Movie Review: Slanted

 

Michael's Movie Grade: D

A well-intentioned mess. 

In this film an Asian American teenager is tired of being treated differently than all the other kids. Because of this she decides to get a surgery that will turn her white. 

This movie has important messages about identity, racism, the American Dream and the immigrant experience. However, it is the execution that is completely lacking. For a film that is willing to talk about such brave subject matter, the actual film is much too safe and conventional. This film follows every cliche in the book when it comes to teenage coming of age stories. Every scene in this movie feels overly familiar. There was not a single twist or dramatic moment that I could not see coming from a mile away. The ending completely lacks the emotional punch it needs because of its predictability. Even the characters themselves are complete cliches. There is nothing about these characters that feels real for a second because they all conform to common movie archetypes without adding anything fresh or new added. 

Like many films that try to make a social commentary, Slanted often tries to convey its message through satire. Unfortunately, the satire is incredibly weak here. Most of the jokes seem too easy and obvious. Even the best of these jokes didn't even raise a smile from me. Once more, the satire is often too on the nose to the point where I felt like I was being beat over the head with the messaging. The satire and the more serious moments also often feel at odds with each other creating a tonally uneven film. 

I appreciate what this film was trying to do but it still simply isn't that good of a movie.