J-atty

Good Things Come In Small Packages

This is one of them. George and Mike. For approximately 10 minutes over a period of 6 episodes, you believed in their love. It's the usual story of underage boy forced to leave his boyfriend behind due to family pressure only to return years later to win him back. The thing though, George, the one left behind, is about to get married. She is smart, she is pretty and she loves George. Her only fault, she denies George his freedom to enjoy his passion for painting. George, happy enough with the structure of his life designed by her, concedes and focuses on her plan for their future. Until Mike reappears. He doesn't hide his feelings and let's George know, he's not giving up. He also creates a space for George to free the artist within. After a night of drinking and a strong cup of soul searching honesty, George is left in a quandry. What is he to do? Who is he supposed to choose? Is it too late to walk away? His fiance has been his support for a long time and their future is certain. Is this wrong? Why does Mike still feel like home?

For a very very small budget film, this delivers. It's not perfect but it was a nice Monday morning watch. The actors are competent, even those that give support. The story acceptable but the writing and production could greatly improve. One of my peeves with any show and not only bl is kissing. Either do it properly or don't do it at all. There are other ways to show how deep desire or love can be without a kiss. In this regard it suffers. Mike's voice with more training can be his biggest asset. George's facial reactions, his. The fiancé was portrayed as she should be without bringing anything new. Camera angles at times were a bit awkward. With all that could have been done better, it was still an okay watch. I would like to see them again as they fit well together. Don't take my word for it, go watch.

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We all need Ju Yeong

Ju Yeong made me believe. Smiling bright eyes coupled with an open smile, he made me believe in love. Real unapologetic love. Imperfect love. Ride or die, no matter what, I'm never going to leave you kind of love. The - I will wait patiently in my hurt, while I fight to save you from your hurt - kind of love. From the moment, he bared his soul on the opposite side of the wall, freely letting Do Hoe know, "I like you." I knew he was the real deal. Without fear, he spoke. When he hugged him after sparing and and giddly exploded "Yes, I'm crazy. I live with the person I like and always train together". Blissfully happy just to be with him, no matter the circumstances. He was the one. He would do it all just to be with him.

Do Hoe lived in pain. Abusive muted pain that pressed against him, no matter the direction he took. He breathed in hate and let out despair. In his solitude, his only solace was that he would leave. Though, with the arrival of Ju Yeong his dream began to change. They would leave together. In their dream, they would create acceptance and warmth in each other's arms. Do Hoe for a brief moment dared to believe in his dream beyond the pain and loved Ju Yeong deeply.

But the pain wouldn't let him go. It held on, railing at any given opportunity to remind him that he was useless. The pain squeezed tightly to extinguish any flicker of hope to be better than his surrounding and ultimately better than himself. On the final day, the day of exams, the pain won. Traumatized by the frantic beating Ju Yeong endured because he dared to defend him, he failed his exams. Pride and a need to feel worthy, he lies. A lie that would trap him for 12 years in a different type of pain. Self loathing. Hyeon Ho, the only person who knew and he could depend on, became an ally. Only an ally. In Do Hoe's heart of hearts only one could exhist. Unknowingly, a death would bring back the past, a reckoning to survive and the truth to lay bare for all to see. Do Hoe looks over at Ju Yeong and keeps repeating, "Shin Ju Yeong, Why do you keep crying?" He knows. Sometimes, everything has to burn to ash for clarity to occur and the dream to take root and grow. Hyeon Ho, forever on the outside looking in, craved what he lost 12 years ago. He has also existed within his pain.

Every titbit of storytelling was beautifully and artistically laid out leaving the viewer both satisfied and aware. Satisfied that all that needed to be told, was captured and skillfully portrayed by excellent actors. Even the ones that were hated were eventually understood. Aware that if perchance a love like this fortunately enters your life, hold on and fight for it. Ju Yeong will make you believe.

Must see. Rewatch every chance you get.

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Didn't you know....

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. The sincerity of Nut and Phob is the heart of this beautiful love story. Childhood friends into lifelong lovers. Be prepared, if you are going to watch this, forget the tissue and get a beach towel. You are going to need it.
Why was this gem hidden, I don't know.

