Crazy Rich Asians

When Nick Young (Henry Golding) asks Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) to fly to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding, she has no idea what lies ahead. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick is Singapore’s richest, most eligible bachelor. And no one, least of all Nick’s icy mother (Michelle Yeoh) and imperious grandmother (Lisa Lu), understands why he’s chosen this NYU economics professor, a Chinese-American raised by a working-class mother. Unsuspecting Rachel is immediately confronted by a sybaritic wonderland of extravagant wealth and undermined by catty, status-conscious rivals for Nick’s affection. Rachel’s only confidante is sassy Peik Lin Goh (hip-hop’s Awkwafina), her college pal who lives with her ostentatious, nouveau-riche Singapore parents (Ken Jeong/Koh Chieng Mun). And even though Nick’s glamorous sister, elegant Astrid (Gemma Chan), empathizes with Rachel’s dilemma, she’s dealing with her own marital complications. Based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 bestseller and aptly directed by Jon M. Chu, Crazy Rich Asians is an enchanting romantic comedy that shatters Asian stereotypes. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Crazy Rich Fun” behind-the-scenes featurette (8 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are audio commentary by director Jon M. Chu and novelist Kevin Kwan, deleted scenes (12 min.), a gag reel (2 min.), and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package—on the Blu-ray release—for an entertaining rom-com.] (S. Granger)