But oh, how I was wrong… This movie is so much more than the classic teenage love story. Conversely, Ellie inspires Paul to dig within himself and learn how to make more meaningful connections than he’s grown accustomed to with his idiot football buddies—their practice conversations over table tennis serve as a sweet training montage—and in the process, she learns to open up and trust people. Posted by Mary Chaton | 3 May 2020 | Film, Film Reviews, Review | The Half of It. But Alice Wu, director The Half of It, takes those known genres and subverts it into something new as we explore the path and journey of one Ellie Chu. The Half Of It Review In the small Midwestern town of Squahamish, bookish Chinese-American teenager Ellie (Leah Lewis) runs a side hustle writing essays for her classmates. The Half of It grapples with similar themes in a “Cyrano”-style love triangle: Lovesick athlete Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) wants to woo a popular classmate, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire), but isn’t great with words. Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) is the sweetly oafish tight end on the high school’s terrible football team. Similarly, Aster gets comfortable enough to share that she feels like a bit of a misfit herself. The new film The Half of It (Netflix) feels like few other teen movies. The Half of It Review Released on Netflix Featuring Leah Lewis; Daniel Diemer. Christy reviewed films for The Associated Press for over 14 years. Thanks for "The Half of It" Enjoyed the movie on pc and spent some good time. The Half of It Review. The film received the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. Instead, it follows Ellie Chu, a girl who owns an essay-writing business, and Paul, a somewhat dim-witted boy who is hopelessly in love with the most … She's also on Twitter @christylemire and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/christy.lemire2. What was supposed to have been just one letter eventually leads to a back-and-forth on text message, with Ellie-in-disguise exchanging book and film references and philosophical musings that Paul could never muster. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here. There’s also an underdeveloped subplot involving Aster and the pretty boy she’s kinda-sorta dating (Wolfgang Novogratz, who also appeared in Netflix’s other high-school Cyrano story, 2018’s “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser”). Pinterest. Leah Lewis stars as Ellie Chu, a studious and shy Chinese-American immigrant who’s the only Asian kid in fictional Squahamish, Washington. Home Remedies For Skin And Skin And Hair Care, Terms of Use and Grievance Redressal Policy. With Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Wolfgang Novogratz. The Half of It movie reviews & Metacritic score: A shy, introverted, Chinese-American, straight-A student finds herself helping the school jock woo the girl they both secretly love. The Half of It gets this, and is deft with its unpacking of queer attraction in young people, even if it arguably allows that messiness to infiltrate its climax in a way that feels too scattershot and abrupt for its own good. Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu in The Half of It (Courtesy of Netflix) “The good thing about being different in a town like this is that no one expects you to be like … From this point forward, this review will contain spoilers for Netflix’s The Half of It. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city. While Paul is drawn to Aster for her looks, Ellie’s attraction runs deeper as she recognizes something more substantive within her. Name Of The Series – The Half Of It; Star Cast – Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire; Release Date – 1st May 2020; By. The Half Of It has finally dropped on Netflix and I have a lot of feels! The Half Of It is a likeable if not especially memorable entry into the teen romantic-comedy genre - but it gains most of its merit through its sensitive depiction of outsiderdom and self-acceptance. Oscar-winner Olivia Colman in talks to join Marvel's 'Secret Invasion', Exclusive Interview! Summary. You can change your city from here. The Half of It review – a warm and inclusive romantic comedy you don't know... May 1, 2020. Alice Wu, once again, crafts a movie that’s comfortably different. Published: May 04, 2020 10:27 Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times. Ellie Chu, often ridiculed by her school mates for being too nerdy, takes on an off campus project to draft love letters and guide a fellow student, Paul, in order to help him pursue the girl he’s in love with, Aster. Parents need to know that The Half of It is a teen romcom with wry humor and serious themes set in a small-town high school in the Pacific Northwest. Though it was unconventional to not have a full-on physical film fest due to the state of the world right now, Tribeca persisted with a digital event during which writer-director Alice Wu won The Founders Award for Best U.S. ‘The Half of It’ Review. But through it all, Wu achieves a welcome generosity toward her characters with her thoughtful handling of race, language, sexual orientation and religion (Ellie’s an atheist; Aster’s the preacher’s daughter). Something to think about: the lead character in this movie asks: “How many people find their big love? It’s writer-director Alice Wu’s first major film since “Saving Face” (2005) and is centered around a young Asian lesbian teen. All three leads hold the viewer’s attention, as well as the connection between them. critics consensus For viewers in search of an uncommonly smart, tender, and funny coming-of-age story, The Half of It has everything. Did you know 'Bridgerton' has an interesting connection with Kim Kardashian? But Alice Wu’s new high school-set film, “The Half of It” (also on Netflix), transcends the limitations that frequently serve as obstacles to ingenuity in young adult movies. Directed by Alice Wu. Lemire has such a lovely presence, she makes you wish that her character were fleshed out a bit more; Aster ends up feeling like an idealized figure for both Ellie and Paul to swoon over in their own ways, but perhaps that’s the point. 