Like in the Movies

Didactic and a dud - not good, and it's all the fault of the scriptwriter...

There are only two good things about this overhyped, overrated, over-preachy BL/series: (1) the good-looking lead actors (Paolo tried his best but still needs a lot of learning in so far as acting skills is concerned; Ian's theater background helped him, although it really showed that his brand of acting, lacking cinematic nuance, is better for theater), and (2) the effort to showcase various musicians in the Philippines (although it would have been better if they took the effort to find musicians who can compose original music for it)

There, those are the only good things. Here are the awful, bad things:

1) The script by the supposed scriptwriter, Juan Severo, is absolutely lacking in cohesion and direction. He may have based it in an online story he developed earlier, and though fans praise that piece, it doesn't necessarily mean that the said piece would effectively translate as basis for a series/mini-series. God knows how I gave this series a chance due to the self-serving releases of the big studio that funds it, that company Globe Studios owned by the giant Philippine telecoms company. You would imagine the promise this series must have to warrant such an investment from a huge studio. In short, I had absolutely high expectations, especially since the writer is supposed to be this acclaimed poet with a huge clout, actually an influencer. I expected no less than at the very least something really entertaining and something well-crafted. But no. I sat though FIVE EPISODES WITH NOTHING HAPPENING, UNBELIEVABLE. I thought, how dare these people waste my time! Five episodes with nothing but this couple fighting over dishes? Are you guys serious? And yet the hype machine of this influencer-writer and the studio that backed this project is even more unbelievable. And how about the director? He agreed to direct a series with nothing happening in more than half of its duration? Am I watching a BL or an absurdist play? It's either of two things - the writer is too spoiled and he can't be called out to revise his script, or he is surrounded by fools who have no idea where they are throwing their money at. By the time I reached the 6th episode, thank god something finally happened, there was that good moment of release from both characters, which led me to think that perhaps this BL/series would have worked if it were a short film, just that one episode to stand for the whole thing, And then there came the 7th episode where there was a retreat to a usual BL trope, the identity crisis, which is ill timed, after the leap and the progress that the 6th episode finally achieved. We regressed, and i was wondering how this scriptwriter would bring it back forward again. Eventually, by the 8th episode, it's obvious they just really want it to end in the usual ways they have been ending every lacking episode: with a placard declaration. This writer is not a scriptwriter, he is a slogan writer. He is incapable of developing rich characters with depth, unable to construct scenes that are engaging and concrete, but worst of all, he had the audacity not to be corrected or ask for help, or not even identify the loopholes in his script. I think he absolutely believed all his fans, rather scary in their being rabid (I saw them campaign to have negative reviews taken down), when they delude him in declaring that he created a "masterpiece." Really? Wow. And this from a scriptwriter who dare find loopholes in Thai BLs and other BLs in his own country, and even Thai BL actors. But again, I'd give it to him, he writes ok slogans, and at least he is vocal about the abusive politicians in his own country. He shouldn't be writing BLs or any scirpts for that matter. Better enrol in scriptwriting basics first.

2) Bad cinematography, bad set design, and super bad lighting. I watched all 8 episodes squinting because of the damn lighting! Are the cameramen and lighting men of this series impaired with eye defects that they could not discern how dark their sets are? Again, uneffingbelievable! It's like the whole thing was shot in a cave, it's so annoying! To aggravate the lighting situation, the set is too strange-looking, it is so damn hard to suspend one's disbelief seeing how weird the setting is: a loft, with rooms the size of full apartments? Wow. How big are these rooms exactly coz they look like they are big enough to be occupied by families. But it doesn;t end there, coz adding to the strangeness of the setting's dimensions is that staircase that leads to the loft, which would make you wonder - how huge is this building if there are other loft units like this that have rooms as big as party places? See, we don't even deserve to be having these problems anymore and just watch and enjoy - but how, when you got no solid narrative to hold on to? When all that is such a big deal for at least the first five episodes is who should wash the dishes? And then there's the super bad cinematography. Example, I remember one episode where that Judith character was kissed on the cheek by her brother - when Ian rose to reach her, he totally blocked the camera! And you do not make mistakes like this in filmmaking, because these are too basic, too amateurish. Didn't the big studio bosses see this? And if they did, again, why didn't they intervene? And how about the director yet again whose command responsibility it is to fix anything and everything that are not working?

