Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Bowen Yang

  • Movie Review: ‘The Wedding Banquet’

    (L to R) Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    ‘The Wedding Banquet’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Opening in theaters on April 18th, ‘The Wedding Banquet’ presents a new take on the story brought to screens by Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy of culture and confusion.

    This brand new version, which moves the story forward to the present day and features two couples instead of one, is directed by ‘Fire Island’s Andrew Ahn.

    Related Article: ‘Fire Island’ Exclusive Interviews

    Is ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Worth Celebrating?

    Joan Chen in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    Joan Chen in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    It’s exceedingly rare for the writer of the original movie to be involved with a re-imagining, but here we have James Schamus, who worked on the Lee movie, back collaborating this time with director Andrew Ahn.

    And the results speak for themselves –– the pair has come up with a sensitive, funny and warm new take on the story, expanding the world of the situation and exploring it through the lens of today’s LGBTQ+ attitudes and society.

    Script and Direction

    'The Wedding Banquet' writer and director Andrew Ahn. Photo: Janice Chung.
    ‘The Wedding Banquet’ writer and director Andrew Ahn. Photo: Janice Chung.

    The script keeps the characters feeling grounded, even as the situation becomes more comical and, indeed, emotional and heartfelt.

    Carefully charting the evolving dynamics of the various friendships –– not to mention their parents and other characters, this new ‘Wedding Banquet’ is a feast of entertaining moments, real drama and laugh-out loud scenes (including the titular ritual, which devolves into comic chaos).

    Also, Ahn and Shamus smartly undercut expectations ––– when you think a character, particularly the older, more traditional types, are going to react one way, the script finds surprising, joyful and funny ways to go in a different direction.

    Ahn infuses the movie with visual heart as well as the script’s existing power, guiding his cast to fully bring the characters to life.

    Working with his team, he also brings the world to the screen with charm and effectiveness, the house that Angela, Lee, Min and Chris share feeling lived in and authentic. If it doesn’t always feel authentically set in Seattle (the movie was shot in Vancouver), that’s a minor issue.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    Perhaps the biggest advantage that ‘The Wedding Banquet’ has is a leading ensemble with the chance to offer more than they’re often given to do on screen.

    Kelly Marie Tran’s role as Angela might be closer to some other characters she’s played, but it also offers the chance to play someone more complicated –– far from perfect but doing her best to navigate the world.

    Lily Gladstone has been playing dramatic roles primarily for a while, and though Lee certainly has those shades, it’s also a welcome opportunity for her to return to her comedic routes. And she grabs it with both hands, giving the role an accomplished, relatable side.

    Bowen Yang is more normally found in smaller comic relief roles, and while Chris has some very funny moments, it likewise lets him expand out into all sides of the character, from his commitment phobia to his struggles over his relationship when it starts to evolve before his eyes.

    (L to R) Bowen Yang and Han Gi-Chan in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Bowen Yang and Han Gi-Chan in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    Han Gi-Chan has mostly worked in Korea, but he’s great as the conflicted Min, trying to balance family expectation with what is in his heart.

    Around the main leads there are some equally excellent supporting turns, not the least of which are from Joan Chen and ‘Minari’ Oscar winner Youn Yuh-Jung.

    Chen, playing Angela’s exuberant, supportive mother May, gets to have more fun than she has in some other roles and that spills out into the rest of the movie. She’s also a real mother, struggling with past choices and coming across as a rounded character despite more limited screentime.

    Likewise Youn’s character Ja-Young (Min’s imposing grandmother), who initially comes across stoic and locked into her worldview, is revealed to be far more layered than that first impression.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Han Gi-Chan, Youn Yuh-Jung and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Han Gi-Chan, Youn Yuh-Jung and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    ‘The Wedding Banquet’ represents a truly successful update of a much-loved movie that both infuses new life into the story and honors the original.

    It’s the latest impressive piece of work from director Andrew Ahn and deserves to find a place in the heart of audiences beyond LGBTQ+ and Asian cinemagoers who will see themselves represented well here.

