Always Be My Maybe, 2019
You know how sometimes a movie is a total cliche and completely predictable, and yet it does everything so well that you just don't care?
Marcus and Sasha are friends as children--Sasha's parents are never around and she practically grows up at Marcus's house and is especially close with Marcus's mother, Judy. After Judy dies suddenly and unexpectedly, Sasha and Marcus finally tip into a sudden sexual relationship which ends in an equally hurtful breakup hours later. Fast forward 16 years and Sasha is a successful celebrity chef while Marcus works with his father installing air conditioners. The two reconnect and stumble through their complicated feelings.
Gosh, will they end up together? Gee whiz, will Sasha learn to reconnect to her "authentic" cuisine roots? Hmm, will Marcus shake off his past trauma to pursue his ambitions?
As they say, it isn't the destination--it's the journey. To begin with, Randall Park and Ali Wong in the lead roles have excellent chemistry and comedic timing. They are supported by an excellent roster of secondary characters, like Michelle Buteau as Sash's assistant, or Charlene Yi as a passive-aggressive member of Marcus's band. (Sidenote: Marcus's band, Hello Peril, is also a highlight).
One of the only things I really knew about this film going in was the notorious extended cameo from Keanu Reeves. And . . . wow. There are plenty of actors who have spoofed themselves in film, but this is up there. It's a fearless self-parody and his scenes are a real highlight.
While it might not be the most original concept, the execution is totally solid. I read a few criticisms online that the writing was weak, but I thought that there were several laugh out loud moments and the cast elevates the material and keeps things fun all the way through. Maybe more of a 3.5, but it really cheered me up and thus a generous 4.