Rice Girl

The movie has a very good film quality not usually found in many indy productions... then again, this film obviously had some small budget. Being involved in the indy scene, though, it was nice to see something NOT filmed on a shaky digital camera and overexposed.

Not terribly well acted but definitely not the worst I've seen, the movie is a satire that pokes fun at Asian and Hollywood stereotypes, though not very convincingly. Instead of coming off as a satire, it comes off as simply over-the-top and cartoony, especially with the ANNOYING acting of the man who plays Eddy. This guy has a rubber face Jim Carrey would be envious of if it were not used to such poor effect.

Extras were in short supply here and the backdrops were very poor-man's-props, to the point that a donut shop looked like a tent. As I said, very indy, but the magic if indy film is using what you have on hand and making it look half-way plausible, so we'll overlook that. Characterization was shaky but not sure that was part of the 'satire' thing or not. The Christian overtones were unexpected but very welcome for their rarity. All in all, a cute film and worth checking out if you have some time to kill and appreciate independent cinema.

I was very entertained watching "Rice Girl"--I smiled or laughed all the way through. Cheryl Monk's facial expressions were precious--so much fun to watch. Fairly impressive cast for an Indy film with Pat Morita and Dean Haglund. Eddie's character was a clever use of anthropomorphism in switching between animal, human, AND guardian angel--quite cute.

My only concern: to enjoy this movie, one must appreciate the occasional sideline comedy "shorts" spread throughout the movie. It will probably be hard to find them all funny, but still clever nonetheless.

Rice Girl, a 2003 production directed by Michael Fischa with Cheryl Ling in her starring and writing debut as Windy Yee. This is the story of a struggling actress and her misadventures in trying to win the starring role of Hooker X a fictional major motion picture production.

Windy is told by her acting teacher Mr. Roulette that in order to get the part of Hooker X she must learn how to turn tricks, eat, breath, think, live and become like a hooker, none of which sits well with Windy's best friend and roommate Darla, a devout Christian. Windy dismisses her friends concerns and proceeds on her mission of obtaining her life long quest of movie stardom. While researching the role as Hooker X Windy is befriended by a real hooker, played by Jacqueline Jetter as Jaundra Rolle, meets a rouges gallery of characters along the way and after a prayerful intervention by her friend Darla, is blessed with the assistance of a guardian angel.

Rice Girl is an interesting mixture of physical comedy, slapstick humor, sex, and religion. Ms. Ling is a delight to behold, her physical presence, charm and over-the-top portrayal lends itself nicely to the role as the naïve and guileless Windy Yee who struggles to learn the part of Hooker X without actually letting it becoming part of her.

Rice Girl also stars many well known actors such as Ian Lithgow (Third Rock from the Sun), Martin Kove (Cagney and Lacy, The Karate Kid), Dean Haglund (The X Files), Joe Estevez and the late Noriyuki "Pat" Morita (Midway, Happy Days, Karate Kid).

Rice Girl is most definitely a guilty pleasure to watch and experience, slightly risqué, and a gentle and fun prod to those struggling to reach for the stars and determined enough not to give up.

Man, movie is a little quirky but hilarious. I watched it 3 times in two days. It was a little hard to follow at first but I got it. Very funny. Very quirk. Cheryl Ling looks good and the movie is original. 3 stars out of 4

This is a very fun movie. Lighthearted, goofy/silly comedy with facial expressions to match had me cracking up. There are scenes which are a particular riot, like when Windy sees the Russian acting coach and shows him her slapstick sample tape, and we see his reaction to it. And then there's the cop with the powdered donut, Windy chowing down on fish heads, and the wrestler with the Godzilla-ish roar to keep up the silliness.

I'd love to see more movies with Cheryl Ling, the character of Windy is wonderfully likable, even if not so bright.

This movie also carries a Christian message not normally seen in a Hollywood production, in a nice way.

I got some mileage out of the catchy "Sticky Rice" song, which stayed in my head but not in an annoying way.

This movie is good for people who like this type of humor. A word of warning: You may not want to watch it with your young kids unless you want to explain what a hooker is.