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    What’s the plot of ‘The Wedding Banquet’?

    Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend Chris (Bowen Yang) and running out of time, Min (Han Gi-chan) makes a proposal: a green-card marriage with their friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) in exchange for her partner Lee’s (Lily Gladstone) expensive IVF. Elopement plans are upended, however, when Min’s grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung) surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet.

    Who stars in ‘The Wedding Banquet’?

    • Bowen Yang as Chris
    • Lily Gladstone as Lee
    • Kelly Marie Tran as Angela
    • Han Gi-chan as Min
    • Joan Chen as May Chen
    • Youn Yuh-jung as Ja-Young
    Bowen Yang stars in 'The Wedding Banquet'. Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews.
    Bowen Yang stars in ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews.

    List of Bowen Yang Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Bowen Yang Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Wicked’

    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Opening in theaters on November 22nd, ‘Wicked’ attempts the ambitious task of bringing the multiple Tony award-winning stage show to screens in two parts (the second will arrive in November next year).

    Directed by Jon M. Chu, this musical (yes, it’s definitely a musical despite the trailers and TV spots typically downplaying that concept driven by the fear that audiences don’t always turn out to musical movies given advance notice), hopes to replicate the huge success of the original stage production. But can it?

    Related Article: Jeff Goldblum will be the Wizard of Oz in the two-part ‘Wicked’ Movie Adaptation

    Will ‘Wicked’ Be Popular?

    Ariana Granda is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Ariana Granda is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    On the evidence of at least the first part, ‘Wicked’ is shaping up to stand among the better stage-to-screen musical adaptations.

    A servant of two masters, ‘Wicked’ has the unenviable challenge of pleasing die-hard fans of the stage version, and to an extent, Gregory Maguire’s book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” from which both the show and movie(s) derive their story. The movie must also introduce this concept to those who don’t know their Oz from their Elphaba. It manages both tasks adroitly.

    Under the guidance of director Jon M. Chu (a man with some serious music bona fides and one other stage-to-film project via ‘In the Heights,’) this is a soaring triumph of a movie, dynamic and clever, and manages to expand on the musical in interesting ways. And though it’s certainly a long one (the first part alone runs to 160 minutes, whereas the stage version as a whole is just 150 minutes), it never feels flabby or a waste of your time.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba, Ariana Grande is Glinda and Director Jon M. Chu on the set of 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba, Ariana Grande is Glinda and Director Jon M. Chu on the set of ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Winnie Holzman deserves a lot of the credit here, having distilled Maguire’s book down for the stage show and now, alongside fellow screenwriter Dana Fox, added back in more of the novel’s darker tones for the movie.

    The stage show can only go so far, aiming as it does to entertain the wide swathe of people who come to see it in theatres (to the tune of $1.7 billion so far), but for the movie Holzman and Fox dig a little deeper into some very topical themes, ones that sadly keep needing to be highlighted across much of human history.

    After all, the story of those in charge marginalizing people (or in the movie’s case, animals) to manipulate the general populace through fear is one we’ve heard time and again. And apparently we all do need to learn the lesson of not listening those who tell us not to think, or technologically adept shysters who exploit fear and hatred for personal gain over and over again. ‘Wicked’ says as much today about the current political and moral climate as any movie.

    (Center L to R) Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of 'Wicked'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (Center L to R) Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of ‘Wicked’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Which is not to say it’s some gloomy polemic. In the hands of the writers and Chu’s direction, the film sparkles with entertainment and invention, driving the great central performances and adding to them with smart set choices and a welcome blend of practicality with digital magic.

    This all feels of a piece with both the visual style established by ‘Wicked’ on stage and the original 1939 ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ while expanding and enriching the experience. Creative choreography and canny casting also help matters.

    A few quibbles arise later in the film –– while earlier shots are gloriously technicolor, a certain muddiness enters the frame at certain points, and there are some moments that feel like they could better from more polished editing. Yet they don’t hurt the overall impact of the movie.

