Everything Everywhere All at Once movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Everything, Everywhere at once

This imaginative movie is now playing in select theaters.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 2 hours 19 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

A woman tries to do her taxes. Well, that’s what the original synopsis was so as not to reveal any plots. In Chinese markets, the title translates as “In an instant, the entire universe.”

With the popularity of multiverse movies, this one takes that idea to another whole level! Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert have proven that creativity still exists in Hollywood. Bravo.

THINGS I LIKED:

What an incredibly imaginative movie.
Michelle Yeoh does a fantastic job with this role. She’s completely believable as a beautiful movie star, as well as a martial arts fighter. In the universe where she plays a movie star, the director used real footage of her on the red carpet when she was in the movie CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
It was wonderful to see Ke Huy Quan again. We haven’t seen him since The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
I hadn’t seen Stephanie Hsu in anything before. I’m a new fan and was impressed by her versatility as an actress.
Jamie Lee Curtis is almost unrecognizable and certainly hilarious.
The two Daniel directors seem to adore Jenny Slate, just like I do!
James Hong is a legend. I got to meet him in person about 10 years ago!

There is a lot of visual and spoken humor.
All of the visual effects were done by just 9 friends who had never had any formal training. They learned how to do the effects by watching video tutorials online!
I love it when movies reference other movies. This film does quite a few times. Comment down below if you caught any! (Hint: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Paprika, The Death of Dick Long , and The Matrix ). There are also a lot of movie posters on walls during various scenes that advertise titles for tweaked films like “Raccacoonie” and “Pinky of Fury”. Did you see those?
I love directors that really pay attention to detail. For example, there are several scenes that show a hot dog finger universe that features musical instruments playing badly in the background (because you’d need fingers to play well). ha ha
Non-stop action.
Lots of humor, both in dialogue and physical gags.
With lots of heart and a challenge to viewers to see themselves differently, this bizarre film delivers a unique experience unlike any other.
The editing will surely be nominated for awards.
A24 has an incredibly successful year with another creative one hitting screens soon called Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Check out my movie trailer reaction!
The trailer has been seen by over 10 million people!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some viewers will be extremely confused.
If you get tired of all the nonsensical action and universe flipping, keep watching. The ending provides a satisfying resolution.
This is not a movie for casual, relaxing viewing. You need to think fast to keep up with the high energy of this fast-paced film.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity, both written as subtitles and spoken
Crude visual and spoken humor
You see men’s private parts, although they’re blurred out
Not all of the movie is in Chinese; however, there are a lot of scenes where you have to read subtitles.
Not everything makes sense.

THEMES:

Life’s purpose
Forgiveness
The multiverse
Kindness
Family relations
Being committed to your goals
Satire

INTERESTING LINES:

“The only thing I do know is that we have to be kind. Be kind, especially when you don’t know what’s going on.” – Waymond Wang (Ke Kuy Quan)
“I wasn’t looking for you so I could kill you. I was just looking for someone who could see what I see, feel what I feel.” – Jobu Tupaki (Stephanie Hsu)
“I always learn something when I hang out with the elderly. Old people are very wise.” – Becky
“You are not unlovable. There is always something to love.” – Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh)
“The universe is so much bigger than you realize.” – Alpha Waymond (Ke Kuy Quan)