Movie News: PH BOX-OFFICE “CRAZY” FOR “RICH ASIANS” AS MILESTONE FILM OPENS AT NO.1

Earns P82.7-M in Five Days, Marks the Biggest Opening Ever for a Foreign Rom-Com

MANILA, August 27, 2018 -- The Philippine box-office laid out the red carpet for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Crazy Rich Asians” as Filipino movie fans rushed to the cinemas and gave the romantic comedy a record-breaking P82.7-M gross in five days, victoriously opening at No.1.

This was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines.

The contemporary love story based on the global bestseller by Kevin Kwan broke two box-office records, namely the All-Time Biggest Opening Weekend for a Foreign Romantic Comedy (surpassing 2002’s “Maid in Manhattan” with P24-M), and the Biggest Opening of the Year for a Warner Bros. Title (outgrossing “The Meg” with P63.4-M).  

The most talked-about film in the country for the past several weeks, “Crazy Rich Asians” rode a tidal wave of goodwill and positive anticipation from fans, resulting to Warner’s biggest opening weekend of the year, as well as the biggest opening weekend for a romantic comedy.

Reviews for the Jon M. Chu were phenomenal and audiences have been spreading emotional word-of-mouth which has been key in getting a broader audience in.  

The inclusion of Filipino actress Kris Aquino and US-based Pinoy comedian Nico Santos to the film’s cast also drove upbeat interest and curiosity.  And based on post-screening reactions, both stars did their countrymen proud.

In North America, “Crazy Rich Asians” had a crazy good second weekend at the box office.

Warner Bros. acclaimed romantic comedy generated another $25 million in 3,526 locations, meaning it made almost as much during its second outing as it did its first weekend. Jon M. Chu’s movie, which has been lauded as the first studio film in over 25 years with a predominately Asian-American cast, dropped just 6% — marking one of the best holds in recent history for a wide release in any genre. In two weeks, its domestic total sits at $76.8 million.

Rated PG by the MTRCB, “Crazy Rich Asians” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.

You can click here for my "Crazy Rich Asians" movie review. 

About “Crazy Rich Asians”

 “Crazy Rich Asians” is a contemporary romantic comedy based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan.  

The story follows New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore.  Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life.  Not only is he the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families, but also one of its most sought-after bachelors.  Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh) taking aim.  


It soon becomes clear that the only thing crazier than love is family, in this funny and romantic story sure to ring true for audiences everywhere.  

Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Crazy Rich Asians” features an international cast of stars, led by Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, and Awkwafina, with Ken Jeong and Michelle Yeoh. The large starring ensemble also includes Sonoya Mizuno, Chris Pang, Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Remi Hii, and Nico Santos. 

Movie Review: Crazy Rich Asians

Constance Wu and Henry Golding. (c) Warner Bros. 

Romantic Comedies are making a comeback this year, starting with Netflix's surprise success stories "Set It Up" and "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" the latter being based on a best selling novel and having an Asian-American as its lead. Which seems to be the perfect precedent for a big studio's long overdue RomCom Comeback in "Crazy Rich Asians". Which is also based on a book but this adaptation features an all Asian cast, something which hasn't happened in 25 years (the last film, featuring an all Asian cast was "The Joy Luck Club"). 

"Crazy Rich Asians" is the long overdue Romantic Comedy Comeback that the big studios have been missing. It has all the ingredients and technique for the "perfect dumpling" with comedic flair and timing in the bag with thespian Constance Wu and scene stealer Akwafina. 

Of course you also can't enough eye candy in the form of the goddess Gemma Chan and hunky leading man, British-Malaysian Henry Golding. 

Awkwafina, Nico Santos and Constance Wu. (c) Warner Bros.

Constance Wu plays Rachel Chu, a New York Economics Professor of Game Theory. In the book, she is simply a college professor and it was nice to see her in her element, in the opening sequence of the film, when she demonstrates in a game of cards the concept of playing "not to lose", which becomes handy in a climactic game of mah-jong towards the end of the movie. 