    Performances

    The stage show effectively launched (or at least healthily boosted) the careers of Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, and the movie needed two performers who could match their energy. It found them.

    Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Erivo, who has stage bona fides herself, here brings nuance and heart to the story of the misunderstood young woman whose green visage is the spur for hatred among her family and mockery from her peers. She plays the role with stillness and simmering emotion when needed, exploding out at the requisite moments.

    The first part of the movie is more her coming of age story –– coming of rage, more like, as she peeks behind the false curtain of misinformation being drawn over the land of Oz –– and Erivo is more than up to the task, raising goosebumps with her performance of acclaimed act one showstopper “Defying Gravity.”

    Ariana Grande as Glinda

    Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Grande, whose onscreen career outside of her pop star duties has been limited, truly gets a moment to shine here. She channels Chenowith’s ditzy energy (with sly undertones) but also makes the role her own, a twitchy, cheery bundle of energy and privilege who works so well against Erivo’s more grounded character.

    Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard

    Jeff Goldblum in 'Wicked'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Jeff Goldblum in ‘Wicked’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Goldblum’s own offbeat energy is a great choice for the Wizard, who has his own plans for Oz. He’s charismatic and weird, but also digs deep to find some inner darkness.

    Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

    Michelle Yeoh is Madame Morrible in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Michelle Yeoh is Madame Morrible in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    As Shiz University’s sorcery teacher, Yeoh brings big Hogwarts energy to the role, but also her own imperious style to the role. She may not be up there with the leads in terms of singing, but she really makes Morrible her own.

    Supporting Cast

    Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero Tigelaar in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero Tigelaar in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    ‘Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey makes for a great, charming Fiyero, the prince who catches Glinda’s eye (and Elphaba’s), and he’s got the right tone for the part. Ditto Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s sister, who loves her sibling but also harbors resentment.

    Final Thoughts

    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Given the two-part structure, ‘Wicked’ will ultimately be judged on how it sticks the landing after Elphaba takes to the skies at the end of this first offering.

    But as a film itself, the first part is an impressive spectacle infusion with emotion and satire and stands out in the pantheon of movies take from stage shows.

    ‘Wicked’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Wicked’?

    Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

    The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.

    Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West…

    Who stars in ‘Wicked’?

    • Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
    • Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland
    • Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
    • Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
    • Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
    • Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
    • Peter Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamond
    • Bowen Yang as Pfannee of Phan Hall
    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Other Movies and TV Shows Based on the ‘Wizard of Oz’:

    Buy ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Bill Hader to Lead New ‘The Cat in The Hat’ Movie

    Bill Hader on 'Barry.'
    Bill Hader on ‘Barry.’ Photograph by Merrick Morton/HBO.

    Preview:

    • Bill Hader is leading the voices in a new ‘Cat in the Hat’ movie.
    • Quinta Brunson and Matt Berry are almost among the cast.
    • The movie is due in theaters in March 2026.

    Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Cat in the Hat’ has something of a checkered history in movies. While the 1957 book has been successfully adapted in animated form for TV, the last time it was seen in theaters was the disastrous 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers as the title character.

    That is probably best forgotten, but Warner Bros. Animation and the Seuss Enterprises company are hoping to change the feline’s filmic reputation via a new animated movie, which has Bill Hader leading the cast as the Cat.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Cat in the Hat’?

    2003's 'The Cat in the Hat.'
    2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Seuss’ tome sees two kids who are left home alone by their mother who are surprised to have The Cat barge into their house. Far from screaming about Stranger Danger, they agree to his playful schemes, only for the family fish to put up a fight and order him to leave.

    But The Cat still has plenty of fun, including unleashing two identical “Things” upon the house and chaos ensues –– but once ordered to leave, he returns with a machine to clean the place up.

    Related Article: ‘Inside Out’ Unscripted: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling

    Who is in the new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie?

