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Showing posts with label Sandra Oh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sandra Oh. Show all posts

Monday, October 20, 2025

MOVIE REVIEW: GOOD FORTUNE

 






















A well-meaning but inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist.

Director: Aziz Ansari

Cast: Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keanu Reeves, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh

Release Date: October 17, 2025 

Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Rated R for language and some drug use.

Runtime: 1h 38m

Review:

Aziz Ansari's Good Fortune is deceptively simplistic riff on It's a Wonderful Life which is headier than it lets on, boasting an excellent cast with solid comedic chemistry.  Ansari writes, directs and stars in the film which has an easy going, accessible vibe as we’re introduced to the collection of characters and central conceit.  Ansari sardonic persona fits his character, Arj, perfectly whose somebody that’s reached the end of his rope.  There’s an unsettled sense of desperation constantly simmering under his performance that’s relatable to anyone who’s done everything to get ahead but never made any progress.  Seth Rogen works as a perfect counterbalance to Ansari’s endless anxiety with his goofy, out of touch venture capitalist Jeff.  It would have been easy to make Rogen’s character a typical rich bro, but the script takes a more measured approach that keeps him likable for the better part of the film.  His character is likable enough that the central moment that sets off the main part of the plot feels inorganic and out of character since Jeff is portrayed as a generally well-meaning guy who just happens to be incredibly wealthy.  Even after the "switcheroo" occurs Rogen’s Jeff is mostly levelheaded and patient as he waits for Ansari’s Arj to finally agree to head back to his old life.  Keanu Reeves’s low rent, well intentioned guardian angel, Gabriel, gives him a chance to play a different sort of character than John Wick which has dominated the last decade of his career.  His usual monotone delivery works well here since it gives his character a detached but relatable sensibility.  It would have been easy to use the same delivery across the board but his character goes through the most complete character arch as he comes to understand humanity on a more tactile level.  The trio are funnier more often than not as each of them go through a series of fish out of water moments that allows them ample time to flex their comedic muscles.  Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh round out the main cast but neither is given enough to do in order to take full advantage of their talents.  It’s a missed opportunity, especially in the film’s back half which is more uneven and makes it feel far longer than actual runtime.  Good Fortune is more than capable as a message comedy but you are left with the feeling that it could have been truly special with a more well-rounded script.   

B-

Sunday, March 13, 2022

MOVIE REVIEW: TURNING RED

 























Mei Lee is a 13-year-old girl who is torn between being her mother's obedient daughter and the chaos of her youth. As if that were not enough, when she gets too excited, she turns into a big red panda.

Director: Domee Shi

Cast: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, Tristan Allerick Chen, James Hong

Release Date: March 11, 2022

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Rated PG for thematic material, suggestive content and language

Runtime: 1h 40m

Review:

Pixar's Turning Red is another top notch family film which captures a universal experience in a fun fizzy package.  Domee Shi's film is a vibrant energetic film filled with beautiful animation from start to finish.  Rosalie Chiang voices Mei Lee with the perfect level of chaotic tween energy as her character traverses the joys of puberty.  Sandra Oh and Ava Morse voice Mei Lee's parent with Oh getting the lions share of the work.  Oh and Chiang have believable chemistry as mother and daughter with the relationship being the lynchpin of the entire story.  Ava Morse, Hyein Park and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan play Mei's friends with each bringing a specific kind of energy to their assorted crew.  Turning Red fits right in with Inside Out as it deals with real life experiences metaphorically in inventive and fun ways with being made more for tweens than very young children.   

B+

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