The Midlife

Whenever someone asks me, “Hey, did you see the latest (movie, show, gadget … insert anything super timely and relevant)? My ‘yes’ is often delayed. It may take weeks, months, and years in some cases. (Hello, text message replies! I’m looking at you.) I didn’t wait too long to see this year’s Oscar-winning Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once. Here is my take.

While I don’t particularly favor films with Sci-Fi tendencies, I had to see if the film lived up to the hype. It did. The movie stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan (a.k.a., the kid from The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), Stephanie Hsu, James Hong, and Horror Legend Jamie Lee Curtis. Actress/Comedian/Writer/Marcel the Shell Creator Jenny Slate plays the character Big Nose (#Icanrelate) with humor and lost irony.

I’ll do my best to describe this genre-bending ride, and my husband had to clarify things for me while watching. Michelle Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, a beyond middle-aged laundromat owner facing divorce and her daughter’s coming out while trying to avoid a tax audit on the eve of her father’s birthday party. At the center of the story is a Sci-Fi-inspired Everything bagel that is the portal to Yeoh’s untapped potential throughout various times of her life.

The must-see aspect of the film is the acting. I’m happy to see middle-aged and older actors commanding scene after scene, especially Yeoh, Curtis, and Quan. I know this may be an unpopular opinion, but Stephanie Hsu could have easily stolen the Oscar from Jamie Lee. Her performance was so creative, but I suspect Jamie Lee’s win was about her performance here paired with her stellar body of work. Either way, these two actresses stole every scene. Quan showed a tender and commanding performance as Waymong Wang, Evelyn’s husband who demonstrates Stand By Your Woman at every possible trial and tribulation. Don’t get me started on the martial arts and editing of the film. You’ll feel like you are high on some sort of psychedelic. If you see this or have seen it, please leave me a comment on your thoughts.

In keeping with the film’s title, I would like to share my take on the themes (with one addition):

Everything …

1. is reminding me that summer is around the corner, and I need a new bathing suit. And the thought of looking for one and sifting through the skirted garbage out there scares me.
2. is wet this weekend. It’s been mostly rainy here in Maryland and walking my dogs in this weather has been less Singing in the Rain and more like Water World with no No. Two’s.

Everywhere …

1. People have a strong opinion about Donald Trump and what he will or won’t do.
2. I look there are candy wrappers littered around my home because my daughter and husband are obsessed with candy. I’m not as obsessed, but that feeling may/will change.

All at Once …

1. I’m getting weirded out that people I have known for many years at work are retiring. This happens when you won’t leave or haven’t been fired from an employer of 15 years or more. I’m running out of people to joke with on the way to the copier.
2. I’m reminded daily why I dislike meetings. I’m invited to/voluntold to attend/forced against my will to host meetings that only lead to more meetings that lead to nothing important. Rinse and repeat.
3. I’m reminded that somehow employers think all retirees want clocks as departing gifts. Clocks they won’t be watching when they are off finally having their own fun, on their own time.

Never …

1. have I seen a commercial for microwaves, anything beige, back scratchers, and anything that combats chin hair growth.
2. do I get tired of hearing my daughter laugh, especially at/with me.

That’s it for now. Please consider giving this post a comment, share, or like. It’s free and helps me to build our community. Wishing you all a great week ahead!