    Quinta Brunson on ABC's 'Abbott Elementary.' Photo Courtesy of ABC's YouTube Channel.
    Quinta Brunson on ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary.’ Photo Courtesy of ABC’s YouTube Channel.

    Alongside Hader (who played a slightly less family-friendly Cat in a ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch), the cast includes ‘Abbott Elementary’ star/creator Quinta Brunson, ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Xochitl Gomez, ‘Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang, Matt Berry of ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Girls5Eva’s Paula Pell.

    Is this the first attempt at a new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie?

    2003's 'The Cat in the Hat.'
    2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    This is not the first time an animated movie based on the Cat’s chaos was considered. In 2012, following the financial success of ‘The Lorax’, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment announced plans to produce a CGI adaptation. Rob Lieber was set to write the script, but it never came to fruition.

    Warner Bros. picked up the rights to produce a ‘Cat’ animated adventure, and Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja are writing and directing the movie. Jeff Sneider at The InSneider first reported the news of Hader’s casting.

    Here’s what Bill Damaschke, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation said about the new plan:

    “We are overjoyed to partner with our friends at Dr. Seuss to take audiences of all ages on an adventure into the beloved world of ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ With this incredible voice cast led by Bill Hader as the fun-loving, agent of chaos himself and our filmmakers Alessandro and Erica at the helm, we look forward to sharing this Seussian cinematic spectacle with audiences everywhere in 2026.”

    When will the new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie arrive in theaters?

    The movie will be released on March 6th, 2026.

    Mike Myer's in 2003's 'The Cat in the Hat.'
    Mike Myer’s in 2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Cat in the Hat’:

    Buy Dr. Suess Movies On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’

    Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Launching on Paramount+ February 2nd, ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ represents a solid dose of forward momentum for the portrayal of Chinese mythology on screen for more general audiences.

    It’s a shame, though, that the film –– which we’d recommend for its entertaining voice cast more than anything in the script itself –– is an entertaining enough romp for younger audiences but seems unlikely to come across as anything other than second tier when truly boundary-pushing animation exists.

    Does ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ Earn its Stripes?

    Henry Golding as Hu and Sandra Oh as Mistral in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Henry Golding as Hu and Sandra Oh as Mistral in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    In development for a long time, and handed off between different filmmakers, ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ has been on one of those journeys where you have to wonder if something happened to it along the way. It was, at one point, being considered as a theatrical release, but is now arriving direct to streaming.

    There is less of a negative aura about such shifts these days, in a time when there are truly superb streaming shows and movies, but it’s tough to discount the idea that the finished product here just doesn’t scream “theatrical release”. The animation, while certainly competent, can be a little jerky with its human characters in particular (one scene, a vision for the main character, is much more aesthetically pleasing) and the storyline, as we’ll dig into, is a reheated offering of something we’ve seen many times before.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’: Script and Direction

    Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Perhaps the biggest issue with ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ is in its basic structure. Though some stories are trotted out time and again because they’ve proven to work, here you can really feel that the authentic ethnic detailing layered over the exceedingly basic skeleton doesn’t quite cover the seen-it-before aspect at its core.

    Adapted from the young adult novel by Laurence Yep by David Magee (an Oscar nominee for his work on ‘Life of Pi’) and Christopher Yost (a veteran of Marvel movies and who you suspect provided much of the quippiness on display here), the script has its moments, but struggles to overcome the notion that you’re watching the 534th take on material that the likes of ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Percy Jackson’ and any number of other, better examples have tackled.

    The young target audience, of course, likely won’t mind too much, enjoying the colorful, jokey characters and the rising stakes. But anyone who has seen a movie of this sort will soon find themselves making a mental checklist of what to expect –– the wise mentor (in this case, a grandmother who loses her life to the main villain), the grouchy new guide, the wide-eyed kid who had no idea he possessed magic powers, the goofy sidekick, the noble sidekick, the baddie with an all-purpose idea to wipe humanity off the face of the Earth and rule the darkness that follows, etc., etc.

