Movie Reviews: 'The Stand In,' 'Wild Mountain Thyme' And 'Minari'

This weekend, three new releases come to life on the big screen. First up is the semi-autobiographical "Minari," a story about one family's persistence in their pursuit of the American dream. The film stars Steven Yeun and Han Ye-ri as a married couple raising their kids in 1980s Arkansas.

Dreaming of Ireland basking in green? "Wild Mountain Thyme" has plenty of that green splendor to offer, starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan as a pair of star-crossed lovers caught up in their respective families' feud over a hotly disputed patch of land.

Finally, fans of Drew Barrymore can check out her new comedy, "The Stand In," in which she plays dual roles: a comedy diva and a wannabe actress.

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Here's what to see and what to skip this weekend:

“Minari” — Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri; directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Winner of both the Audience Prize and Grand Jury Prize at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari” is a love letter to the writer-director’s childhood days growing up in 1980s Arkansas.

At the center of the semi-autobiographical film is the Yi household, a Korean American family who relocates from California to rural Arkansas in pursuit of the American dream. Despite uncertainties and challenges looming ahead, patriarch Jacob (Steven Yuen) is eager to start afresh. Meanwhile, his wife, Monica (Han Ye-ri), and the couple’s American-born children — pre-teen Anne (Noel Cho) and 7-year-old David (Alan S. Kim) — are not entirely thrilled with the move, considering their new abode is practically located in the middle of nowhere.

As the Yis’ story unfolds, the narrative episodically depicts the family’s trials and tribulations through the eyes of the young precocious boy. In the end, what emerges is a compelling story of resilience, determination and grit in the face of setbacks and adversities brought on by a life-altering event.

See it. Drawing upon Chung’s personal touching story, the director has adroitly crafted a heartwarming and captivating film that is further elevated by Yuen’s Oscar-caliber performance.

Watch the trailer:

“Wild Mountain Thyme” — Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Jon Hamm; directed by John Patrick Shanley

Adapted from John Patrick Shanley’s 2014 play “Outside Mullingar,” the writer-director’s new romantic comedy follows the love story of Rosemary Muldoon (Emily Blunt) and Anthony Reilly (Jamie Dornan), two childhood pals seemingly destined to be each other’s betrothed.

Years later, however, the crux of the question still remains: Will Rosemary and Anthony, now in their 30s, finally be together or not? Well, if only Anthony could muster every ounce of his willpower to propose to Rosemary, then the mystery surrounding this Irish-set romance would be solved at once.

Enter Anthony’s wealthy American cousin, Adam (Jon Hamm), who lays his eyes on Rosemary. Will Anthony finally take Rosemary’s hand?

Skip it. The leads’ convincing performances cannot buoy a script that languishes on countless blarneys.

Watch the trailer:

“The Stand In” — Drew Barrymore, T.J. Miller, Ellie Kemper; directed by Jamie Babbit

In Jamie Babbit’s dark comedy about the vagaries of fame and stardom, Drew Barrymore plays Candy Black, a disillusioned comedienne extraordinaire consumed by success. One day, when her on-set diva tantrums turn vicious, the rich and famous star tumbles from grace. Luckily, she has the ginormous wealth to stay afloat.

Over the next five years, the once-upon-a-star will live in seclusion, drowning her sorrows in alcohol. It won’t be long before bad karma catches up when a judge orders the reclusive Candy to attend a 90-day rehab program. But wait! Candy has a plan to avoid the sentence altogether: Her former stand-in, the meek and wannabe-actress Paula (also played by Barrymore), can once again take her place.

Will Candy and Paula ever get caught red-handed?

Skip it. The screenplay feels half-baked, squandering Barrymore’s talent in the process.

Watch the trailer: