The Wedding Banquet

A gay man makes a deal with his lesbian friend: a green-card marriage for him, in exchange for in vitro fertilization treatments for her. Plans evolve as Min's grandmother surprises them with a Korean wedding banquet.
Albert Gonzalez says:
"The Wedding Banquet" is a film that, despite its ambitious premise, ultimately falls flat in almost every aspect. The plot meanders aimlessly, failing to engage the audience or deliver any meaningful twists. Characters are poorly developed and lack depth, making it difficult to care about their journeys or motivations. The interactions feel forced and contrived, leaving viewers disconnected from their stories.
The acting is equally disappointing; performances come off as wooden and uninspired, with actors struggling to convey genuine emotion. This lack of authenticity further detracts from any potential impact the narrative might have had. Even moments that could have been comedic or poignant feel dull and lifeless due to the overall execution.
Visually, the film does little to impress, relying on clichéd settings that do not enhance the storytelling. Instead of drawing viewers into a vibrant cultural experience, it presents a monotonous backdrop that mirrors its uninspired characters.
Ultimately, "The Wedding Banquet" fails to deliver on both entertainment and emotional resonance. It’s a missed opportunity that leaves audiences yearning for a more compelling exploration of its themes. In a landscape rich with diverse narratives, this film is easily forgettable—an underwhelming addition that simply does not meet expectations.
- Plot: Bad
- Characters: Bad
- Entertainment Value: Bad
- Rated: R
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Release Date: 04/18/2025
- Directed by: Andrew Ahn
- Written by: Andrew Ahn, James Schamus
- Starring: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran