Upcoming comedy explores issues facing young audiences

After a three-year hiatus since his popular feature Bath Buddy, director Yi Xiaoxing has returned to familiar territory with his latest outing Godspeed, a road movie full of laughs.

The upcoming Chinese comedy, reminiscent of the American classic Meet the Parents (2000), features actor Fan Chengcheng as a video game engineer who is determined to impress his girlfriend's truck driver father, portrayed by actor Qiao Shan. However, while on a road trip with her parents to celebrate her grandfather's birthday, the protagonist encounters a series of mishaps, from accidentally driving the car into a ditch to causing chaos while under the influence of alcohol.

The movie had its premiere in downtown Beijing on April 24, gathering cast and crew such as actress Zhang Jingyi, who plays the daughter, and top comedic star Ma Li, who portrays the truck driver's wife.

Yuan Yun'er, a Beijing-based critic, said the story's light and humorous plot resonates with young audiences while exploring their major concerns, ranging from the clash of ideas between generations to navigating urban stress and finding the right work-life balance.

The film is scheduled to open on April 28, one day before the five-day Labor Day holiday, but is expected to face fierce competition as a total of 17 movies have been confirmed for release during this lucrative box-office season.