Background actor Willis Wu witnesses a crime in Chinatown while working on a TV show. As he investigates, he unravels a criminal web and experiences life in the spotlight he had dreamed of.Background actor Willis Wu witnesses a crime in Chinatown while working on a TV show. As he investigates, he unravels a criminal web and experiences life in the spotlight he had dreamed of.Background actor Willis Wu witnesses a crime in Chinatown while working on a TV show. As he investigates, he unravels a criminal web and experiences life in the spotlight he had dreamed of.
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Really happy to see Chloe Bennet again! Which is why I'm watching this. She is so awesome and gorgeous! She has such a great onscreen presence and charisma that really shows in her acting, and the roles she takes.
I've enjoyed all the episodes so far. I'm on episode 8 and it's gots its faults, but whatever, I'm sure I'll enjoy the rest of it.
I like the different atmosphere this show brings. The comedy from each of the characters has definitely pulled me in. It's a little wonky, and you're trying to figure what's really going on, but in a good, unique way.
Really hope for success with the show, with more seasons to come.
I've enjoyed all the episodes so far. I'm on episode 8 and it's gots its faults, but whatever, I'm sure I'll enjoy the rest of it.
I like the different atmosphere this show brings. The comedy from each of the characters has definitely pulled me in. It's a little wonky, and you're trying to figure what's really going on, but in a good, unique way.
Really hope for success with the show, with more seasons to come.
I'm not saying you have to be super intelligent to follow and enjoy this offbeat spectacular production but what I do believe though for inquisitive people searching for twists that add up and not the run of the mill entertainment there's proble no chance you wouldn't enjoy "Interior Chinatown". This being about my 250th review I've only given a 9 or higher about 35 times throughout my decade of reviews on IMDB which to me says a lot in it's self. If your unaware of the Hollywood era in TV/ Movies we currently are closing out of it's the Multiple dimensions era but what's so fascinating about this show it truly succeeded blending reality and the alternative so uniquely by squarely showing our inner anxieties, life regrets and persinal failures or ambitions so clear without pause you have no choice but to get fully swept into such a funny far out intricately woven story that turns out to be one of the truest tales ever told.. Highmarks all around Acting, Directing, Set design and casting but a super chef's kiss to the teleplay screenwriters for this outstanding idea perfectly fleshed out. BRAVO.
It's a mystery, you have to watch it to learn more.
This is a show that goes against the grain in a way that can be a bit uncomfortable or eve disservice the plot at times. I can't say it's beautiful or perfect, but there are fantastic qualities to it. The acting is fantastic, the actors change their quality and style of acting dependent on the genres of each scene, which switch between parody and existential mystery constantly. The style of directing, camerawork, writing/dialogue, and even color grading change depending on which type of cop procedural any one scene is parodying, though the majority target the more generic slew of bland, low budget, blue tinged cop TV.
It can feel cheesy at times, the visual effects/direction of some scenes come across as weak and distracting, some of the b-plots aren't particularly engaging and seem to conflict with the tone of the show, and sometimes some of the jokes or plot points are a bit obvious before they happen. The positives do a lot to make it still a fun watch, but they don't really go much of anywhere.
The chemistry between the leads is very high, the comedy lands well for anyone who's slogged through a dumb police procedural, the characters are fun to watch on screen. It's a parody of police dramas, a police drama, a period piece, a touching family story, a coming of age adventure, and an existential allegory, but the end result is less than the sum of its parts, no matter how nice those parts are.
The main thing though, is that it sacrifices it's satisfaction and entertainment value to serve its many interwoven, painfully obvious allegories. It was made to be and end somewhat uncomfortably and unsatisfactory on purpose, to serve a point, but that point was beaten so far to death over the course of the show that this was just... unnecessary. And at the cost of enjoying the thing I'm watching? Wasteful.
This is a show that goes against the grain in a way that can be a bit uncomfortable or eve disservice the plot at times. I can't say it's beautiful or perfect, but there are fantastic qualities to it. The acting is fantastic, the actors change their quality and style of acting dependent on the genres of each scene, which switch between parody and existential mystery constantly. The style of directing, camerawork, writing/dialogue, and even color grading change depending on which type of cop procedural any one scene is parodying, though the majority target the more generic slew of bland, low budget, blue tinged cop TV.
It can feel cheesy at times, the visual effects/direction of some scenes come across as weak and distracting, some of the b-plots aren't particularly engaging and seem to conflict with the tone of the show, and sometimes some of the jokes or plot points are a bit obvious before they happen. The positives do a lot to make it still a fun watch, but they don't really go much of anywhere.
