REVIEW: EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

4/5

The Multiverse Of Madness.

139 Mins. Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., James Hong & Jamie Lee Curtis. Directors: Daniels. 

Everything. Jackie Chan made a joke between friends that's been blown way out of proportion by people pointing hot dog fingers. But, if the Daniels (Safdie's beware. Daniel Kwan and Scheinert are the new definitive, directing partnership, co-signed and produced by those amazing, avenging Russo Brothers) really did offer the 'Rush Hour' star 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' before they did fellow icon of Hong Kong Cinema, Michelle Yeoh, then Jackie f'd up! Turn down for what? Because the awesomely absurd 'Everything Everywhere' is not just the film of the year that's set to sweep the Oscars. It's also THE legendary moment of the great Michelle Yeoh, all at once. The 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' legacy maker who has been in everything from Bond and the M.C.U. ('Shang-Chi), to 'Crazy Rich Asians'. No one can do it better than this best actress. 

If you had a slice of our 'Licorice Pizza' (all Haim, no pineapple) then you'll know that it takes more than a minute for some films to come out here in Japan, apart from Disney ones (which is a plus for those who Stan Marvel and Star Wars). But despite some subtitled scenes leaving me lost in translation (much to a sympathetic, Japanese girlfriend who I wasn't going to rudely ask for a play-by-play) with memories of the international '365' and Idris Elba's genie giving me 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing' and language homework last week, it's fitting 'Everything' makes its way to the land of the rising sun, one week before it's going to take a red carpet victory lap in Hollywood's Walk of Fame. 

Everywhere. Yeoh is the star of this show with all googly eyes on her like the IRS does on her character's crumpled receipts. From the classic celebration of her martial artistry, to the dynamics of her dramatic performances. It's a wash for all other comers in her category as this laundromat Queen could go head-to-head with herself as the glass cracks for a multiverse of character personalities. A traditional Chinese singer showing the beauty of her culture. A sign twirler who could stamp on Joaquin Phoenix's Joker. A performance chef that will have DiCaprio's 'Wolf' cursing "f######" Benihana again as they may have got their Disney mice confused with a 'Guardian Of The Galaxy'. And so many more for you to blink and miss (we want to see the anime) in all this 'Doctor Strange' like madness for this superhero movie with soul. 

Making the cubicles of this office iconic like Ricky Gervais, or Steve Carell, this 'Matrix' like movie shows that Yeoh is the one. But there's plenty more moment makers to choose from. The proof is in the bagel. In this parallel universe, 'The Marvelous Ms. Maisel' recurring star Stephanie Hsu steals the show in what really is a family film first. Especially when it comes to the glitter bomb costume department that would even make Elton jealous. Coming out in Argyle golf attire, swinging big, Stephanie scores a home run. Even if that is the wrong sport. You'd be forgiven for the confusion, as Hsu changes clothes faster than a Pharrell and Jay-Z runway. And go! Between a rock and a heart place, this truly is 'Everything'. And her, the next great actor on everybody's lips. 

All at once. The moment of this epic movie belongs in Ke Huy Quan's fanny pack as it slaps, ready for this year's Academy. Even Keanu can't kick it quite like this. "Are you Short Round?" Han Solo asked what looked like an old-friend on a red carpet. "Okey-dokey, Dr. Jones", he sure is. As photos with Harrison Ford and 'Indiana Jones' director Steven Spielberg (going toe-to-toe for the Oscar with his 'Fablemans' family also out this week in the Far East) went viral like Ke Huy's moment. Quan owns this picture. Just like 'Big Trouble In Little China' and dubbed 'Wayne's World 2' legend James Hong. Who's still doing it this week. With more movies than fellow American legend Willie Nelson has albums.

But between the 'Glee' of 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Harry Shum Jr. and an unleashed Jenny Slate (no animals, no animals) we haven't even got to an unrecognizable, but undeniable Jamie Lee Curtis yet. The knives are out for a scarier performance than all her 'Halloween's', but how about the gold of her globe reaching, women supporting women moment? We've already said that this is 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'. But it truly is. An epic, existential event and the best production company in the business, A24's biggest movie. It's 'Hereditary'. Family matters more than any special effect. And 'Everything' has both in an abundance of artistic riches that hits right at the crazy heart. All together now for the identity of this generational classic of new Hollywood, straight out of Hong Kong cinema. And the Oscar goes to...everything. The googly eyes have it. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'The Matrix', 'Ratatouille'.