KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Wedding Banquet’ is worth the effort

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SALT LAKE CITY — Weddings can be stressful enough, even without complications, but when a group of friends and lovers have to pretend to be somebody else, the results can be stressful, sometimes comical.

This is where we meet Min (Han Gi-Chan) and his boyfriend Chris (SNL’s Bowen Yang), who have been together for five years in Seattle, but at least one of them is not eager to take the matrimonial plunge.

Min comes from a wealthy Korean family that expects him to take over the family business back home, but he’d prefer to focus on his fabric art designs.

Their best friends are Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) and Lee (Lily Gladstone), who are trying to have a family through IVF, but so far, have been unsuccessful and their funds are running low. 

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However, a call from Min’s grandmother (Minari’s Youn Yuh-Jung) has put the pressure on Min to return to South Korea, so the group comes up with a crazy plan to have Min marry Angela so he can get a green card. In exchange, he will pay for the next round of IVF for Lee from his family funds.

So basically, all four pretend to be straight as grandma makes a surprise visit. A courthouse wedding is quickly organized, but grandma will not hear of it and insists on a lavish Korean wedding for Min and Angela, with Chris playing the best man and Lee the maid of honor.

Will they go through with this elaborate charade? Or will any further hijinks threaten to undermine the blessed event? You will see if you take a chance on “The Wedding Banquet.”

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I will say that the original 1993 film was a bit more fun, but not as polished as this remake.

Also, the cast in this new version is more accomplished, with both Oscar winner Youn Yuh-Jung and Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone bringing a profound depth to the story.

Plus, the dynamic scenes with the self-centered characters played by Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran were a hoot and the traditional Korean wedding ceremony was completely engaging.

So I’d say this updated tale with a fresh coat of paint is worth the effort, and I would love to see the sweet, wise grandmother get more accolades when award season comes around.

“The Wedding Banquet” (B) Rated R for language and some sexual material/nudity. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-Chan and Youn Yuh-Jung. Co-written and directed by Andrew Ahn (“Driveways” “Spa Night”) – filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Based on Ang Lee’s 1993 film. Running time: 102 minutes. 

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.