Phob and Nut have to very opposite personalites and in this, thier conflicts begin. Saved from a dog, Phob protects Nut, who as they grow together, falls in love with him. Nut is sensitive and treasures every moment with his friend. Phob is outgoing and very protective of Nut, without letting anyone know, even Nut. He hides his true feelings behind his ever present smile which is the catalyst for their misunderstandings. He shares with others but not Nut, protecting him from the pain his situation will cause. They grow distant but always with the help of Kong, a mutual friend, they reconnect.

This series deals with a real life topic which is hard to deal with. Phob struggles with it personally and gives up until Nut's re-entry into his life. Finally, they speak freely of how they affected each other's life and Nut begs him never to disappear again. Phob promises and with the help of Nut, he makes the decision take on life again. Phob, at the end, reciprocates and asks Nut, to always be by his side.

Phob and Nut's personaities are a perfect match and it is beautiful to see. The script is not bogged down with melodrama but guides the slow direction of the story. That is not to say it is perfect. The flashbacks are a hindrance rather than a propeller. This could have easily been a 6 ep instead of 8. The romance is warm but limited as there are missed opportunites for tender touches and soft kisses. Their eyes tell that story. The constant rehashing of their pivotal meeting became tedious. After the pov of each, it could have been put to rest. The ending of the story is odd as it gives the impression of a S2 to be made but wasn't.

The entire cast did a great job with minor hiccups from the support cast. The main were solid. The back drop realistic for a rural setting and the time period 2002 - 2006. The antique phones, ringtones, phone booth and computers were a perfect touch. This added to the obvious charm of the series. I believe Mean wrote a short which was expanded on. He co-directed and acted in it. He did good with this.

Overall, it was a nice heart breaking watch which I fully recommend.

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Monsters are loveable too

I went in with a completely different expectation and was pleasantly surprised. Not overjoyed but pleasantly surprised. The entire cast did a good job BUT... Big did great! I've always loved him and found that he was greatly underappreciated. He filled this role with such ease that it was great to see him shine. Bui/Proud also stood out in her role. Would love to see more of her.

Pros:
Park exhibited the true traits of an introvert.
God and all of extroverts were believable also
The realtionship between Diew and his grandfather
Diew's reconciliation with his mother - heartfelt
Depiction of both extro and intro, showing both have areas of either trait.
God being patient with Diew
God protecting Diew as he did from everyone.
Conclusion of all storylines in an unrushed manner
Misunderstandings were dealt with without being too drawn out. Diew and God's rift. God's crying was a little ott but fixed by next epi. Also with Wan and Beer. Beer has the patience of a saint.
Big and Park looked natural together considering the size difference.
The way God looked at Diew...


Cons:
The pace wasn't rushed but it was toooo serene. Diew's personality overshadowed the entire show. It felt dead at times.
A bit preachy at times. Like a PSA.
Wan was annoying and too childish. Plus irl, he could do with more acting lessons.
Hated that the antagonist was a female influencer. Do all shows have to stick in the annoying female trope. Let's hope they know that anyone can be used.
Pi served his purpose but after apologising to Diew why did he still have to be shown as an idiot when speaking with God.
Using Pi as a tool for the drama between God and Diew was so boring. Had they used God to be in a situation where Diew needed to step up and didn't which caused great harm to God, would have been more effective. A true introvert has a great fear of the unknown and being judged. So him not breaking that barrier would have been their rift.
Series could have wrapped up in 10 epi....again too calm for that length.

Rewatch - nah. Though it was nice, once was enough. It's time BL move from a school setting to other areas. Hope to see Big in other projects because he has the ability to do more than this.

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Keep Going South

It took me a while to write this because I was angry. This film affected me to the point of wanting to reach through the screen and punch Young. Tae should have been the one with the rock above Young, smashing his skull in. Yes, I was that angry.

