Shanghai Calling 2012

Andy Webster, New York Times: Though Mr. Hsia, a television alumnus who also wrote the script, has created a somewhat predictable story infused with stereotypes old and new, he gains mileage from light humor, buoyant energy and some appealing performers. Read more

Rex Reed, New York Observer: The camera work is beautiful, and the script is mostly crisp even though the spoken English without subtitles is sometimes as confusing as the Mandarin. Read more

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times: [A] modest charmer. Read more

Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic: Daniel Henney is personable as Sam, and Eliza Coupe is even more so as Amanda. Daniel Hsia wrote and directed with agility, and he makes sure that his story doesn't get in the way of his presentation of the city. Read more

Ella Taylor, NPR: Shanghai Calling doesn't aspire to fresh insight, let alone profundity. But it's nice to see the American migration narrative get out of the house for some fresh air. Read more

Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News: A clear affection for its subject and setting help deepen Daniel Hsia's otherwise shallow romantic comedy. Read more

Farran Smith Nehme, New York Post: It's a sharp setup - a rich American learns what it's like to be steamrolled by unfettered capitalism - but the script cushions things completely. Read more

Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle: Throughout there are jokes that feel like in-jokes, about Chinese customs and business practices, but viewers will catch on, just as a visitor might, and start to get the feel of things. Read more

Matt Singer, Time Out: Through it all, Henney is an appealing screen presence, but he's trapped in a movie that puts regurgitated sitcom shtick and regional economic boosterism ahead of character and humor. Read more

Nick Schager, Village Voice: Shanghai Calling eventually reveals itself to be just another stale tale about the virtue of morality over ambition ... Read more