    Directors Raman Hui, Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun do manage to give the movie a grounding in Chinese zodiac beliefs and an authentic feeling of being set in San Francisco (though sometimes falling into bland, generic traps such as having main character Tom attend “San Francisco High School”). As mentioned, the animation style is more serviceable than truly impressive and while not everything can be at the ‘Spider-Verse’ level, these days you do wish more movies would try (it’s a reason we enjoyed ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’).

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’: Performances

    Sherry Cola as Naomi, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Bowen Yang as Sidney, Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Sherry Cola as Naomi, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Bowen Yang as Sidney, Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    If there’s a real saving grace here, it’s the appealing, funny and emotional performances of the voice cast. Though it seems every film (and TV show; witness ‘The Brothers Sun’) with Chinese characters is contractually obliged to include Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, she does at least give the underwritten villain role some gravitas.

    As Tom, the young man who discovers he has a magical legacy, Brendan Soo Hoo is an appealing personality who sparks well off the rest of the cast. Henry Golding, meanwhile, is somewhat saddled with the standard grouchy-yet-heroic character of Hu, the Tiger who takes Tom under his wing –– er, paw? –– when the lad’s grandmother gives her life to protect him. In terms of character design, he’s like a kid-friendly Wolverine, even down to the muttonchops when in human form.

    Elsewhere, the basic scripting is helped by a great ensemble that includes the likes of Sandra Oh, Sherry Cola and Bowen Yang, who bring the lines to life and work well against both Golding and Hoo.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’: Final Thoughts

    Henry Golding as Hu, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in The 'Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Henry Golding as Hu, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in The ‘Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Definitely one for the younger crowd, and unlikely to inspire much faith from older audiences, ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ is a mildly diverting animated adventure whose welcome diversity can’t disguise the well-used tropes and narrative at its center.

    A fun cast certainly helps, but we’re not sure we see this one launching a franchise any time soon.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name by Laurence Yep, the movie follows Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee (Brandon Soo Hoo), whose life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians.

    With guidance from a mythical tiger named Hu (Henry Golding), Tom trains to take on Loo (Michelle Yeoh), a force that is as powerful as a Guardian but with evil intentions to use magic to destroy humanity. To have a fighting chance against Loo, Tom must reunite all twelve Zodiac animal warriors and master his own newly discovered powers.

    Who else is in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    The voice cast for ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ also includes Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, Leah Lewis, Kheng Hua Tan , Sherry Cola, Deborah S. Craig, Jo Koy, Greta Lee, Diana Lee Inosanto, Patrick Gallagher and Poppy Liu.

    Diana Lee Inosanto as Horse, Poppy Liu as Snake, Greta Lee as Rabbit, Jo Koy as Rooster, Henry Golding as Hu, Patrick Gallagher as Dog, Deborah S. Craig as Pig, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Sandra Oh as Mistral in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Diana Lee Inosanto as Horse, Poppy Liu as Snake, Greta Lee as Rabbit, Jo Koy as Rooster, Henry Golding as Hu, Patrick Gallagher as Dog, Deborah S. Craig as Pig, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Sandra Oh as Mistral in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’:

    Buy Henry Golding Movies On Amazon

  • First Teaser and Poster for ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’

    Preview:

    • The poster for animated movie ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ is online.
    • The animated movie will feature Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Oh.
    • It’ll land on Paramount+ on February 2nd.

    New animated movie ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ has had quite the journey to screens, first picked up as a potential live-action adaptation of Laurence Yep’s 2003 book by Cartoon Network in October 2008, with a script by David Magee (who has some experience with tigers given ‘Life of Pi’).

    The project was cancelled after Cartoon Network stopped developing live-action projects, but Paramount picked it up as an animated adventure movie in 2019, and while it was originally targeting a 2022 release, pandemic delays led to a slot for 2024.

