It's a no-brainer that Hollywood would bankroll Crazy Rich Asians. Not only is it a New York Times bestseller, but factor in the pressure Tinseltown is under right now when it comes to diversity, and what you have here is a big, fat winning ticket.
Rachel Chu is a hard-working New York economics professor in love with Nick Young. It's not that hard to see why. He's that particular kind of ridiculously handsome yet somehow self-effacing that's nigh on impossible to find in the real world.
When he takes her to Singapore for his best friend's wedding, and to meet his family, it's clear their romance is ramping up a notch.
What's also ramping up a notch, clearly, is the crazy rich aspect of our story. What Nick failed to mention to his poor, unsuspecting girlfriend is that he is the favourite prodigal son of Singapore's richest family.
When I say rich, I of course really mean crazy rich. And so that crazy ensues, as Rachel faces off against Nick's serenely terrifying matriarchal mother and a host of Gucci-clad Singaporean nasties intent on sending her packing.
Stag parties on supertankers, a celebrity wedding where the bride walks on water and a feisty Cinderella who rocks up to the ball ready to rumble, Crazy Rich Asians may well be the blinged-out rom-com that in the middle of a long winter will bring just the right amount of escapism.
Three-and-a-half stars.
Newshub.
