Netflix is set to give a second chance to the romantic comedy “Aloha,” starring Emma Stone and Bradley Cooper, when it debuts on the streaming platform this September. Directed and written by Cameron Crowe, the film has long been labeled a flop despite featuring a star-studded cast that includes Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride, and Alec Baldwin.
“Aloha,” which hits Netflix on September 1, has been the subject of controversy and criticism since its release nearly a decade ago. Crowe, known for hits like “Say Anything…” and “Jerry Maguire,” faced significant backlash for this film, which failed to resonate with both critics and audiences. The film’s failure is notable given its impressive ensemble and Crowe’s esteemed directorial reputation.
A key point of contention was the casting of Emma Stone in the role of Captain Allison Ng, a character of one-quarter Hawaiian and one-quarter Chinese descent. Despite the film’s attempts to address the casting choice, Stone herself has acknowledged that her involvement might have been misjudged. Crowe defended the decision by stating that Ng was inspired by a real-life Hawaiian local, but this explanation did little to quell the debate.
The film’s issues extend beyond casting controversies. “Aloha” is criticized for its lack of engaging characters and uneven storytelling. The movie’s production problems are evident in its disjointed editing and confusing plot decisions, such as abrupt scene transitions. One notable example is a sequence where Cooper and Stone’s characters magically appear at the top of a mountain without any explanation.
Additionally, “Aloha” is plagued by an overly sentimental storyline that many viewers found difficult to endure. The film’s attempts at quirky humor and illogical moments, including a silent “conversation” between characters, contributed to its struggle to connect with audiences.
Despite these shortcomings, many films have found renewed success on streaming platforms, and “Aloha” could potentially experience a similar revival on Netflix. As the film arrives on the platform, it will be interesting to see if it gains a new following or remains a curiosity of Crowe’s filmography.
For those interested in Emma Stone’s other work, her well-received comedies “Zombieland” and “Easy A” are currently available on Netflix as of July 1, offering a more favorable glimpse into her comedic talents.
