No. 49 (2023) JOY RIDE July 8th.

 

Film No. 49  (2023)  July 8th.  2:40 PM EVENT Cinemas, Cine 9   Woodlands W.A.

"If you do not know where you come from, then how do you know who you are?" (Chao, Audrey's contact in China plants a seed of doubt in her mind).

NOMINEE: (Adele Lim) Audience Award; Headliners. SXSW Film Festival 2023.

JOYRIDE is a real test for a crusty, rusted-on narrative driven film lover like myself. But then again, I didn't mind, CRAZY, RICH ASIANS. 

Here, it's more of the same, but I just couldn't find the love that most other punters are finding for this "machine gun" delivered, feisty, "go you girls" road movie. But I do love the non-white, non-straight, non-male foundation that continues the momentum first established by CRA.

Adele Lim (Writer: CRAZY RICH ASIANS) directs her first feature here. She has a T.V. background as long as your arm (REIGN, ONE TREE HILL). Her long suit comes in working with young talent and young person themes. JOYRIDE gives her the licence to thrive in this sphere. Ashley Park (Audrey) and Sherry Cola (Lolo) play buddies who team with another couple of sassy mates Stephanie Hsu (Kat) and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu) to take a road trip through middle Asia to find Audrey's birth mum. There are friendship disputes, there are males who need to be taken down a peg, and there is Kat's tattoo. It's a SOMETHING ABOUT MARY shock image. It's funny enough. 

The actual conclusion is a surprise and beautifully handled. Seemingly at odds with the crassness and shock tones of previous scenes. A small pack of tissues rather than a box might suffice. Audrey does reach her destination, but it's not what she, or any of us are expecting. It was sweet, heartfelt stuff.  The 5 minute resolution prior to fade-out then titles is "pat".

Look, plenty of folk are finding this tight, handsome flick a little shocking with just the right mix of inappropriateness and "friends for life" tosh! I was likely hoodwinked by the 3 minute trailer. Also, I possibly need to get a life!  7GUMS.