Hawaii

The People I've Slept With

By RICHARD KUIPERS

A People Pictures, 408 Films production. (International sales: Fame Universal Entertainment, Hong Kong.) Produced by Koji Steven Sakai, Quentin Lee. Executive producers, Tien Lee, Sam Kwok, Brian Yang. Directed by Quentin Lee. Screenplay, Koji Steven Sakai.
 
With: Karin Anna Cheung, Wilson Cruz, Archie Kao, Lynn Chen, James Shigeta, Chris Zylka.
 

A promiscuous woman with an unplanned pregnancy does whatever it takes to identify the father in "The People I've Slept With." Indie helmer Quentin Lee's fourth and best feature is a little too well behaved at times, but zips along nicely when its raunchier elements kick in. Appealing perfs by Karin Anna Cheung as the lady in question and Archie Kao ("CSI") as her latest conquest could help nudge the low-budgeter into minor theatrical play ahead of decent ancillary payoff.

"A slut is just a woman with the morals of a man," says Angela Yang (Karin Anna Cheung), an unabashedly horny thirtysomething who photographs her bedmates and gives them names like "Five-Second Guy." News that she's in the family way prompts DNA sample-driven reunions with the contenders, the funniest of whom is randy 20-year-old "Mr. Hottie" (Chris Zylka). Angela's genuine romance with corporate guy Jefferson (Kao) is charming; her banter with uber-gay best friend Gabriel (Wilson Cruz) is a little on the stale side. Veteran James Shigeta scores as Angela's wise, sprightly father. Tech package is at least OK, and sometimes better than that.

Camera (color, HD), Quyen Tran; editor, Aldo Velasco; music, Steven Pranoio; production designer, Mona Nahm. Reviewed at Hawaii Film Festival (American Immigrant Filmmakers), Oct. 18, 2009. Running time: 86 MIN.