The Academy usually avoids giving the biggest awards to sci-fi and comedy films, but this year they should make an exception. Everywhere Everything All at Once is the best film of year by far. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a film about a middle-aged woman named Evelyn Wang who battles the bad guy by reaching out to “nearby” timelines to borrow or use powers possessed by other versions of herself.
It’s not the only film to use this plot device, but it does so masterfully. Reaching out to other timelines is often done for comic effect, but there is a deeper purpose - helping Evelyn understand who she could be and become a better person. It’s rare that a movie combines rabid teen-age level comedy with a wonderful story about aging, being a mother, and coming to America. Each time she reaches out to a timeline, she learns something about who she could be like being a better parent or being more assertive in her life.
The core of the film is about growth and personal development, but it’s got lots of other great features. Michelle Yeoh is the lead actress, and she is marvelous. There are tons of great martial arts scenes. The supporting cast is also wonderful. Film fans will enjoy scenes with screen legends James Hong and Jamie Lee Curtis. Stuntman and actor Jonathan Quan does very in all the versions of Evelyn’s husband, who ranged from pathetic to heroic.
I also note the historical importance of the film. It’s probably the most important Asian American film to be made so far. It’s about an immigrant family that runs a small business and focuses on that particular experience and the film features Asian and Asian American actors.
Everywhere Everything is a great choice for film of the year. It’s loved by everyone - Rotten Tomatoes reports a 95% critic rating and a 89% audience rating. It’s super-profitable, making $114m on a $14m budget. If you are a movie fan, check it out. And if you are a member of the Academy, vote for this film!
++++++
My books: Grad Skool Rulz - cheap advice manual for grad students / The history of Black Studies / Obama and the antiwar movement / A Social Theory book you will enjoy reading / Intro Sociology for $1 per chapter