The Wedding Banquet

The humor lands as if it’s coming not from the writers but through the characters by its grounding in the details of their lives.

Every time “The Wedding Banquet” threatens to go rotten, Youn and Chen make a choice that remind you how good they are.

While the original managed to tap into something new for its time, it is also not untouchable and, as Ahn proves so decisively here, was worth revisiting just so we could experience his thoughtful approach.

Leaves the ever-talented Gladstone seemingly stranded in a screenplay that fails to give her enough of a character -- a cardinal sin from which the movie never recovers.

Funny and poignant in equal measure, the comedy of manners does sag here and there, with a noticeable energy dip around the two-thirds mark. But the winning cast are able to steer it back on track before the irresistibly sweet conclusion.

Ahn has successfully forged a career making both indie productions and bigger, broader fare. The Wedding Banquet fits in the latter category, but some of the quiet introspection from his earlier work still finds its way in here.

With a truly fantastic cast taking the reins on this new version [of The Wedding Banquet], the comedy hits and the emotions flow in this romantic comedy that's perfect for fans of the genre.

Although its cliché-filled plot dampens what makes this updated take on Lee’s film compelling, the cast’s strong performances are enough to keep viewers entertained throughout.

Ultimately, The Wedding Banquet is a triumph of a romantic comedy, a smart and heartfelt update on Lee's '90s classic that explores the pressures of balancing cultural tradition with LGBTQ identity.

The celebration of love throughout, whether through heartfelt declarations or moments of quiet intimacy offered the kind of queer romance on screen that feels nourishing for the soul.