Gameboys: The Movie (2021)

Mahal kita (I love you)

This film is indeed a long time coming. Being born from the initial outbreak and lockdown in the Philippines, Gameboys is an inspiring piece of work that reminds us that even through great adversity, love and family are still the most powerful things we have.

The film is a fabulous mix of the camera style we got to love from the original series, while also expanding upon it with scenes where our beloved characters are seen actually together in person. The obvious juxtaposition of the movie from the original series is just amazing to see, while the cinematography and the obvious regard of color theory was just exquisite. Its production is the opposite of disingenuous to its fans, and we loved to see it.

The story is a direct sequel to the events of the original series. We see Cairo and Gavreel, along with Pearl and a few not so surprising characters, go through the brief time the main couple is allowed before Cairo leaves for Bukidnon. And of course, along the way, there has to be some drama. And drama it was. Makes-you-want-to-punch-someone-on-the-face level of drama, but best you check that out on your own. ;)

Highlights include the character developments of Terrence, Wesley, and Achilles. They had such great potential from the original series, and I loved that they were given a chance to elaborate on their somehow complicated relationship. That, among other parts, of course, was straight up proper queer representation. Heteronormative tropes say what? We don’t know her.

Another highlight is the tita Susan character which was so on the nose on the cliché über religious Boomer. I mean, she was clutching a Santo Niño at the start like it was a purse! She is the epitome of what we of the LGBTQIA+ abhor and fight against. Kudos to the actress. I genuinely wanted to throw her off a cliff, and that’s a complete complement in this regard. It’s quite a toxic character, and a reality a lot of people in the community from predominantly Roman Catholic countries like the Philippines have to face so often. My heart goes out to them.

The character is clearly a commentary on how Catholics seem so ready to involve themselves with the affairs of the LGBTQIA+. They seem so ready to give their unsolicited and baseless opinions as if the LGBTQIA+ are a commodity or an object they can just play with and never take seriously. It’s such a curious reality in our world. Like us being gay somehow is about them. Not us. THEM.

The character and her part in the story reminded me of a quote from Into the Woods: “Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see and learn."

Fact of the matter is that children listen and remember the words that you may have thought wouldn’t leave a scar. Words or comments that seem to be so light to you can have a tremendous and lasting effect on others. Words can leave scars, and children do remember. I hope this message resonates with every person who sees the film. We have to be careful with what we say, even to children.

We as LGBTQIA+ stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We have to fight for our rights. Grinning and bearing the lashing words of the ignorant can only get us so far; we don’t deserve to hide who we are and who we love. A message I hope that resonates with everyone who sees the film is that whether you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or otherwise, remember that we are all part of the fight. We have to do our part to battle for our rights. LOVE WINS ALWAYS.

Lastly, of course it won’t be surprising that So, Canlas, and de Santos gave fabulous performances reminding us why we loved Gameboys in the first place. Our boys have come so far from where they started. Cairo and Gavreel have gone through so much during this pandemic, and they do deserve the happiness they fought for. Canlas and de Santos really make us feel the hardships and emotions of being LGBTQIA+. It feels so real. It feels so right. Pearl, on the other hand, ever so charming, is a cherry on top of this Gameboys cake, she deserves all the love, too.

To end this, it was very humbling to be reminded subtly of the adversity COVID has wrought upon the Philippines and the world. Love and family can be the last things we hold after experiencing so much hardship and death. We fight on with those we love and care for with our heads high and continue the good fight. COVID may have ruined a lot of things for us, but it can’t ruin the human spirit.

Gameboys the movie is a solid 10/10 from this fan.
ALL THE KILIG IN THE WORLD!

P.S. if you’re a fan, you probably already know that Season 2 of Gameboys comes after this film, so keep excited! It’s far from over!

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Romantic, passionate and mind blowing

All I'm going to say is this movie had me in an emotional wreck. Lord this movie was amazing. I’m still crying. The end when they made love was the most romantic thing I have ever seen. It was like both of their souls left their bodies. The amount of passion they put into that was incredible. It was as if they would never see each other again. The acting in this was mind-blowing. I was about ready to fight Gav aunt, I’m talking about being ready to go to war. She was so homophobic it pissed me off. Then basic told them the love they had was nothing. And I’m so glad Gav drug her to filth . You husband cheating on you so worried about somebody else happiness .

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Truly Beautiful and I need more of this couple!

This movie has made me once again love Philippines BL. Cause I stopped watching it and this movie is going to make me SLOWLY start to trust Philippines BL again (gonna be selective as h#ll, but still gonna try to watch them again).

