Kung Fu Panda 4

  And this week's Friday night movie has been... Kung Fu Panda 4!

Original image located here. Accessed 21st February 2025

I didn't have plans on watching this, but this turned out to be one of the situations where Kiera chose the movie. Still, I am willing to be surprised. And I have had some glowing things about the other three Kung Fu Panda movies so can that winning streak continue?

Well allow me to resort to bullet points:

• The first three had their fair share of solemn moments but this does not. This was a mistake.
• The Furious Five are also absent. This is also a mistake. 
• Viola Davis was great as the antagonist. 
• Seems to be some hostility towards Zhen. Is it the character? Or Awkwafina's voice? If that is the case of the latter, I have to wonder this hostility came from as she was great in Crazy Rich Asians 
• I did enjoy the dynamic Po and Zhen as clearly the latter was written in a way reminiscent of the former in the first movie. 
• The idea of Po being a state of wisdom is a compelling one given the journey he had taken to get here. 
• The action is still as solid as ever
• The end credits theme is hilarious
• Ultimately there is some enjoyable moments but the end result is indeed removed from what the first Kung Fu Panda movies so great.

Crazy Rich Asians

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Crazy Rich Asians!

Original image located here. Accessed 12 June 2020

I know more than few people who have been talking up this one. But I was cautious as it's intent is clearly spelled out in the title. Therefore I was concerned that this wouldn't be for me as I am a) white and b) not having money to burn

Thankfully that wasn't the case. For a movie that was telling a story through an Asian perspective, it is indeed universal and quite a lot of fun. It could be observed that the formula for the rom-com, which is movie is running on, is indeed rock-solid but, at the same time, challenged in numerous ways to present a healthy perspective on romance. But the real meat in this movie is the cast themselves, least not Michelle Yeoh, delivering stellar performances and giving them a chance to shine on their own terms.
At first glance, there may appear to be a lot stacked up against this movie but it comes out with it's head held high.