Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)

A group of over-achieving Asian-American high school seniors enjoy a power trip when they dip into extra-curricular criminal activities.

Director:

Justin Lin

Writers:

Ernesto Foronda, Justin Lin

Stars:

Parry Shen, Jason Tobin, Sung Kang

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Parry Shen	...	Ben Manibag
Jason Tobin	...	Virgil Hu
Shirley Anderson	...	Hot Dog Planet Customer
Nanette Matoba	...	Housewife
Kenji Matoba	...	Toddler
Sung Kang	...	Han
Ashley Arai	...	Cheerleader
Danielle Conner	...	Cheerleader
Karen DiTota	...	Cheerleader
Smita Satiani	...	Cheerleader
Kristen Stinson	...	Cheerleader
Jeff DeJohn	...	Ryan
Robert Zepeda	...	Jock
Collin Kahey	...	Jock
Christopher J. Francis	...	Jock

Storyline

Ben is a perfectionist and overachiever whose tunnel vision leads to nothing less than graduating at the top of his class. As he struggles to achieve social success, he discovers his darker side. He and his friends: Virgil, Daric and Han lead a double life of mischief and petty crimes to alleviate the pressures of perfection. As their adopted identity grows, the gang tumbles into a downward spiral of excitement, excess and fun.

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Plot Keywords:

high school | overachiever | asian american | vomiting | pubic hair | 

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Taglines:

Who do you want to be?

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, drug use, language and sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Justin Lin / Trailing Johnson Productions

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 April 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Завтра повезет больше

Filming Locations:

Alhambra, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$360,772, 13 April 2003, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$3,802,390

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,809,226

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cherry Sky Films, Day O Productions, Hudson River Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 98 min (2003)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During a Q&A after the screening at Sundance, one audience member asked the filmmakers if they thought they were being irresponsible by portraying Asian-Americans negatively. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert stood up and shouted at the man that Asian-Americans can make whatever films they want, about whoever they want, and do not have any obligation to represent their people.

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Goofs

When the picture for Virgil's candy bar drive is first shown, the words "Runners Up" do not appear. In the close-up, "Runners Up" appears.

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Quotes

Virgil Hu: What does he think he is? Some kind of Chinese movie star?
[Imitating Han]
Virgil Hu: "Hi, I'm Chow-Yun Fat. I'm sorry, I-I-I thought I was going to be fucking your girlfriend tonight. I guess I'd better just go home and stroke myself weally good. Weally weally good.
[normal voice, as Ben and Han leave]
Virgil Hu: Hey! Come on! I was just getting started!

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Alternate Versions

In the version shown at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, Ben Manibag, played by Parry Shen, has taken part in the killing of a romantic rival, and towards the end he is heard saying, in effect, "Well, what I did wasn't right ...but I've got college to think about, and I've got a good life to look forward to, and I'm gonna move on."

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Connections

Referenced in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

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Soundtracks

Eskimo on Fire
Written and Performed by Versus (BMI)
Courtesy of the Artist

User Reviews

Mediocre, not much to remember

I picked up this movie at the recommendation of a friend, and must admit, I was less than impressed. It had a lot of potential, but the plot was all over the place. It felt like it was just too much going on during the 90 or so minutes of dialogue. What was worse was that they'd just jump into a scene, and add something in without any rhyme or reason. For example, right after the prostitute hotel scene, Ben narrates something about how his Academic Challenge team won the national championship. I felt they could've had something to elaborate on that moment, rather than just throw in a quick "Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you, we won the national championship." Ditto to the scene where one of the characters (IIRC Ben) wakes up in a daze, with a bloody nose, the result of cocaine. Not much of a build-up or anything. It's just BAM! All of a sudden, he's a cokehead.

This movie had potential, but was poorly executed IMO. With better pacing, and even writing, it could get a higher rating. But with such sloppy execution, I must give it a 4.