Story-10/10
I am giving it a ten. Cause eventhough there is a character there that I believe should kick rocks, it still told us a story that was real and beautiful. It dealt with issues that I actually was not expecting and it was handled well.

Acting/Cast-10/10
Everyone was so perfect as thier characters (even the one that I believe should kick rocks, cause that character made me develop such a hatred towards them).

Music-10/10
The music fit the mood and was so beautiful and emotional and so heartbreaking.

Rewatch Valu-10/10
I am giving this a 10 cause yes, I would pay money AGAIN to watch this movie and cry like an idiot again.

Overall-10/10
I enjoyed this movie so much that as of right now, it has pivoted ro the top two BL's that I have watched so far in 2021. I would wholeheartedly recommend this movie to anyone, especially to someone who misses the characters of Gavreel and Cario.

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This does not disappoint.

I thought it was great. I liked the character development and interactions with each other. There was equal parts drama and pure fun. And the drama felt real, not silly like many of the BL shows. The crying scenes were so good with Cai and Gav, and of course the sex scene. I liked the Hello, Stranger movie, but it had most of the typical tropes and predictable ending. This movie did not. The drama felt natural and they actually talked about things and made rationale decisions. Nothing about it felt forced or cheesy. The secondary couple were great too. The ending was sad but cute. And knowing there will be a second season made me happy.

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"I Am Destined to Fall In Love With You.."

After trying to find a way to watch this movie forever and a day, it's finally happened. I got to see Kokoy and Elijah once again, put on an amazing performance, and give us the movie we deserved. Gameboys: The Movie was an incredible watch with endearing significance and harsh reality. If anything, this movie made me 10x times more excited for season 2 coming in May!

Let's Dive In.

Gameboys The Movie is the continuation story of Gav and Cai from the original tv series, Gameboys. Here, we get to see them be boyfriends in a domestic sense, giving us some really cute and tropey goodness. Their friends eventually come along for the ride, and the movie goes on exploring their different options while executing the good and the struggles of Gav and Cai.

Starting off with what needed some work: I'm going to expect we got a somewhat open-ended circumstance because we'll get an actual conclusion in season 2. I'm not sure if the series will continue right where we left off, or will time have passed, and that's where we begin their story? I know that season 2 is supposed to showcase some parts (if not all) of the movie, including some things we didn't see, but I for sure hope that it won't just be the movie cut up in parts (the reverse version of the K-BL industry) and we actually get a lot of new content. I didn't necessarily mind the open-ending, but I'm curious if Gav does end up going to New York, or if Cai goes with or stays behind. I'd rather have a conclusion altogether (even if sad) than an ambiguous ending (however, this is just me being nit-picky, and until season 2 comes out, I'll suspect we do get our conclusion if the series is more than just the movie).

I was never a big fan of Wesely and Terrence in the series, and that didn't change in the movie. There was too much back and forth that the story didn't develop well enough for me to care. Now granted, I didn't watch their side series (again, cause I wasn't interested), but I don't think I needed to watch to understand what was happening. It's was weird for him to be upset in then in the blink of an eye, holding Wesley up against the wall, about to pounce on him. Sure, the actors are cute, and their characters have a brief engaging moment, but their chemistry is very lacking. While Achilles felt artificial, I think I would've rather him and Terrence end up together, otherwise, he added nothing more to the plot for me.

Another knit-picky moment. As much as I love when Gav and Cai call each other baby, they over-exerted the word in this movie. Every sentence ended or started with baby. Sometimes Gav just needed to drag the word on for longer than needed, or Cai would repeat it several times in a row. At a certain point, you start to roll your eyes at how incredibly ridiculous it was. Not the biggest problem, but one of the more annoying ones.

Moving on to what I love: A lot of the time, what BL tends to do (which isn't bad, but it's not always realistic) is skip over the homophobia that the main leads' family, friends, or outsiders could, and some of the times, do have. I appreciate that the series makes it one of the more important topics. It doesn't end the way we would've liked it too, but sadly, not everyone in a gay person's life is off-the-bat accepting or understanding. The approach this movie takes is one I rarely see in BL, with being gay being compared to religion. Tita Susan weighs religion heavily on sexuality, and we can see that fear in Gav's eyes when she does. It doesn't end well, We don't see Tita Susan again after Gav comes out to her, we don't see her respecting or accepting Gav's reality, and we probably never will. It's a sad circumstance for sure, but I can always appreciate an honest movie.