3) The overall pretense of the entire project. Self-conscious, self-praising and self-reflexive. What the script lacked in basic effectiveness in scene-building and characterizations, it overcompensated with tricks like referencing hit movies, Thai BL actors in the end credits, and other such gimmickry such as post-episode online discussions with cast and staff which they called "banlaw sessions"; and what for? For explaining each episode? For fanning unfounded, blind and rabid hype? Remember - the biggest sign that a work failed is when it needs to be explained. A good film , a good work of art, any good creation can stand on its own. But not this one, precisely because it is not even art. It's just 8 sets of 20-minute long drivels that refer to itself as important because it's supposed to be reclaiming the gay narrative? It seems that the powerful and clout-bearing scriptwriter also forgot that those things don't need to be brandished nor used as marketing tactics - you inject your message subtly into your work, not forcefeed it into people and yapping about it by getting characters to just mouth the declarations in unfounded scenes. I feel bad the most for its supposed market, its supposed audience, because they have been gravely tricked with this really lousy piece of script, so full of loopholes that just makes it easier for them to just fill in themselves. It's like a case of, as another viewer-friend pointed out, the audience just projecting what they want to see into it, because they've already been manipulated into liking it despite its mediocrity.

There, I got nothing more to say about this series which i am sure I will easily forget. If you have been lucky enough not to be tricked, don't worry, I swear you are not missing anything. Just read the wattpad version, or better yet just watch that one ok episode, episode 6. Believe me you don't need to waste your time on the before and afters. And as for its messianic self-important claims that it reclaims the gay narrative, that's a laugh. There are so many other gay narratives out there which do better in delivering their messages, seek those instead, there's so many of them, and definitely more worthy of your precious time.

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Like in the movies is one of the best Philippine bl to be ever made

Like in the movies is one of the best Philippine bl to be ever made. It's not just any tv drama, it's a swing of emotions. I loved each and every episode. Well written, produced and cast did amazing job portraying their emotions. I will treasure this series till the end of time. Karl and Vlad, the lead characters have such a beautiful chemistry. It's just too heart-warming and so real. Everything from episode one to eight is so natural and real, it feels like your inside this drama. Let me tell you that cinematography is just too perfect!

The side characters like Judith and Anna, make the story so alive. The dialogues are so mind blowing, it all connects here and there. If your a movie geek then this is the series is for you. so many Easter eggs here and there.

This is a must watch series! Everyone should watch Gaya Sa Pelikula. MUST WATCH!

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Memorable and Heartwarming

Though this drama doesn't bring anything new to the table, what it gives us is a well-written, non-sexualized approach to homosexual couples you don't often get to see. Like with a lot of BL, not much happens concerning the plot in these short 8 episodes. The story is character-driven. It focuses entirely on Vlad and Karl, the two protagonists, and their journey living together and growing closer with time. It's simple, and sometimes the dialogue can come off as preachy to some, but I really do believe that this drama is a great addition to the LGBT library, especially for young or otherwise closeted members of the community. It may be a bit heavy-handed, but the messages it offers are sometimes what you need to hear the most. For anyone who has been there before, it's relatable.

The couple in question is very realistic. Karl is more than closeted, he doesn't realize that he's gay until partway through the series. Vlad, on the other hand, is out and proud and doesn't want to hide anymore. This happens more often than we like to admit, and it can make finding love hard, and keeping it harder. And that's the premise. That's it. Instead of giving us a variety of topics and fascets of gay relationships to dabble in, it focuses on this.

Like in the Movies is one of the first BL dramas I saw that felt to me like it was made for the community. Whether it's the decision to hide and wait, the need to take your time in accepting yourself, or the confidence to be out and open about who you are and who you love, it doesn't condemn anyone for feeling the way that they do. Your journey is your own, you are valid, and you deserve to write your own ending. And I think that's beautiful.