    Now, though, the movie will premiere on Paramount+.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    The movie follows the story of Tom Lee, who gets drawn into a magical world against his wishes when his eccentric grandmother who he lives with in San Francisco’s Chinatown turns out to be the guardian of the phoenix egg.

    When his grandmother perishes in battle and is spirited away in a ghost cart, Tom must apprentice with an unlikely mentor –– a tiger, Mr. Hu –– to learn ancient magic and become the egg’s new protector. They team with an unlikely band of exotic creatures, each representing a different sign of the Chinese zodiac, who can morph into human form while retaining their innate animal characteristics.

    Related Article: Guy Ritchie casts Henry Golding, Cary Elwes, Til Schweiger and More in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’

    Who lends their voices to ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice' hits Paramount+ on February 2nd.
    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ hits Paramount+ on February 2nd. Photo: Paramount+.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ certainly boasts a top-notch cast, led by Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding (who shared the screen with her in the live-action ‘Crazy Rich Asians’).

    Brandon Soo Hoo plays Tom, while the cast also includes Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Lee, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Henry Golding as Mr. Hu, Sherry Cola as Empress Nü Kua, Leah Lewis as Räv, Bowen Yang as Sidney, Patrick Gallagher as Dog, Deborah S. Craig as Vatten, Kheng Hua Tan as Monkey, Giullian Yao Gioiello as Loo, Rachel Rath as Tom’s mother, Ryan Christopher Lee as Liam and Jo Koy, Greta Deborah Lee, and Lucy Liu, whose roles have yet to be revealed.

    Who has made ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    The director for the movie is Raman Hui, with Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun as co-directors. ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ filmmaker Bob Persichetti joined the film as a producer in 2022.

    Magee and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Cowboy Bebop’s Christopher L. Yost are behind the script.

    When will ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ be on screens?

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ hits Paramount+ on February 2nd.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice' hits Paramount+ on February 2nd.
    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ hits Paramount+ on February 2nd. Photo: Paramount+.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’:

    Buy Henry Golding Movies On Amazon

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Bros’

    Bobby (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) in 'Bros,' co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller.
    (L to R) Bobby (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) in ‘Bros,’ co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on September 30th, ‘Bros’ represents the latest release from the Judd Apatow comedy factory. Which is not to denigrate ‘Bros’ or any other movies (including ‘Trainwreck’ and ‘The King of Staten Island’) produced by Apatow – the man has an eye for finding and developing talent.

    The “talent” in this case is Billy Eichner, who has been in the business, stealing scenes in movies and TV shows, but outside of his own creations (Hulu’s ‘Difficult People’ or his ‘Billy on the Street’ interviews, in which he and some famous face question unsuspecting passers-by on city streets) hasn’t been given the opportunity to shine.

    On the evidence of ‘Bros’, that’s even more of a crime than we thought. Because Eichner shows a real talent for not just the snarky comedy that he’s made his name on, but also crafting a heartfelt story that tackles issues without being obvious (unless it’s for laughs).

    Eichner co-wrote the script with director Nicholas Stoller (no stranger to comedy himself thanks to ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’, ‘The Muppets’ and ‘Neighbors’) and here stars as Bobby, a writer and podcaster who is part of the board trying to get an LGBTQ+ museum off the ground.

    Angela (Ts Madison), Bobby (Billy Eichner), Wanda (Miss Lawrence), Tamara (Eve Lindley), Robert (Jim Rash) and Cherry (Dot-Marie Jones) in 'Bros,' co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller.
    (L to R) Angela (Ts Madison), Bobby (Billy Eichner), Wanda (Miss Lawrence), Tamara (Eve Lindley), Robert (Jim Rash) and Cherry (Dot-Marie Jones) in ‘Bros,’ co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    They’re aiming to tell the stories that have been effectively written out of history, but they just can’t agree on what the final room should be – Bobby, for instance, is arguing that it should focus on Abraham Lincoln’s alleged bisexuality.