'Saving Face' writer-director Alice Wu returns with another queer Asian American romance after a 15-year hiatus. The pieces may seem familiar in “The Half of It,” but the way Alice Wu assembles them results in a fresh and inspired whole. The pieces may seem familiar in “The Half of It,” but the way Alice Wu assembles them results in a fresh and inspired whole. He asks Ellie to help him write a love letter to Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire, no relation to … well, me), a beautiful newcomer who’s reluctantly found herself ensconced in the popular clique. The Half Of It Review. Share via Email. Ultimately, “The Half of It” and its multilayered title are about the expansiveness of love, with the romantic kind being just one among equals. The writer/director’s queer take on “ Cyrano de Bergerac ” features several of the kinds of characters we so often see in Young Adult films and novels: hyper-verbal teenagers given to expressing their anxieties and longings through witty, self-aware narration. ETimes is an Entertainment, TV & Lifestyle industry's promotional website and carries advertorials and native advertising. The film as listed for its world premiere at the … And it helps a great deal that the actress functioning as her stand-in has such a smart and compelling screen presence. Aman Choudhary - May 1, 2020. The Half of It doesn’t have to be a “big theme” movie to comment on casual racism, or stifling individuality, particularly that of young women, in favor of outdated and patriarchal norms. Narrative Feature for her film. When smart but cash-strapped teen Ellie Chu agrees to write a love letter for a jock, she doesn't expect to become his friend - or fall for his crush. It takes place in the sort of small town that may seem quaint to the outside viewer but feels like a prison to the restless kids trapped within it. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. The Half of It Review: Where Teens Messed and Missed, Raced and Risked The Half of It The director Alice Wu is well under control, and draws subtle, but sweetly innocent, performances from her actors. It centers on Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), a bright teen who writes a letter on behalf of a smitten but not very articulate boy to the girl of his dreams. Read our full review of the new Netflix series below. “The Half of It” drags a bit in the middle, just as the tension should be mounting as to whether the characters’ true identities and motives will be exposed. Christy Lemire is a co-host of the YouTube film review show "What the Flick?!" The Half of It is the latest American coming of age drama all set to hit the screens of Netflix this Friday. The premise: Ellie ghostwrites papers and essays for the kids in her high school for a low, low fee. There’s an infectious energy to this clever correspondence, which ironically allows Ellie to express who she really is, maybe for the first time. Review: Set in the small, non-descript American town of Squahamish, ‘The half of it’ navigates through friendship, sexuality and love with a tender touch. Ellie may seem innocent but she’s savvy enough to have developed a booming business writing essays for cash; this also allows her to help support the cramped apartment she shares with her widower dad (Collin Chou), an engineer who spends quiet evenings watching classic movies like “Casablanca” to improve his English. Diemer brings a puppy-doggish authenticity and likability to the role that are quite charming. Into this vivid setting, Wu introduces two characters who will force Ellie to emerge from her lonely shell. Copyright © 2021 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved |, Delhi Times, Aurangabad Times, Maharashtra Times, Subscribe to get the latest news across Entertainment, Television and Lifestyle. Just like all other reviews, we are going to put a one-word review in case you don’t want to read the full post, It’s Refreshing, don’t ever think of the comparison with some random rom-com teen drama movie, let’s jump to detailed review. He initially comes off as a doofus but he’s genuine, loyal and has a heart of gold, and he unexpectedly becomes the first real friend Ellie’s ever had. But by telling a personal tale inspired by elements of her own young life, Wu achieves both singularity and universality. Vaquar Shaikh: Kept asking my director if people would notice me because what I do on the screen looks too raw and ordinary, Confirmed! Facebook. WhatsApp. Your subscription is confirmed for latest news across Entertainment, Television and Lifestyle newsletters. Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. The writer/director’s queer take on “Cyrano de Bergerac” features several of the kinds of characters we so often see in Young Adult films and novels: hyper-verbal teenagers given to expressing their anxieties and longings through witty, self-aware narration. Twitter. “The Half of It” might be Netflix’s latest teen film, but it stands out from the rest of their original coming-of-age romantic comedies. see the movie with in late hours with a glass of wine....... interesting movie ! Jonathon Wilson 0. ***Note: we’re still recording remotely, so thanks for sticking with us! Sreeparna Sengupta, TIMESOFINDIA.COM, Updated: Aug 26, 2020, 11.07 PM IST. 16 years after her writing/directing debut, the lesbian romance “Saving Face,” Wu follows it up with a film that’s once again open-minded and big-hearted. The Half of It is a 2020 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Alice Wu. Coming of age comedy drama, 1 h 46min. 3.5. Jump to Comments. Share on Facebook. The film, a queer Asian American romance, is director Alice Wu’s second outing after 15 years, her first one being ‘Saving face’. Print “The Half of It” is a cute, coming-of-age movie that doesn’t feature a straight white girl as the main character. The more meaty and moving relationship actually occurs between Ellie and Paul themselves. Netflix released the film on May 1, 2020 to positive reviews. As the movie is scheduled to release on the giant streaming site Netflix on 1 May 2020. It stars Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, and Collin Chou. ‘The Half of It’ Review: There’s More Than Meets the Eye With This Charming Teen LGBTQ Riff on ‘Cyrano’ Posted on Friday, May 1st, 2020 by Hoai-Tran Bui “This is not a love story.” Only, it seems as though Ellie herself may be nurturing feelings for her too. Claire Williams, copy editor May 14, 2020. The Cruelest Month, Part 3: Sorry-Grateful, Gregory Nava on Working with Stanley Kubrick, Netflix's Yasuke is a Bloody History Trip, Oscars 2021: Nomadland is the Big Winner at an Unusual Academy Awards. You can find Christy's writing at ChristyLemire.com. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil. There’s a languid quality to some of the pacing that perhaps fits with the sleepy, Pacific Northwest setting but weakens the film from an overall narrative perspective. For viewers in search of an uncommonly smart, tender, and funny coming-of-age,! Is the sweetly oafish tight end on the giant streaming site Netflix on 1 May 2020 substantive. Film reviews, review | the Half of It has everything May 14, 2020 recording. ; the Half of It has finally dropped on Netflix and I have a lot of!... Think about: the lead character in this movie asks: “ How many people their. Helps a great deal that the actress functioning as her stand-in has such a smart and compelling screen presence oafish! 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