Fun to watch

I think this show deserves a better review. I actually really enjoyed watching it. Admittedly, a lot of the criticisms are true, the story is highly unrealistic, stretched thin, and uneven in many places. Some of the acting is not convincing, especially from some of the newer actors, though Claudia and Simon were both amazingly portrayed.

In my opinion, what sets this series apart are primarily two things. First, they tried to create something fun, exciting and most of all entertaining. It's a comedy-drama that succeeds in making the audience smile most of the time and occasionally cry. The characters and situations are exaggerated beyond expectations, but it isn't meant to be taken too seriously, it's more like a comic book brought to life. The second thing that makes this series special is the styling. Lot's of bold, saturated colors, fast camera changes, energetic music. It's almost like watching a music video. To underline the styling, one of the characters is a free-runner, emphasizing the energy of the production. Everyone looks like they just walked off a fashion magazine photo shoot. One memorable scene is when the wealthy Jennista walks down her spiral staircase wearing an all black dress with a white cat in one arm, probably inspired by Vogue from the 1930s or 40s.

In an interesting twist on the typical love story, here it's the men who are pure, innocent and devoted to their lovers while the women are fighting and generally making a fool of themselves. It's nice to see the stereotypes switched around.

If you're on the fence about whether or not to watch it, just watch the first 15-20 minutes or so. You will get a feel for the style of the show. It doesn't get any better - or worse - after that.

I would love to see the production team create a new season, though perhaps with new characters.

Citeste mai mult

The Underwear is one of my least favorite Thai dramas, but since I love Thai dramas, it's still watchable. I decided to watch The Underwear mainly because it is available on Netflix.
The writers took this one in a different direction by adding a lot of uncertainty to the story line and tackling more mature and unproven themes such as suicide. They should be commended for trying something new. For example, it's great to see a lesbian relationship and their struggles supported by the guys.
Right from the first episode it becomes clear that the main characters' destinies are far from certain. In most other Thai dramas, you know who is supposed to end up with whom and the fun is watching all the twists and turns before the inevitable happens. Don't expect to see much pure and innocent romance either. The problem is the creators are trying to beat Hollywood at their own game. Why bother to read the subtitles when I can get the same type of content in my native language?
Okay, so maybe it's worth watching for the "hot bodies"?

Citeste mai mult

This is the first of the Oh My Ghost (Haunting Me) movies. I was able to watch it on AsianCrush. Netflix is now streaming four sequels, but they start counting with the 2009 sequel. You'll have to add 1 to get the correct sequence number. You don't really need to see this to enjoy the sequels, but it's nice to know the backstories.

Of all the films, this one probably has the most coherent plot, which, of course, isn't saying much. It's slap-stick comedy with campy drag queens and ghosts. I found the humor hilarious. A few of the Thai puns fell flat in translation, but for the most part the English subtitles were really well translated. A great mix of situational comedy, self-deprecating humor and sexual innuendo. A special highlight are the drag costumes and wigs. In the sequels, the costumes become even more outrageous and the wigs even bigger. I also loved the references to Brokeback Mountain and Lord of the Rings.

If drag queens can make you laugh, you should definitely watch this and the sequels.

Citeste mai mult