Perspective:
It's 2012 and homosexuality is still considered a crime. So it's understandable that Young would be hesitant to continue a relationship with Tae for everyone to know. It's 5 months since Young was discharged and Tae still has some time to complete his service. On his last leave, he visits Young. Young, driving Tae back to compound, tells him coldly, "Don't contact me again." Tae, hurt and grappling with the change between them, decides to drug him and desert. It is revealed through a series of conversations and tussles, that Young had sent a letter telling him that he liked him as a "person". How much more humiliating could he have been? Young was the one who approached Tae. Enticed him and encouraged him to have sex. Young was the one who told him he liked him. Tae believed. He fell deeply in love with him. During the 5 months they were apart, Young is denying his homosexuality, their relationship and has a girlfriend. He says to Tae, "he feels nothing for him, it was the army." Here, he as heartless as they come. The denial, selfishness and cowardice Tae endures, finally rips through him. He has a point to prove. He asks for sex for the last time, in exchange for the letters Young had wrote to him. Sitting on top, Tae rides him and as he senses Young about to ejaculate, he reaches for his small camera and snaps Young's face. He has his proof. He would not have enjoyed it, if he did not feel anything for him. After another hard to watch scene of them fighting in the mud for the camera, Young gives up. After all this, he still chooses to be 'straight'.

This is what causes the anger. Had he taken the time to break things off properly with Tae, rather than discarding him like dirty rubbish, Tae might have had a better chance of handling it. The film ends with Tae
telling Young to get lost. Dancing defiantly and more than a little drunk, with the music glaring, he chooses himself. It's as if he's saying, I know who I am. I will live true to myself. You didn't break me. Young, continues to walk in the opposite direction. Going back to the army would only remind him more of Young and what he thought they shared.

Tae's anguish and emotional ride he took us through was felt. Kim Jae Heung shines. He carries the film. Jeon Shin Hwan had the easier role and I'm still left wanting to see when he would show up to fully deliver. He seems flat against Kim. His true rage only evident when he raises the rock to hit him. Here, Kim steals again, crying in the mud, controlled by the betrayal and pain he feels, he cries out, " Don't treat me like I'm invisible. You had a hard on!"

The short is good and worth a watch. At least once.

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Worth the watch

Firstly, I watched this after a few fluff bl so was pleasantly surprised.

The spark that Youchi feels stems from Sakurai on meeting him immediately understood his art. Those around him took care to keep him safe but did not understand his expression on canvas. Youchi feels drawn to him. Sakurai, himself, burnt out by his uneventful life, welcomes the attention though struggles to understand why he is attracted to Youchi as this is his first male awakening.

Their conversations are always introspective. At times the age gap is glaring and sometimes not. Yoichi, blunt and direct, forces Sakurai to acknowledge who is creating the distance between them. I should mention that Youchi's immediate family and cohabitants all welcomed and encouraged the relationship as this was the first person that he had opened himself up to.

Then enters Fujimoto. School mate and age appropriate sees Sakurai as a threat. He doesn't waste any moment to remind Sakurai how obscene a man of his age looks when pursuing a boy half his age. His sole purpose to win Youchi fails as he cannot compare to the clarity and bond they share. He cannot see the unfinished painting as flowers which Sakurai readily saw on their first meeting.

Youchi, after a break period between them, understands that Sakurai was waiting for him to come out of his cocoon, come to terms with his past and truly form a stronger bond if they are to be together. Sakurai realised that conforming to other perceptions of their relationship (gay, older man, lover) would not bring the happiness he craved.

Pros:
Pacing was slow which allowed the story to evolve.
The family members, rather than having unnecessary interactions, was used as a vehicle for clarity as Youchi barely spoke.
Main actors embodied their roles.
Scenery suited the mood.
Non visual sex scene was alluded to by the lowering of Sakurai's hand. Perfect for this movie.

Cons:
Fujimoto rushed brashness felt out of place. Probably used to make the viewer like Sakurai more.
Sakurai appeared older than 37 in body movements. Who would get angry at 37 with being caught in a water fight?
At no time was it shown that his family had a chat with Youchi about his living outside of the bubble and the expectations that may be imposed by the public upon viewing their relationship. Their stance was Youchi seems to want this, let's make sure it happens. Except, for Takeo who questioned Sakurai's motives but still pushed for it to happen by supplying Youchi's number.
The subdued mood of Youchi throughtout did nothing to help the lack of chemistry between them. Not even with Fujimoto.

Beautiful moment:
Y: Flowers must be watered everyday
S: I'll call you everyday

Y: This flower will bloom right?
S: Yeah, this time it will bloom. It will definitely bloom.