She is invited by her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) also a professor in the same university to go to Singapore to attend his best friend's wedding and to meet his family. Now Nick has been very secretive about his family, often changing the subject whenever it comes up, Rachel is so clueless about meeting her boyfriend's 'very Asian' family that she seeks advise from her mom. Who, after picking an unflattering red dress (its a lucky color) reminds her that even if she 'looks Chinese' she is still different from them since she grew up in the United States. In the book this is called 'ABC' (American Born Chinese) and as Rachel's hilarious and outfit prepared college friend Goh Peik Link (Awkwafina) puts it - 

"-you're a banana. Yellow on the outside. White on the inside". 

What Rachel doesn't know is that Nick belongs to one of the richest families in Singapore (like old money rich) and has long been the most eligible bachelor and with his looks and his money, its claws out and every girl for herself. As Rachel soon finds herself dodging ex-girlfriends, dealing with catty social climbers and facing Nick's mom, the cold and steely Michelle Yeoh.  

Viewers can relax though as Rachel also has a couple of friends in her corner, the previously mentioned Goh Peik Lin (Awkwafina) who is also rich but new rich and a bit gauche as compared to Nick's family. Awkwafina grabbed the role and made it in her own, making Peik Lin so hilarious that even her body language will have you cracking up and Nick's cousin the unicorn, black sheep Oliver played by our very own 'kababayan' Nico Santos.  

Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Constance Wu (c) Warner Bros.

Navigating through the treacherous 'how-much-are-you-worth' waters of Singapore's elite is a new setting for our unknowing heroine and a refreshing one for audiences. This new-age Cinderella story also comes with culture and history and is set on the island of Singapore, a not too common setting in Hollywood films and combined with the laughs and the "will they end up together" romantic conflict, and the absurdly rich details in fashion, jewelry and the wedding of the century make for a unique movie experience.

The fashion is so on point that Araminta Lee (who is marrying Nick's best friend) played by the Japanese-British model Sonoya Mizuno wears exactly what she wears in the book. Pajamas - to pick up Nick and Rachel at the airport and a gold jumpsuit (of course) when they set off to her bachelorette party to a private island (as if you should ask).  

The Rolex featured in  the movie, a 'Paul Newman' Rolex is the record holder for the most expensive watch ever sold (whistles) author Kevin Kwan wanted all the details on point. 

Being a big music nerd, I like that director Jon M. Chu specifically chose Mandarin versions of English pop songs to be used in the film, as to him it reflects what Asian-Americans feel and I definitely give a thumbs up to the upbeat and fitting "Material Girl" to the mellow and tear inducing "Yellow". There are also a couple of very 20's jazzy numbers in Mandarin and English to reflect the history of Singapore.  

"Its a new age Cinderella story but this time the stepmother and the stepsisters are more lethal." 

Crazy Rich Asians' strength comes from its diverse and talented cast. From Asian royalty like Michelle Yeoh to Asian Americans like Rachel Wu and Awkwafina and the mixed Asians such as Henry Golding and Sonoya Mizuno and yes, even our very own Nico Santos. 

Each of them brings something different to the table and that equates to a sumptuous family meal. One that is filled with laughs, lots of delicious food and a bit of a drama at times; which is how most  Asian family meals go. 

My only problem with the story and this is also the same with the book (which I haven't finished by the way, I'm still in the middle) is that how could Nick be so naive in not letting Rachel know, I mean I get that he likes Rachel because she knows him as a person and not because of his money or his family but if you are bringing your girlfriend into the Lion's den, at least give her a headsup. I guess, his best friend Colin says it best: "You're untouchable but Rachel isn't". 

Don't miss the movie redefining romantic comedy and representation as we know it. "Crazy Rich Asians" is a whole lot of crazy fun. 9.5/10. 

Movies: Michelle Yeoh Upholds Family Legacy In “Crazy Rich Asians”

Real power doesn’t raise its voice. That’s what Michelle Yeoh suggested to director Jon M. Chu in their initial explorations of her character, Eleanor Young, the feisty matriarch, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ new romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians.” 

Chu recalls, “She said, I don’t yell because truly powerful people don’t yell.  They don’t need to move one muscle or expend any energy on you, and that can cut more than anything else.’” 

