52
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75RogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireRogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireOne thing that’s notable about Front Cover — and that sets it apart from Ang Lee’s nominally similar “The Wedding Banquet” — is that, though set in New York, its perspective and espoused values are finally more Chinese than American.
- 70Village VoiceRobyn BahrVillage VoiceRobyn BahrCome for the breezy chemistry, stay for the thoughtful exploration of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia via a cross-cultural love affair.
- 67The PlaylistChris EvangelistaThe PlaylistChris EvangelistaAs a filmmaker, Yeung has a keen eye for the quiet spaces where two people can learn more about each other than if they were holding a wordy conversation. If the director could just find a way to balance against his ho-hum dialogue and plotting, Front Cover would make more of an impression, instead of being the sweet but ultimately forgettable film that it is.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenThe Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenWhatever nuance can be found in Front Cover, the story of an openly gay fashion stylist and a seemingly homophobic Chinese movie star, belongs chiefly to the performances of Jake Choi and James Chen.
- 60VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyWhile there isn’t much subtlety or surprise in Yeung’s screenplay, his direction is restrained and graceful enough to make this a pleasant if unmemorable bittersweet love story.
- 60The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThough too slight to be memorable, the gay romance Front Cover takes a gentle, thoughtful look at the intersection of ethnicity and sexuality.
- 60Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinLos Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinUnfortunately, writer-director Ray Yeung leapfrogs over several key emotional beats and points of credibility. At the same time, he plies an ambitious slate of social, sexual and cultural messages, some more fully formed than others.
- 50Washington PostStephanie MerryWashington PostStephanie MerryFront Cover is weighed down by heavy-handed dialogue and a melodramatic score.
- 12Slant MagazineDiego SemereneSlant MagazineDiego SemereneThe very few instances where stereotypes are challenged are forced and didactically delivered.