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GOD Tier BL series

Definitely one of the best BL series for year 2020. From the plot, casts, production, cinematography up to soundtracks , everything was superb. This series tackles some of the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. The series is protest itself that aims to correct the problematic cultures revolving outside and inside community. You'll see that the plot was well thought and well made. The actors were great in portraying their roles that will make you relate to them. Plus one of the lead actors' voice is hot a.f. that you'll want listen to him talk all day long. The soundtracks are the best, perfect for every scenes in the entire series. So 10/10 and 100% will recommend this series to those who wants to watch BL series.

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THIS SERIES WARMS THE HEART ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HEAR VLAD TALK

First of all, how sexy does Vlad talk??!! And his banats and hugots din. Is he experiencing all these in real life? I mean, it felt soooo genuine. It’s like I was right there with him. Don’t even get me started with the way he stares!!!

I see a bit of an OffGun’s Theory of Love kind of vibe from this show because of how they’re into Film/Movies and the familiarity of it all is what hooked me. All the supporting role is significant to the series too, Anna, Judit, tito Santi and the parents. Their deep conversations are for keeps!!

OST: I’m obsessed with Unti-unti by Up Dharma Down!! This is the song played at the last part of each first few episodes.
YES! I literally watch those little scenes right before the end even if it’s just them watching a movie, not saying a thing, just taking turns having a glimpse at each other and as the series progresses, they get nearer and nearer hahah oh so cuuute!!

SEASON 2 PLEASE!!

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Close to a masterpiece, this is the LGBTQ+ community making up for lost time

"This is a love story I wish the world were kind enough to afford us when we were younger. And to those younger than us, believe: this is a love story you deserve now." I remember reading this line from the series creator Juan Miguel Severo's foreword in the wattpad version of Gaya sa Pelikula, which was written earlier this year, and how it pulled a string in my heart. I finished it all and was captivated by his ability to tell stories that immerses you so well. Now that it's here, no doubt, Gaya Sa Pelikula as a web series is just as magical and captivating.

Gaya Sa Pelikula has quite a simple story: two strangers placed in a situation where they would be living together and eventually falling for each other in a slowburn fashion. A BL with a simple story usually wouldn't be a hit, but the magic of Gaya sa Pelikula is on how they turned this simple story in a television masterpiece.

I would like to start with the casting, because oh my God- whoever casted them, from the PangPangs to Justine, Yesh, and to the ever amazing Adrienne Vergara, you deserve a raise. I'm more amazed by the fact that this is the first on-screen acting of Ian and Pao, and so far they're delivering so well. Ian's acting shows that he's already at par with the veterans (he's a theater actor so I really had no doubts about it). And Pao, I know his only acting experience was just for commercials, but being a first time actor on screen, his acting is severely underrated. The way he portrays Karl makes it so raw and real, that I immediately saw myself in his character.

The production of Gaya sa Pelikula is very highly commendable, from the set to the series soundtrack (don't even get me started on this, I believe GSP really made an impact in boosting our severely underrated filipino artists), it really created what Gaya Sa Pelikula is now. The direction is also superb and no doubt it would be because it's JP Habac (who's also the director of Im Drunk, I Love You, one of my faves). But what really made this series magical was the nuances of it all- the small details in the lines, in the acting, in the background, in the thematic elements of the show. It gave the simple story line so much depth and complexity. The simple glances from Karl and Vlad conveyed emotions and lines they never spoke of. The adlibs of Paolo. The comedic switch-up of gifts (that can easily be missed if you're not paying attention). The violin strings playing during Nica del Rosario's Tahanan in Vlad's dancing scene. The color of the shirts they're wearing. The subtle social commentaries. The simple nods to classic Filipino movies. I'm just speechless.