The chemistry between the leads is very high, the comedy lands well for anyone who's slogged through a dumb police procedural, the characters are fun to watch on screen. It's a parody of police dramas, a police drama, a period piece, a touching family story, a coming of age adventure, and an existential allegory, but the end result is less than the sum of its parts, no matter how nice those parts are.
The main thing though, is that it sacrifices it's satisfaction and entertainment value to serve its many interwoven, painfully obvious allegories. It was made to be and end somewhat uncomfortably and unsatisfactory on purpose, to serve a point, but that point was beaten so far to death over the course of the show that this was just... unnecessary. And at the cost of enjoying the thing I'm watching? Wasteful.
Within one episode I usually know whether I'm going to stick with a show. "Interior Chinatown" is different. After watching 2 episodes, the jury's still out. So, what is this show about? The themes (so far) appear to be: what happens when we become personally defeated, how to offer support to others, and discovering our life's purpose and potential. This highly stylized show is a blend of fantasy, satirical comics, and slick Hollywood sets. The combo will work for some viewers. For others, it will be a sensory overload. Does this show overreach to impress and seduce the viewer? You be the judge.
First, some positives: outstanding set design and lighting. The quirky, effective music sets the tone. Overall the cast is apt, but several characterizations fall flat, primarily due to the direction. My favorite characters are Jimmy O. Yang as Willis (the central role), his buddy Fatty (Ronny Chieng), and Jimmy's dad (Tzi Ma).
One major drawback for me: the writing is uneven. There are some genuinely funny moments, but certain scenes go overboard with the physical gags. One example is when Willis attempts to enter a building... it drags on for way too long.
A few minor elements are dissuading: the amount of stuff jammed into the darkened homes of several Chinese characters is ridiculous. So they look like hoarders, just because they live in an older, cramped building in a sketchy area of town? Give me a break! Next: the heavy cosmetics on the lead detective (played by Lisa Gilroy) is too perfectly applied, which overplays the stereotype of typically attractive females in detective shows.
First, some positives: outstanding set design and lighting. The quirky, effective music sets the tone. Overall the cast is apt, but several characterizations fall flat, primarily due to the direction. My favorite characters are Jimmy O. Yang as Willis (the central role), his buddy Fatty (Ronny Chieng), and Jimmy's dad (Tzi Ma).
One major drawback for me: the writing is uneven. There are some genuinely funny moments, but certain scenes go overboard with the physical gags. One example is when Willis attempts to enter a building... it drags on for way too long.
A few minor elements are dissuading: the amount of stuff jammed into the darkened homes of several Chinese characters is ridiculous. So they look like hoarders, just because they live in an older, cramped building in a sketchy area of town? Give me a break! Next: the heavy cosmetics on the lead detective (played by Lisa Gilroy) is too perfectly applied, which overplays the stereotype of typically attractive females in detective shows.
A show that's actually unique and unpredictable. Glad one of my favorite critics said you have to trust the strange angles, beats and that many of the multiple questions will have payoff come in time. The first episode and a half are a bit of a struggle but with the whole season finished I'm glad they didn't feed us a lot of answers.
Funny, in a non-typical way but also in terms of real punchlines. Pretty well directed satire and some real good commentary on social issues, American contradictions and minorities being neglected as well as overtly mistreated. I don't feel like they forced the social commentary in there and it really is just a central part of the unorthodox flow. Really excited to see where they take it!
Any fans of non-formulaic stories, good acting, good comedy and strangeness should try. Just give it more than two episodes.
Funny, in a non-typical way but also in terms of real punchlines. Pretty well directed satire and some real good commentary on social issues, American contradictions and minorities being neglected as well as overtly mistreated. I don't feel like they forced the social commentary in there and it really is just a central part of the unorthodox flow. Really excited to see where they take it!
Any fans of non-formulaic stories, good acting, good comedy and strangeness should try. Just give it more than two episodes.
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEarly in the series, Willis (Jimmy O. Yang), Fatty (Ronny Chieng), and Carl (Chau Long) see Detective Lana Lee (Chloe Bennet) on TV and debate her possible ethnicity: Carl declares, "she looks Thai," while Fatty argues, "Dude, she's clearly Korean. Know your Asians." In fact, Bennet is the child of a white mother and a Chinese father. Earlier in her acting career she changed her last name from Wang to Bennet (her father's first name) after encountering casting agents who said they were unable to cast her as Asian or Asian American characters, but her name precluded her consideration for white characters either.
- How many seasons does Interior Chinatown have?Powered by Alexa
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