    There are also issues of locking in final funding for the place, which leads to a fun scene with ‘Saturday Night Live’ regular Bowen Yang as a rich, eccentric TV producer.

    Yet the museum story is just a subplot. ‘Bros’ is really all about Bobby, a snarktastic sort who has seemingly embraced the single life. There are early hints, though, that he’s becoming unsatisfied with anonymous Grindr hookups and is starting to wonder what life might be like with someone in his life.

    Bobby’s far from a player – he’s a twitchy, neurotic overthinker who can’t stop talking. But when he locks eyes with Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) across a crowded, sweaty club, there’s the hint of possibly something more.

    Luke Macfarlane (center) as Aaron in 'Bros,' co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller.
    Luke Macfarlane (center) as Aaron in ‘Bros,’ co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Initially, though, Bobby is happy to be standoffish, treating his interactions with Aaron like any other potential hook-up (minimal dialogue, awkward attempts on Bobby’s part to flirt). Yet he soon starts to realize – as does Aaron – that this could develop.

    Cue the usual path for this sort of movie – getting-to-know-you montages, romantic complications, arguments and ultimately… well, that would be telling.

    Just don’t go thinking that this is simply a cut-and-paste job on a regular boy-meets-girl story, adding “boy” where “girl” should be. Eichner and Stoller have worked to make this specific and well-observed. For someone like Bobby, love is not an easy proposition.

    While he’s playing a version of the character he has developed over his career, Eichner gives Bobby shading and nuance – he’s got a fine line in slightly damaged anxiety and witty put-downs, but he’s also a realistic portrayal of someone whose life is not everything it might be.

    L to R) Bobby (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) in 'Bros,' co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller.
    (L to R) Bobby (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) in ‘Bros,’ co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    As Aaron, Macfarlane brings a loveable quality, wrapping what could be mistaken for a cliched meathead attitude around real vulnerability. Aaron has a supportive family, but he’s still trying to find his place in the world. He’s not simply the lust/love interest – he’s a person in his own right, and the nearly two-hour running time means there’s space to explore his character.

    Around the central pair is a quality ensemble, played almost completely (and refreshingly for a big studio movie) by LGBTQ+ performers. Harvey Fierstein, Miss Lawrence, TS Madison, Guy Branum, Dot-Marie Jones and Jim Rash all help fill out this world, either as Bobby’s friends or the squabbling museum board.

    The script is full of winning gags, some built around character, others designed to make a point, such as Yang’s character’s suggestion that the museum should include a “trauma coaster” of gay issues. There are LGBTQ+-focused references of course (Debra Messing makes a memorable appearances, and there are nods to Barbra Streisand and Broadway), but ‘Bros’ feels authentic, not just slapping labels on its characters.

    And that extends to Bobby’s sex life, which is shown in full – well, at least as far as an R-rating can. There could well be heart palpitations among those who don’t know the, er, ins and outs of gay sex, but it’s treated matter-of-factly. This is our main character’s life, not something flippant.

    Billy Eichner as Bobby in 'Bros' co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller.
    Billy Eichner as Bobby in ‘Bros’ co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    It’s also treated like everything else in Bobby’s world – with his sarcastic attitude on display until he realizes his true feelings for Aaron. One funny scene finds Aaron and Bobby hooking up at a party with an old classmate of Aaron’s who has recently come out, as another guest called Steve (Brock Ciarlelli) awkwardly tries to get in on the action. It’s played partly for laughs, but also to highlight Bobby’s insecurity.

    On the downside, this is a relatively flat, visually uninspired film (a few sunset vistas aside), designed to let the dialogue and performance do the heavy lifting. And while there is plenty of thought put into Bobby and Aaron, a few other characters are still mostly stereotypes – though they’re helped by the talented cast.

    And while the longer running time does offer benefits, there are moments that drag, scenes that could have been snipped or trimmed where the filmmakers became a little more indulgent than the movie warranted.

