I saw “Better Luck Tomorrow” mainly for two reasons: The director from the last three the Fast and the Furious movies directed this, and that Han from the last three was also here. And when I talk about Han, I mean the character as well as the actor himself. So yes this did peak my interest, and I really liked Han’s character from the FnF series. Though, instead this movie is not car focused at all, instead it is a crime/drama and an independent film. No vast budget here, just a simple film. See what I thought after the jump.
The story is nice, because I know many of us can sort of relate. It is the story of an overachiever, Ben, who slowly starts to turn to the dark side of petty crimes. This all starts with him noticing that he gets no social respect or even any notice of his existence. But he is not alone, his gang incorporates; Han, Virgil and Daric. As their ego becomes even larger, so do their crimes. From petty crimes, to multi-thousand dollar scandals, but of course there is a girl in the mix. But no crime story is complete without the gang falling into a downward spiral of excessive fun and stupid mistakes.
Virgil, Ben and Daric planning an upcoming scam.
Even though this movie was made in the early 2000’s, the movie feels real 90’s. And because all the characters are in high school, you get a feeling of teenage angst. But you can totally get the feeling the same guy did Tokyo Drift did this movie; you get these similar monologues and scenes of characters. Though I think it fits better in this style of movie than it did in TD. And yes, this movie is far better than TD, the characters are actually believable, story line makes sense and the drama is real and not cheesy.
But I have to bring up the characters. They were by far the best part of the movie; both the acting and character creation was stellar. Ben is the nerd who knows it all, studies for his test and aces them right after. He is the calm, cool, collective man of the group. He calculates all the risks and can think his way out of any situation. Then we have Han, my personal favourite, just like in the FnF series. He is the charismatic and charming individual, and don’t you worry he still has a bag of processes snacks in his hand every minute. Than we get to Daric, the typical good boy: good grades, plays pinball and head of the mathletes. Lastly we have the goof: Virgil, a typical screw up always running his mouth off and getting the boys in trouble. Though he always gets what he deserves (usually an ass kicking from Han). Oh and a side note John Choe, Harold in Harold and Kumar, is also in here.
Han, Virgil and Ben looking over Daric's 'date'.
Nothing really bad I can say besides it is a bit generic when it comes to the story and general feel of the film. I was never bored or tired mainly because the characters do a good enough job to keep your interest.
Overall, I think folks who saw the last three FnF should definetly check out Better Luck Tomorrow as it is Justin Lin’s first movie. It is a fun high school movie with a dark overtone. Though I do warn you, there is a good amount violence and sex, just an FYI.
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