry with standout in Awkwafina and of course the graceful yet stern Michelle Yeoh. While Henry Golding is a likable and charming fellow in this, Constance Wu really lead the film with zest and energy, really grabbing the bull by the horns and shines brightly as a result. 

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Won't You Be My Neighbor?

PG-13 | 1h 34min | Biography, Documentary

I wasn't one of those who had the show throughout their childhood and having the perspective of an outsider makes me a fair critic and after watching this documentary, my face streaming with tears just tell the whole story for me. Seeing such a wholly positive individual using his platform to do good by teaching the youngest demography on everything in the society will always be a win in my book! Having the modern Hollywood Mr. Rogers, Tom Hanks, to portray him in the upcoming biopic is perfect! He cover the controversial topics with bravery unseen before from death to race discrimination and the world is all the better for it. I can't see how another individual could follow in his footsteps and make it work in the current jaded climate but this doc shows how much it is sorely needed right now in a world divided. Watch it if you want to smile, laugh, cry and feel a little better at least on mankind.

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Well, that's all folks! Thank you for your time and please do come back for my future posts! :-)