    Those are minor issues, though, and don’t drag down a movie that should be lauded as one of the best comedies of the year and among the funniest examples of the genre to come from a studio in a long time. If you’ve been wondering where big-level comedies have been recently, this is one to embrace.

    ‘Bros’ receives 4 out of 5 stars.

    Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) and Bobby (Billy Eichner) in 'Bros,' co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller.
    (L to R) Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) and Bobby (Billy Eichner) in ‘Bros,’ co-written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
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  • Comic-Con 2022: ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai’ Announces Cast

    Though there has been talk for a long time about a third ‘Gremlins’ movie, it has never quite managed to materialize.

    But there is movement – more targeted at the younger members of the family – on a new series that will act as a prequel to the first two movies.

    ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai’ is an animated series coming to HBO Max and Cartoon Network next year.

    This new show turns the clock back to 1920s Shanghai to explain how 10-year-old Sam Wing (who we meet when he’s much older as shop owner Mr. Wing in the 1984 movie) first crosses path with a certain young Mogwai.

    Sam and Gizmo will embark on a journey through the Chinese countryside, encountering colorful monsters and spirits from Chinese folklore.

    As they attempt to return Gizmo to his family, and discover a legendary treasure, they’ll have to face a power-hungry industrialist and his ever-growing army of evil Gremlins.

    (L to R) Zach Galligan, Sandra Oh, Randall Park, George Takei, and Bowen Yang have all been cast in HBO Max’s ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.’

    Tze Chun is running the show for this new series, and he brought fresh news of the voice cast to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

    Previously announced were Ming-Na Wen, James Hong, BD Wong and Izaac Wang, to which we can now add Sandra Oh, Randall Park, George Takei and Bowen Yang. Gizmo, meanwhile, who was previously voiced by Howie Mandel, will here be performed by AJ LoCascio.

    Perhaps the biggest surprise for the panel, though, was word that Zach Galligan – who famously played Billy Peltzer, the lad whose life is turned upside down by Gizmo and the Gremlins in the 1984 original and its 1990 sequel, ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ – is also lending his voice to the new show, but as a new character.

    “I can’t say too much but because it’s 1920s China, I’m not playing Billy because he wasn’t around,” Galligan said following his surprise appearance on the panel. “So I’m playing this cool character. It was really fun and amazing to work with a new group of creative people who are taking a fresh look at the franchise and are expanding the mythology—who knows what they’re going to add. Maybe they’ll add a new transformation or a new rule we don’t know about yet… I think Gremlins fans are going to eat it up.”

    Dropping hints that there are plenty of Easter eggs for film fans to find, Galligan seemed enthused about the new show. “I’ve been doing this a long time; it takes a lot really to surprise me. I thought it was very creative and I thought they did some interesting, very smart things, which to me is more important to being surprised,” he later told TooFab. “I think when it comes down to entertainment, the most important thing is execution. It’s how well you’re gonna tell it. The animation, the visual look of it is great, the voices are great and when you put it together with a good story, you’re going to have a really entertaining show to watch.”

    The panel also included a screening of the whole first episode, though that naturally wasn’t put online.

    HBO Max has yet to announce the date for the new series.

    HBO Max's 'Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is scheduled for 2023.
    HBO Max’s ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is scheduled for 2023.
  • Awkwafina talks ‘Nora From Queens’ Season 2

    Awkwafina talks ‘Nora From Queens’ Season 2

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    ‘Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens’ has just started its second season on Comedy Central, and some of the minds behind the show sat down to talk to us about the show.

    Show creators Awkwafina and Teresa Hsiao talk about what inspired them to create the show, and actor BD Wong discusses how the representation and truth of real life gives the writers great story opportunities. Actor Lori Tan Chinn says that viewers can expect more outspoken characters this season, and Bowen Yang talks about how much he enjoys improvising with his co-stars. And EP Karey Dornetto describes what the writing process is like with Awkwafina and the rest of the writing staff.

    ‘Nora From Queens’ is on Wednesdays on Comedy Central.