I found this movie at the public library. I never heard about it playing in theaters. I loved "You and Me and Everyone We Know" by Miranda July so I thought I'd give this one a try. It helped that it was about a Chinese-American family as I am Chinese American myself. There is a sensitivity in the handling of the characters' emotions that is different from 99% of movies out there, an authenticity and empathy that precise depicts the awkwardness and unspoken despair and silly sadness of everyday life. Some scenes were a little unconvincing and undeveloped or outlandish, but for the few brief moments of genuine emotion this movie captured, it was worth it. Naturally I give this a thumbs-up as I would like to see more movies from the Asian-American perspective. Usually Asian-Americans are the side characters..in this one the non-Asians are.

Don't think that I have a fondness for this film because it features a chubby 13-year-old with glasses and no clue as to what life is about. I assure you that it is not my biography - although it could very well be.

The award winning film at Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards is a cute and poignant coming-of-age tale about a Chinese-American (Jeffrey Chyau in his first role) who is lost until he meets Sam (Sung Kang - War, Live Free or Die Hard),a Korean-American, who seems to have it all together.

Sam is really a man with problems of his own and not a great role model. Fortunately Ernest does get into a lot of trouble with him.

It is interesting to see Ernest trying to find love and stumbling badly at that. he is floating, with his father not around to provide guidance, and his alcoholic mother no help at all.

Asian-American stereotypical behavior aside, it is a worthwhile film to catch when it plays on the Sundance Channel.

The movie is not rated. It would be an R with the brief nudity, sexual situations, and occasional bad language (MF bomb).

The film starts out on a light note with 13 year old Ernest eating an egg roll sitting on a dumpster outside a Chinese restaurant. He is smitten by a 15 year old girl working at the restaurant with whom he shares life and growing up experiences. Ernest is in love, while the girl (Christine) doesn't hold the same feelings. (Such is life.)

There are some funny scenes and others that make you feel awkward. (Spoiler) The best acting scene was at the very end when he comes face to face with his mother. There is no conversation, just a look of understanding on both their faces. This would have been a great turning point for the film, but alas it ends here. Made me hungry for more.

Has anyone else ever eaten 3 day old Popeye's chicken they found left behind in a Motel room?