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Vampires aren't what they used to be

This was funny. Not haha funny, but a kind of funny that was pleasing and warm. Light enough to be entertaining as it was a given, no one was going to be bit. As much as they tried to fatten Dong Ha, he was protected by Ju Won. After many nights together, they themselves. Gyu Min and Eun Ho delighted with their shenanigans. My heart did twinge a bit for Seon Jae. Unrequited love is a bitch.

There were moments that could have been enlivened but Ju Won's silent and pensive aura set the tone with every meeting. Dong Ha's bubbly optimism was his perfect foil. Even when he smiled or was happy, Ju Won's voice and pace of speaking bore weight on the mood. The great reveal felt a little matter of fact. In the end, the party of five, faced each other and were the better for it. Honesty.

A decent watch with likeable characters. The acting and ambiance were in step with the mood and pacing. I appreciated that this was delivered over a 4 week period and not drawn out as it would have been lackluster over a longer period. This was good enough.

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Sorn The Whipped

Let's face it. The only reason to watch this was to see how far they would go. You'd think there wasn't anything that was omitted in My Stubborn, they proved me wrong. If the plot was how well Jun absorbed all of Sorn's teaching. They succeeded. The script was like an improv piece. Just responses with little to no real direction.

I did like seeing that Jun received the advice given by Win in the right vein. Sorn appreciated the extra love shown to him. I didn't like seeing him a bit insecure because of it. In the end, Sorn adoring Jun was beautiful to see. The ending on the yacht, perfect.

BoatOat will be missed. Put aside the nc. They interract well together. With a better script, I'll be there again watching them.

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It's okay but.....

When this series began I was greatly entertained by the storyline and the actors. The actors were refreshing and it was interesting to see how this would evolve. A prince being betrayed by a close friend, losing his memory and starting afresh. The first few episodes were blunt and deliciously funny. Winny in the role of Lava was down to earth without pretense and on meeting Wave (Satang) continued to rub against the grain and irritated everyone. Then in true Gmmtv style it began to feel like a constant throbbing ache until the end. The unnecessary elongation of a script with nothing spectacular. Disappointment set in somewhere around ep 6. Then boredom took over. Episode 10 did some recovery and made it a better viewing.

From the night of the election campaign and most things after, there were numerous sighs being emitted. With all the money Gmmtv has, couldn't the baby bump actually look like a baby bump. Who smilingly gives up their newborn like they're distributing christmas gifts? Like no private conversation. Just blurt it out infront of everyone. Putting the couple on the spot. At this point, I'll bypass the diversion of Winny to help the shopkeeper, whose druggie son decides to inflict revenge. At least, make it look more credible.

Mond can get a pass but most and I do mean most can do with serious acting lessons. I'm left wondering if Neo is regressing. Gawin can not speak without his eyebrows constantly rising as he verbalizes. Ryu is trying but still has some way to go. Winny was a little too expressionless at times.

Personally, if I'm spending money on a project, it should be good. Gmmtv seems to be greenlighting projects to keep the actors names relevant but they should look into making them memorable. I will love to see Winny and Satang in another project because they are decent together. The ending did uplift it and was a nice touch to bring the romance to the fore and cute beach scene. I especially liked that Davin / Wave took some time apart to face his parents and choose the life he wanted. Both their characters showed growth at the end. Its not unwatchable but with a tighter script it might have been much better.

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The Prince and His Suitors

"Yoo Do Ha!" Gyeon would shout his name as if he owned him. His person. His love that he has patiently waited to hold for the past 10 years. He protected. He supported. He encouraged. In doing all of this he created a bubble surrounding Do Ha who didn't recognize his feelings until he was forced to. Other participants wanted to be his person also. Ha Ram, who tried to be seen and Yeon Sang, who waited from afar. From the onset, it's pretty obvious who would win. Therein lies where the story falls short.

Do Ha held the cards but played the safest most timid hand ever. There were no standout moments to catch your breath or agree that he made the right choice. They shared memories and in those memories, he saw how Gyeon put him first. The only difference between Gyeon and Yeon Sang was the ten years of frienship. Yeon Sang was just as direct and open about his feelings for him. He sought his best interest and fought for his reinstatement.

