“Always Be My Maybe” (2019) and rules for being human

Ali Wong/Netflix’s “Always Be My Maybe” is a very funny rom-com, with a terrific self-mocking turn by Keanu Reeves. Under its radical existence as a new entry in the “Crazy Rich Asians” sub-genre, there are also very sharp observations about changing gender roles. Basically, Ali’s successful restauranteur circles around falling in love with her childhood friend (Randall Park). He’s a bit of a slacker, with “failure to launch” written all over him, and the movie is about his willingness to stretch, as well as be willing to be the secondary as opposed to primary “winner” in the family.

If I remember correctly, “Notting Hill” did a similar riff, with an “ordinary guy” bonding with a superstar, and the star having to deal with her sense of who an appropriate partner might be. I THINK I’m remembering properly.

There will be more such films, as the gender dynamics shift. I hope that the makers are wise enough not to think male aversion to being outpowered is purely about male ego. If you don’t also deal with the very clear attraction women have to power, and the way they can reject guys without resources (in the same way guys can and do reject women they consider unbeautiful) you are caught in the gender wars rather than helping to bring peace.

Anyway…very very enjoyable movie. Very honest, very funny. Ali Wong for the win.

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Seeing how shifting gender dynamics affect behavior demands that we not take the politicized…