Gay rom-com is a bit wobbly
The affable if uneven dramedy “Front Cover” tells the tale of Ryan (Jake Choi), a snobby, openly gay Chinese American fashion stylist assigned to work with sexy, seemingly homophobic Beijing actor Ning (James Chen), who’s in New York for a major publicity shoot. Two guesses what happens.
In typical rom-com style, this odd couple must endure each other until they bond during a heavy-handed photo session with a racist photographer. The guys then enjoy a lovely, enlightening visit with Ryan’s nail-salon-owning parents (Ming Lee and a wonderful Elizabeth Sung), followed by a visit to a gay dance club.
Later, aided by weed and booze (natch), the pair takes things a step further, an event that, given its insufficient preamble, rings a bit hollow.
Several more contrivances conspire against the new boyfriends, leading to an ending that’s more authentic and satisfying than much of what comes before.
Unfortunately, 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.
Still, it’s a root-worthy picture with its share of warm, amusing moments, an attractive pair of leads and a vivid use of Big Apple locales.
“Front Cover.” In English, Mandarin and Cantonese with English subtitles. Not rated. Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes. Playing: Sundance Sunset Cinemas, West Hollywood.