Shortcomings (2023) — excellent performances overcome a static script

Ireviewed your application, Mrs Wong,” a hotel manager says to the elegantly dressed Mrs Wong (Stephanie Hsu) in an impressive lobby, before continuing “and I have to say… me no likey.” He rips up her paperwork as Mrs Wong smiles and walks over to her husband (Ronnie Chieng), who makes a phone call. The couple buy the hotel and ride the elevator to the penthouse before the camera zooms outside, just as fireworks explode over the title “Just the Beginning.” As the cinema erupts in applause, Ben (Justin H. Min) stares in disbelief at the screen. This stark transition from glossy rom-com, parodying <a href="https://medium.com/framerated/crazy-rich-asians-2018-a5e1da342564" rel="noopener">Crazy Rich Asians</a> (2018), is wonderfully edited and gets the audience primed for the thematic core of Shortcomings, which is almost the antithesis of that box office hit. The directorial debut of actor Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat) is about three young urbanites who struggle with their interpersonal relationships and search for love in a story that spans the US coasts, from San Francisco to New York City. Adapted by Adrian Tomine from his own 2007 graphic novel, Shortcomings brings audiences into the present day, expanding on his important discussions of representation in the media and the real humanity at the centre of everyone’s lives. As Ben and his girlfriend, Miko (Ally Maki), leave the screening of Just the Beginning, he rips into the film, saying he doesn’t want to be pressured into liking a film just because of representation. When Miko pushes back, Ben doubles down, bemoaning the film not having “real humans.” Shortcomings’ bold dissection of modern pop culture and examination of representation in stories that matter to be told is a propelling force, grabbing our attention and never letting go. While much of the dialogue remains the same from Tomine’s original work, the real magic comes from the actors breathing life into the words. <a href="https://medium.com/framerated/shortcomings-2023-excellent-performances-overcome-a-static-script-243cdd93e884">Click Here</a>