Gaya sa Pelikula, more than anything, has this original Filipino cinematic charm that sets it apart from the rest of Filipino BLs of this era. As a boy growing up with all these straight filipino romcoms, it really made me emotional to see two men falling in love just like how Daniel and Kathryn or Marvin and Jolina (for the older generations, hehe) would in the movies. As cliche as some of the "kilig" scenes would be, Gaya sa Pelikula does it so well that it doesn't feel cliche anymore, and just electrifies you like it was the first time you see this kind of chemistry on screen.

We're still halfway through the series and I'll update this review every now and then but I'm already declaring this for now: it may not be the BL that paved the way, but Gaya sa Pelikula is the gold standard BL in most if not all aspects (production, direction, cast, storytelling, writing) that has the potential to outcompete everyone, in both straight and queer media. This is what the community wished to have seen when they were growing up with all the straight romcom content in the television and movies. This is the LGBTQ+ community now making up for lost time.

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Do not pass on this series!

Another excellent product from the Philippine BL industry. I can't find anything to dislike about this series other than the episodes are too short and there aren't enough of them. I don't know where it will end but I'm ready for a sequel. It's that good. Even though the sets, the costumes, the props, the music , the cast, the acting are all top notch. I just have to single out the music which so perfectly moves the story along. The two leads capture you and hold you close. They draw you to them. You relate to the character; the sad, rejected and lonely one and the confused, unsure and insecure other. You immediately identify with the brave front they put on. You want to reach out and comfort each of them.

If the brown out / prom dance sequence doesn't bring tears to your eyes you are made of stone.

Ian's "Vlad" is perfectly played. You sympathize but not pity. Paolo's "Karl" reminds us all of our times lacking confidence. Both of these men are going to make serious waves in the acting community going forward. If I had to pick just one to kidnap and take to a mountain retreat someplace it would have been Paolo. As good as Ian is, and he is very good, Paolo resonated with me the most.

Watch and enjoy.

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by the LGBTQ+ community for the community

and that is the reason this series is so good. Don't get me wrong, you can still watch this series even if you do not identify as part of the LGBTQ community. But for once, we are the target audience. This isn't your regular BL who's primary audience are heterosexual females. The reason why this series is so good is because it focuses on the issues within the LGBTQ+ community.

Story wise: 10/10
Although it uses a cliche plot of pretend boyfriends, it was executed very well. The relationship between karl and vlad felt very natural and genuine. It's a coming of age story that focuses on both MC and how they influence each other's as they figure out adulthood. It also deals with figuring one's sexuality and the difficulties of coming out.

There are many dialogue referenced back throughout the story and you have to pay attention to even the slightest detail. They tend to drop some dialogue and that sets up for scenes later on when you make the connection "ohh so the dialogue in the earlier was setting up for this scene". That's good writing there. everything is connected, every little action and detail.

All the characters introduced are all fleshed out. They are as if real people, very relatable. They drip feed you little information at a time. None of them were used as a plot device, each character has their flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths and potential.

Acting: 9/10
Really good acting. As mentioned above, great chemistry between the two MC. everything is natural smooth and enjoyable. Even the supporting characters are all LOVEABLE. literally I disliked no one in this series, there's no villain, no jealous ex-gf, etc. The actor who played Karl is really good with showing his emotions. I was really amazed by his emotion portrayal. Sometimes, some acting are over the top and there's a reason for that. My favorite character has to be Anna, just because she's amazing, supportive, has flaws and insecurities of her own, and has a backstory.

Music: 9.5
The OST in this series is amazing. Literally one of the best. Music plays at the right time and it hits the feels.

rewatch value: 10/10
Definitely has high rewatch value, just because of all the little details you might miss the first time watching. Also the ending is open ended, and I'm writing this after only watching it for a go. I'm definitely going to re-watch the ending to catch anything I might've missed. The story doesn't feed you information, you have to make those connections yourself.

Overall: 10/10
Simply the best PH BL series. The series showed consent, the harmful stigmatization of the LGBTQ community and the microaggressions/stereotype. Vlad was very well spoken and I was very impressed and shocked at the same time to see a him point out these issues due to your usual Thai Bl for enforcing some stereotypes. Which is why I said at the beginning that this series was made by a member of the community for the community.

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