Now Chinatown

Steven Dunning wrote, directed, and stars in this woefully amateurish drama, which is especially hampered by his own lackluster performance as Steve, an American who befriends Lee (Lianne X. Hu), a put-upon young Chinese national who works in a restaurant, and is subject to outrageous abuse and harassment. Don't look for any Big Fat Chinese Wedding romance here: the goodhearted Steve inspires Lee to leave the confines of Chinatown. While the subject matter--the exploitation of immigrants--has dramatic potential, the heavy-handed treatment here strains credibility. Not recommended. (K. Lee Benson)