Five Blind Dates 2024 Movie Review

Despite boasting an almost entirely Asian-Australian cast and a captivating performance by Hu, “Five Blind Dates” falls short in delivering genuine laughs or romantic sparks. The courtship it portrays feels tired and unconvincing.

However, Hu’s script, co-written with Nathan Ramos-Park, compensates for its lack of broad comedic appeal with its astutely observed cultural nuances.

Lia, a relatable and intelligent young woman, left her small-town origins for the bustling city lights of Sydney. There, she established “Bobo’s Tea Time,” a Chinese teahouse honoring the traditions passed down by her late grandmother. Despite her efforts, the business is struggling, with Sydney locals showing more interest in Taiwanese bubble tea than in authentic Chinese offerings.

Summoned back to her suburban hometown of Townsville for her sister Alice’s engagement party, Lia is advised by a fortune-teller to embark on five blind dates before the wedding, promising to solve both her romantic and business woes.

Reluctantly, Lia agrees to her sister and estranged parents’ matchmaking attempts, hoping to find her soulmate among a series of eligible bachelors.

While the premise holds promise, “Five Blind Dates” repeatedly disappoints due to its lackluster dialogue and underdeveloped characters. The film relies heavily on genre stereotypes, from the obligatory gay best friend to the predictable childhood friend who may hold the key to Lia’s heart.

While romcoms don’t necessarily need groundbreaking originality, they do require a healthy dose of love and laughter. Unfortunately, despite Hu’s commendable efforts, “Five Blind Dates” fails to deliver, leaving audiences with a weak brew indeed.