Goodbye Samdal-Ri

I came to watch Welcome to Samdal-ri mainly to see my favorites, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun. I almost titled this review "Maybe I expected too much" only to be reminded I came to watch with that single motive. I was happy to see their antics and their playfulness both on display on plenty occasions. However when Episode 16 wrapped up I just sat there wanting but unable to identify where the series fell short. I keep on having nagging feelings of uneasiness throughout the show like either the original story started out with less cast or production started before the script was even complete. Did the production budget get cut? There seems to be hastily added storylines which are unnecessary and did not drive the plot.

The characters were not fleshed out well either.
I need to see Sang-tae's devastation. What was shows was just not enough that I can feel for him too. Instead he just comes across as a petty father who arrogantly holds his grief over and above everybody else.
Sang-do was not believable. I mean it takes a bit more personality under the hood to drive a yellow convertible. But Sang-do was made so dry he is like toast with no butter. In love for decades and he doesn't behave like a moth to a flame 24/7?
Eun-hye devolved into a shadow of her self from Episode 1 so fast I got whiplash.
Pan-sik was so comically written that his character only worked on the first few episodes. Unfortunately, when things got serious you could say he can be edited out so easily. Shame that the writers did not even attempt to keep him relevant to the story.

To be honest, the actors I felt did well with the lackluster material they had. Not sure what made such stars sign on this project but I would love to be the fly on the wall each time this was pitched.

Sadly, I do not think I will be watching this ever again.

Citeste mai mult

2019 remake that delivers what 2017 could not (CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT)

I started with the 2017 released but was left wanting as early as episode 2. Found this similarly titled series, not knowing it the 2019 remake, clicked on it for that fact alone. To be honest, I was very skeptical as well as dreading it would progress in the same manner as the original or worse as remakes go.

Pleasantly surprised this:
1) Had a more focused storyline;
2) Actors were more grounded in their roles;
3) Cast interacted with each other and the camera more naturally;
4) Backstories were put in where it was more logical and natural.

The introduction of an antagonist in Wayo's and Phana's story was surprising but not fully unwelcome. However I wish it was better developed and not inserted here, there and everywhere. Having said that though, in my opinion it is a step up over the multitude of side characters all wanting the Campus Moon in the original. 2017 was filled with women with weak established motivations who only distracted the story from moving smoothly along.

I want to find out what happens with Phana and Wayo's antagonist so I am crossing my fingers that there are plans to develop the couples' stories.

I loved all the couples and would love to know where life took them. Until then, I will spend a couple of weekends watching this series again.

Citeste mai mult

Came for Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin, then left with Jo Yi Geon

The gist of the story would have you go 'Okay, that sounds interesting...' and that is what happened to me. Then I got more enthusiastic after seeing Gong Yoo (Silenced) and Seo Hyun Jin (Why Her?) in the cast. The first episode's opening moments got me hooked and at its end, I was feeling for Jeong Won (Gong Yoo) the most.

IMO the writer and its director struggled with the backstories. The presentation just did not flow seamlessly which made my experience with the series quite unsettling and unfulfilling. Like how episode 2 opened with a totally new character and you're thrown in the past grasping at straws to make sense of it all.

Then there is Yun Ji Oh (Jo Yi Geon/ Cho I Geon) who was forgotten in limbo land for most of the episodes. He was, for most of the time, the a$$holic man candy who was quickly shoved into a hero position to save every one.

Then there's the abusive father. His hospital bed scenes were so unnecessary. It would have been more effective had he been in his virile and vile self, in Jeong Won's and Seo Yeon's (Jung Yun Ha) flashbacks.

The acting I enjoyed. No surprise there. It's what carried me through to the last episode. I just will specially mention that as much as No In-Ji raged to protect Jeong Won, it was her soft moments that I find special. I melted every time No In-ji smiled. But I still enjoyed her several displays of physicality.

The music is enjoyable too. Now where is that rock music available?

Unfortunately, there is little chance I will rewatch The Trunk. But I will look out for a spin off. I am curious about Yun Jin Oh. His transition from keeper to husband-for-hire for one. Also, he was tagged by the writer as cruel. To me he was the most straightforward character amongst the lot. He knew what/who he liked and he expressed it. He also was loyal to the very end. There's very few people in the world like that and I am intrigued how he came to be and why he is so devoted to the crazy selfish bish.

Citeste mai mult

Starlit? More like gaslit.

The show started quite promising. It is a Chinese-Korean talent search basically with quite a big pool of talented trainees (and some not-so talented ones thrown in the mix) from various countries. The issues started early in the first episode which only worsened in the second nor did it get better in the episodes that followed. There are great moments like epic performances or when coaches would interact and provide guidance/help. However there was not enough to redeem the show. Unlike most survival shows that aired before 2024 the Starlight Boys voting process requires you to essentially buy in order to vote. There are tiers of how many times you can "light up" your favorites and this is based on your active subscriptions. There are other options all of which requiring a purchase. Thus you can say fans bought spots for every single one of the debuting members of Polarix.

In terms of talent, if this is not the only survival show you have seen through, there is quite a disparity in skills among the members which in my opinion should be one of the initial concerns for their management. This can be the team's primary challenge yet one cannot discount the fan's displeasure for the resulting lineup that could be the straw that will break the camel's back. Hopefully their management will take these hardships and turn them into a positive driving force for Polarix.

I don't know and cannot fathom who Starlight Boys was created for. The show was derailed and its premise lost quickly. I love music and K-pop. I survival shows for the teaching moments, funny interactions, and trainee camaraderie. I respect hard work and ambition. But I found myself dropping this show. However, to be fair and in order to write this review, I watched every single episode, highlight, etc.

Starlight Boys was a SHOW. It really was down to its core. It threw around beautiful words like Polaris and Guider but its significance and meaning was lost as early as the first episode. As I write this, the world has kindly rated the show a 6.6.

Citeste mai mult

Better season due to entertainment value, cast and show format

Each time I go into watching dating shows, I go into it to be entertained, to be moved and be engaged by the cast. To me, the show is a real-time evolving narrative where I only get to see an edited final material. Thus I base my opinion on what I have been fed. Although the characters' were cut from the same cloth as those from previous years, their emotions and thoughts were played out more for the audience to see this time around in my opinion. The show's producers signed on individuals that were more vocal, controversial, spirited and immature then put them in almost continuous jarring situations as soon as they arrive, on their first breakfast in Paradise, and as soon as people get back to Inferno. All of which make for jaw-dropping, tearful, infuriating, questionable, frustrating and explosive moments which for viewers like me was entertainment gold.

I admit I came for the train wreck, but I also enjoyed seeing the camaraderie amongst the cast members which came across as genuine amongst some. The pressurized atmosphere was lifted by the occasional display of lighthearted banter. That is another thing this season had shown more of and it was heartwarming.

I recommend you watch Single's Inferno Season 3. Kick it off with a bowl of Bugles with Chex Mix, sit back and enjoy the ride. You may even be compelled to leave a comment, just as I did, for some reason or another. If you judge by the comments, it is quite polarized. Therefore, there is a big chance you come out hating it or loving it. Nonetheless, I wish you happy viewing!

Citeste mai mult