Crazy Rich Maybe.
102 Mins. Starring: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim & Keanu Reeves. Director: Nahnatchka Khan.
'Crazy Rich Asians' will always be my baby. But now Ali Wong and Randall Park's 'Always Be My Maybe' is a part of me. We could carry on like Carey, but that would go on indefinitely. You know what is indefinite? True love. No matter how it comes. From friends or strangers. The one that got away. Or the one who comes back around like a high school reunion meant to be. There are your always. And then there are your maybes. Forget what could have been. Between Facebook and fate we all have a Cupid shot these days right? Check yes. Check no...maybe? What is more than a definitely maybe here is that the new will they, won't they, Ali Wong and Randall Park rom com 'Always Be My Maybe' from Park's 'Fresh Off The Boat' producer Nahnatchka Khan is a fresh off the Rotten Tomatoes, romantic comedy classic. And probably Netflix's best film since the Oscar winning, black and white Academy art of 'Roma'. Or at least 'Captain Marvel' Brie Larson's 'Unicorn Store'. Now that's heavy praise. Or is it? Sorry Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Velvet Buzzsaw', Kevin Costner's 'The Highwaymen' and Ben Affleck's 'Triple Frontier'. One things for sure, this all feels Cusack and Beckinsale in New York for Christmas 'Serendipity' meant to be. Like the compelling and charming star crossed friends become lovers of the chemistry charismatic Wong and Park. Showing that 'The Interview' of Kim Jong-un can find love in the Netflix form of the 'Hard Knock Wife' funniest comedian in the United States, 'Baby Cobra' Ali Wong. These crazy rich idols celebrating culture and not playing up to stereotype show us you don't need a big, rich wedding to show real love in a refreshed, representative Hollywood. Always.
San Francisco's Golden Gate bridges the love gap between these two childhood sweethearts going the distance like Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. From their flowers in your hair, neighbouring salad days. Riding the San Fran iconic cable cars and photo bombing booths with pulled faces and heart finger gestures thrown up like K Pop acts BTS (showing it wasn't those idols who invented that part of the culture...just inspired it to the mainstream). To the modern day in downtown L.A. that sees one of them cutting it up as a celebrity chef, whilst the other slums it with Seth Rogen stoner status as a hip hop head playing to dive bar, cult hero status like Zooey Deschanel's movie Munchausen By Proxy serving up silence on court tennis balls along with a hilarious and sick, nostalgic soundtrack. 'Yes Man'! But together...they're so much better. Aside from the Crystal, golden years of Meg Ryan 'When Harry Met Sally' name a more iconic romantic comedy duo? We'll wait. Yep...couldn't could you?! I'll have what she's streaming. After getting it on to D'Angelo's 'Untitled' in a Toyota Corolla following Wong's wonderful, word for word lip sync. How does it feel? As the 'Fresh Off The Boat' writer couple collaborates with one of its stars, this is Wong's big moment. With a performance as animated as her Netflix 'Tuca and Bertie' BoJack with fellow comedy queen Tiffany Haddish, Ali is a knockout. And no longer known for just sending up a world leader as despicable as Trump, Randall Park is off those recreational days as one of the hardest working and versatile actors in Hollywood. This is a man who has done movies for both Marvel ('Ant-Man and The Wasp'...and scene stealing) and DC (a bubbly 'Aquaman') like Dave Chappelle has done commercials for Coke and Pepsi. And now the 'Veep' star gets our vote as the next best Hollywood comedy leading man. Thought it was a 'Long Shot', like Seth Rogen delivering words of love to Charlize Theron? Well looks like 'The Interview' co-star with the questions turned around should roll up the red carpet and pass it, pass it. As Randall's about to hit it too.
Blazingly funny and sweetly so. Put this endearing rib-tickler next to Theron's 'Long' run for President and a Superbad Olivia Wilde joining the breakfast club, hitting with 'Booksmart' as not only the big-three funniest comedies of the moment, but the year so far. 'Maybe' will have you crying for sure. You just don't know whether it will be due to laughter or real, earned tears. As this moving at times movie pulls neither no cheap shot or forced sentiment sap. Khan is no longer the 'B#### In Apartment 23' not to be trusted, but a hit making director like she was creator and producer of said successful show. And she pulls out all the stops here. Like T.V. and character acting legend, not to mention Diana Ross fan, James Saito. As a fond and funny father complete with Dad dab dancing. Or 'Isn't It Romantic' comedian and podcast host Michelle Buteau bold as love. And speaking of 'Yes Man', how about it's star Vivian Bang too? Knocking on your comedy door like a dreadlocked Janice from 'Friends'. OH.MY.GOD. There's so many famous faces here. Like 'Deadpool' cabbie and 'Unicorn Store' friend Karan Soni on the scene stealing, ever expanding filmography form of his life. Even 'Lost' and new 'Hellboy' reboot star Daniel Dae Kim is here to round out the Hollywood heartthrob competition threatening to friend zone forever keep Park parked in the maybe column. Oh yeah...and there's one more too. Prepare for 'Parabellum'. Because 'John Wick's' here too. And yes, him, Keanu Reeves rules in a classic from the second he appears cameo that is more than scene swiping. It's every second, inch perfect hilarious. All script sent up to what we're sure is inspired improv of comedy gold genius too. 'The Matrix' star really is the one too when it comes to comedy cameos. As this bogus journey and what looks to be an excellent adventure in animation as a Canadian Evil Kenevil like motorbike stunt rider through circles of flames in the new 'Toy Story 4' this Summer he's smashing like books in shushed mouth libraries shows. And you thought this guy was dangerous with a pencil. Wait until there's more wrote for him here than one man and the dog he lost. Hollywood's best friend has just shown you why he really is a hero. But the 'Speed' stars fabulously funny turn is just the icing on the comedy cake. Hitting all the classic rom com notes, all whilst refreshing the genre, 'Always Be My' is the perfect Friday night Netflix film even if you don't have a date to take you out. Just watch it and chill. Don't say maybe. Represent. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'Fresh Off The Boat', 'Serendipity'.
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