A striking figure—striking terror, some would say—Eleanor is the epitome of poise and polish, flawless from her coiffure to the point of her bespoke shoes, as only the inimitable Yeoh could portray her.  Her happiness at having her eldest son home is tempered by the fact that he is accompanied by a pretty, young woman whose lineage is questionable, yet Nick seems to be utterly smitten with her.  Eleanor’s thinly veiled attempts to be gracious and polite aren’t enough to hide her obvious displeasure. 

Movies: Constance Wu, Henry Golding Steal Your Hearts In “Crazy Rich Asians”

Warner Bros.’ new romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” takes a fun, engaging and hilarious look at what can happen when young love collides with old money.

Singapore’s favorite son, Nick Young (Henry Golding), proudly brings his beautiful and successful New Yorker girlfriend Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) home for a meet-and-greet, but the family dynamics aren’t quite what she expects.  For Rachel, what starts as a dream romantic holiday with the man she adores becomes a battle to remain true to herself and her roots, while holding her own against picture-perfect backstabbing rivals and a prospective mother-in-law who thinks this modern American girl will never measure up.

Set in Singapore and featuring the first all-Asian ensemble in a contemporary Hollywood film in 25 years, the story mines humor from the idiosyncrasies of one family in a way that people everywhere can relate to—no matter who they are, how much money they have, or where they call home.  It taps into the fundamental desire to fit in, while honoring your own identity, in an era of blending—and sometimes clashing—cultures. 

Movies: Nico Santos, Filipino Actor Nico In “Crazy Rich Asians,” Greets Pinoys

MANILA, August 6, 2018 -- Warner Bros. Pictures has just released a video of Filipino actor Nico Santos greeting and inviting Philippine audiences to watch the upcoming “Crazy Rich Asians.” 

Santos joins the All-Asian cast of “Crazy Rich Asians” as fashion designer Oliver T’Sien.

Check out the featurette below and watch “Crazy Rich Asians” in Philippine cinemas August 22.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/vl.374132246329224/2192482150781314/?type=1

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/e8P6vpQz1lE

Rated PG by the MTRCB, “Crazy Rich Asians” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.

Movies: Its Love VS Family In The First Trailer Of “Crazy Rich Asians”

“You can choose love, but you can’t choose family.” Watch the just-released first official trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures' new romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” in the links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/vl.374132246329224/2050425694986961/?type=1

YouTube: https://youtu.be/jrnf_kZ-FkI

Jon M. Chu (“Now You See Me 2”) directed the contemporary romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians,” based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan.

MOVIES: DIRECTOR JON M. CHU ENGAGES SOCIAL MEDIA TO DISCOVER NEW TALENT FOR UPCOMING WARNER BROS. FILM “CRAZY RICH ASIANS”

Burbank, CA, January 19, 2016 – Director Jon M. Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Now You See Me 2) is tapping social media platforms to reach out to new talent to cast in his upcoming film Crazy Rich Asians. Based on the acclaimed worldwide best seller by Kevin Kwan, the highly anticipated romantic comedy from Warner Bros. Pictures is set to commence filming in April 2017.
(Watch Chu's casting call video at https://youtu.be/kSg21l1sWA0.)

From January 19th to February 10th, social media users are invited to post a video of themselves to Facebook, Twitter or YouTube with the hashtag #CrazyRichAsiansCasting for a chance to be part of the film. The focus of the casting search is people 18 and older who are able to play Chinese-Singaporean or Asian characters – whether aspiring actors, unique personalities, fans of the book or simply those excited to try something new. Entrants will be asked to provide some basic personal info, read for a brief scene, and, most of all, have fun. Further details and guidelines can be found at www.CrazyRichAsiansMovie.net

A runaway success when it was published in 2013 by Penguin Random House, Kevin Kwan’s debut novel tells the contemporary and outrageously funny love story of Rachel Chu and Nicholas Young. When New Yorker Rachel agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with Nick, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.

Directed by Chu, the film adaptation is being produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who produced The Hunger Games films, and John Penotti, who served as executive producer on Hell or High Water. Crazy Rich Asians will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.