Kokoy and Eljiah have no problem in the chemisty department. I loved watching them be all domestic together. We got to see some really nice scenes with them, not all good moments, but by them just being together, you can see how much they care. I loved how they didn't rush into sex and took their time. Pearl teases a bit, and it becomes awkward, but Gav shows that he wants to wait until Cai was a hundred percent ready. After some very sappy singing, they roam off to their room and make love. I say make love cause it was executed just as that, and brilliantly. We get to see how soft and gentle Gav was being, and just them being in ecstasy and in love. we also see them switch which was a nice surprise. Another good thing about them is that there aren't those distinct top/bottom tropes or traits and they are just who they are. The actors always do an excellent job in this category, and I'm never left disappointed.

Pearl was the best side-woman a gay man could have. She looked as beautiful as ever, and I can't help but fall in love with her bubbly personality.

The production was really nice, the set was so beautiful with the water fountain. I was obsessed with the music here, just cause it added that little oomph to make the series magical. I never really rewatch, but I've already seen this movie twice, so I'll definitely come back.

Ratings:

Story: 9 - For the most part, I loved the story. I'll take a star off for the poor execution of Terrence and Wesley, but other than them I loved it.

Acting: 8.5 - Everyone did a really good job, especially our main leads. The only person I wasn't much of a fan of was probably Wesley's actor. It was flat at times, and he didn't make many expressions. Terrence is okay, and Achilles is decent.

Music: 7 - Loved the OST, and can't help but be obsessed with the "Iyong Iyo" song by Zack Tabudio. It's so beautiful, please go take a listen if you haven't.

Rewatch Value: 2.5 - I wouldn't be surprised if I did go back to watch this after some time. I'm definitely going back occasionally to see Gav and Cai be domestic boyfriends.

I highly recommend this movie if you can find it, but it's worthwhile. I promise you, if you've waited this long to see it, don't give up on trying to find it. It was so magical, and I want everyone who wants to watch it to do so.

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Decent sequel to good prequel...

This movie gives curious viewers the long awaited (ok maybe not long, but awaited) answer to what happened when after the boy´s finally got to spend time together outside the screen.

It was nice to see that cast again as well as see them interact and face reality as well as a pretty homophobic relative...

Making way for some pretty slightly cliche but good lines. The movie also includes the all important:

" safety first before you thirst"

As well as the all important waiting and feeling in your significant other though it may be hard... (pun intended), but that is part of the safety I guess...

This movie on it´s own is probably worth 7 or 8 stars but if you have a slight crush or soft-spot for the group of friends from the series you are bound to fall in love with them again here.

I also want to give this extra points for something that could be considered a spoiler so I will mention it in the comment section.

In conclusion, if you loved the drama you will probably love this if you thought the drama was mediocre well... just skip it and watch something else. If you have not seen the drama, go watch the drama first!

Oh and the use of face-masks was just perfect, so well done, they deserve a round of applause!

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A Beautiful Transition To The Second Season

When I heard that there was a movie coming out for Gameboys before the second season, I was shocked! It seems like this content is just flying out so fast, season 1 seems like it came out just yesterday! Regardless, I was very excited. I loved Gameboys the first season, it was a breath of fresh air and I fell in love with Gav and Cai's love story. I had no clue what this movie was going to even cover because it was so up in the air...and then the clip was released. Bruh XD the creators of this know their audience!

Let's move onto the plot. It wasn't what I expected. I did expect an exploration of physical intimacy (we'll get into that more later lol) but that was about it. Then we throw in our side characters becoming a couple (Terrence and Wesley), Achilles dealing with the fact that he gave up on Terrence and now he's found someone else. Pearl being a queen as usual and a homophobic aunt that made me want to punch a hole in my computer screen. There was both a lot going on and also not a lot going on. It was done very well! Part of me wishes though that we had explored more outside of the house and the beach, but I get it was still quarantine and there's only so much they could do.

On to the acting. The actor who plays Gav (Kokoy), phenomenal in this. Literally heartbreaking. He's such a happy, borderline carefree and comedic presence in Gameboys season 1 that this switch up hurt even more because of that! Like dang his acting chops came out in this and I was so impressed. He portrayed grieving and panic attacks so well, where in the series we got bits of it but not nearly as clearly as in this. We also really got his love for Cai in this too. Dude's been acting since 2013 I guess and it shows!
Cai's actor (Elijah) was really good too! He continued with his characters hesitation in this, but opened up soooo much throughout the film and especially at the end. It was really beautiful to watch! Him standing up for not only Gav, but himself and his friends for being lgbtq had me shouting with him! So solid and the line "please don't use god's name to perpetuate your hate" was perfection.

Sooooo...the moment we've all been waiting for. Gav and Cai's chemistry is through the roof. It really felt like I was just watching lovers in action throughout the entire film who have been separated for so long and are making up for lost time! I'm not sure how close Kokoy and Elijah are IRL but I could at least feel love through the screen so job well done. The kissing was no hold back, and okay realism when it comes to a love scene! What in the hell, I thought I was hallucinating. VERSE KINGS lmao, never something I've seen in really any queer content, let alone a BL! So beautiful, to the point where I teared up over a love scene because it was so intimate and sensual. Just the looks on their faces will get you I swear, let alone the body language and pacing of the scene. Raised the bar for sure!

Pay the $8 internationally if you can! It was definitely worth it and let's look forward to season 2! Keep up the stellar work everyone whose working on this.

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If you loved the series, you will love the movie.

Our babies are back!! As in love as we left them, ready to deepen their relationship!!

Now, as for technical aspects, is a total improvement, the colors, photography, camerawork, the acting, continuity... They made an awesome job with the 1 season of the series, it was almost imposible to believe that plenty of that was recorded with computers and phones. Now, being able to use good equipment, a bigger team, and be together on set, everything got elevated.

The acting was everything we could expect from this two talented actors. Being able to reciprocate in situ made the chemistry go even further, if that was even possible, they made it happen. The supporting cast delivered their roles, specially Pearl and Aquilles.

Plotwise, we got what we knew and continued where we left it. The characters dealing with their new realities, emotions and the family issues, this time more centered on Gab's side. It was very well delivered, i would have enjoyed a bit more time for the main couple to connect and all that. After the series, we all wished and were really invested into them having what the pandemic didn't let them before, and i feel like i needed a bit more of that here, just for them, just a bit more prior to all the people that came at once.
I kinda felt that Terrence and Wes relationship was a bit rushed and needed more story in between, i wished they didn't give us the rush and focus less on that here in the movie, but let it develop more in the 2 season. I feel like i haven't been able to really be invested in their story or see their fellings for each others and emotions develop or flow.

The endind is well thought for us to be eager to see what's next and ready to jump into the 2 season whenever they give it to us, but not too heartbreaking to leave us on the floor bawling our eyes out. A bittersweet but hopeful ending, for now, and we all know is just a see you later.

Overall it maintained the level of the series, and we reinforced the fact that we have here a perfect pairing of 2 of the best young actors from the Philippines with a magical chemistry shy to none.

Recommended? Wholeheartedly

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Even better than the series

For that whole year of waiting I was kinda anxious as to whether the new season/movie can actually top all the greatness that Season 1 delivered. And after seeing the movie last night, I am confident to say that it did, it topped it surpassed and went beyond all the kilig, the drama, and all that. The first few minutes were very reminiscent of season 1 and will remind you why you loved the series in the first place, the rest allowed us to see the development in the characters and their relationships. We all know that the main characters can really engage, but i also enjoyed seeing the secondary characters especially if you are like me who loved all that took place in Alt Gameboys 13.5 truly, I'll be a fan of this masterpiece forever. Expect great things ahead for season 2.

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A piece of art, spectacular, breathtaking, special, incredible, necessary, cute, sexy, comfortable.

This review is written in English and portuguese.
A piece of art, spectacular, breathtaking, special, incredible, necessary, cute, sexy, comfortable, the pillow that you embrace when you sleep, the warm bed sheet, something so close to reality that scares me a lot, how is this so good and so realistic? This movie was so hard to watch but it made me so addicted, all the points are so strong, the history, the action, the soundtrack, the comic reliefs at the right time, nothing random, nothing bad, this movie itself is art. It's so impressive to see something so good in the middle of a lot of bad series and movies that 2021 brought to us, this movie needs to stand at the podium, they are on the next level. The Gav role, the Cairo role, exactly... Every role in this movie it's pretty good, executed successfully, There's no bad points, this movie became something that needed to be seen, and ''the end'', it took me so much tears that I'm hiccuping.

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Uma obra de arte, espetacular, de tirar o fôlego, especial, incrível, necessário, fofo, sexy, confortável, o travesseiro que você abraça quando dorme, o lençol quentinho, algo tão próximo da realidade que me assusta muito, como é isso bom e tão realista? Esse filme foi tão difícil de assistir, mas me deixou tão viciado, todos os pontos são tão fortes, a história, a ação, a trilha sonora, os relevos cômicos na hora certa, nada aleatório, nada ruim, esse filme em si é arte. É tão impressionante ver algo tão bom no meio de tantas séries e filmes ruins que 2021 nos trouxe, esse filme precisa estar no pódio, eles estão no próximo nível. O papel de Gav, o papel de Cairo, exatamente ... Cada papel neste filme é muito bom, executado com sucesso, Não há pontos negativos, este filme tornou-se algo que precisava ser visto, e '' o fim '', me tirou tantas lágrimas que tô soluçando.

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