There was no real spark between Do Ha and Gyeon. It felt like a transition than a passionate love. Ha Ram the first to express his feelings was never really a part of the scenario as he was only given about 10 minutes of screen time to prove his worth. He failed. He hurt the most.

I liked the gentleness of the story. It didn't feel rushed. It also was too gentle. This rippled down to the end with no bang. No build up. Flashbacks used to create Do Ha and Gyeon's relationship and those of the initial approaches of his other suitors were delivered with some warmth. It was not a pleasant experience of Gyeon constant shouting of his name. Given the roles their acting was good as each character was well defined. The story telling was just a little too serene.
It is still a very decent watch. Enjoy.

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Unpopular Opinion - Maybe?

After Thap sat in In's lap, I was bored. Why? Gmmtv's formula for stretching something longer than it should be and with unnecessary melodrama. Keeping that high that the series started with proved to be a challenge. Every single episode In cried. Like how many tear inducing meetings can there be. Now I'm not against a good cry, but 10 episodes? 2 or 3 maybe, not 10.

The story line was ok but no wow factor. One believed in what the eyes could see. The other believed in the tarot realm. The events that brought their coming together combined both. Everyone's acting was on par with the other. Well, for a moment I thought Thiu was either an ornament or mute. First few times he was seen, he just sat there like a dashboard dog. Personally, First's mannerisms are very predictable, so it felt flat. Save is a natural in front of the camera and it was good to watch. Jimmy upped his game drastically with this role. No longer stiff in delivery, he filled the role admirably. Playful, angry, endearing, smart mouthed. He delivered. Both Junior and Book weren't needed. Wan and Tul did nothing to the storyline.

I like all of the actors but truthfully, there is no freshness to anything that was seen. I will still recommended to be watched but with a sobering mind. If these actors are your favs you will find some enjoyment.

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Button Cute

One word - cute. From Han Tuo to Jun Xi. Xiao Yang was really cute as a button. Wardrobe cute. Locations, cute. Jun Xi looking up at Han Tuo, cute. Everything was just ..... you get the picture.

Predictable plot was executed with just enought humor and cuteness to keep the interest going. Could have been shortened a bit, too many flaskbacks, but the younger versions of themselves were so cute, it's forgiven. Jump starting a change in a relationship with a hand in your crush's pants while whispering in his ear, "You can't resist.", may not be the right way to go about it, but hey, it worked for them. My true pleasure in watching this was Jun Xi's responses. Even though Han Tuo determination came forcefully, he was the one to set the pace of their relationship. In his own timing. He took time to adapt and recognize what he truely felt. Another great addition that kept the balance was Xiao Yang. Her friendship was never biased and became the protector and advisor of both. Her future girlfriend was annoying but yes, also cute.

It's a light hearted comedy romance that hit the mark for me. From the first episode it set the tone and never faltered. Han Tuo grew wiser and softened his approach Jun Xi. Jun Xi grew from being afraid of other's opinions and boldly owned his. They're good together. Yes, a rewatch is in order. Pleasantly cute.

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Tada.... Yes, please!

This was a beauty in storytelling. Everyone did well in their roles but truthfully some shone more than others. Pond, PeterPan, Intanont, Alexander and Bom. Yes, the hate for his character Thiwthit is there but he brought the histrionic psychosis at every turn. I enjoyed watching a series that knew when to end and not dragged on beyond its welcome.

The chemistry and skill of Pond and PeterPan sealed Armin and Tada and brought them to life as they meandered through the twists and turns to finally enjoy a future that was meant to be. Tada, as a protective fan turned lover was a joy to see and did set the standard. His mistake to not dealing more harshly with Thuwthit, would cause countless interactions that brought immeasurable pain to their lives. Armin, desparetely determined to avoid previous mistakes, inevitably still did make some in jumping the gun on many occasions which was painful to see. He also did learn not to take the only family he had left for granted in his rise to the top. The dedication and wisdom of Janine and Veynai helped protect Armin and Tada's love while opening a door to theirs.

There were flaws that were tiring at times to view. Hearing Pond say Tada in the most breathy tone as it's the most spectacular name ever, was irritating. Thiwthit's dramatic temper tantrums, though part of his character's mental issues, was a bit over the top. Lilly's bathroom visits were crass and not needed to bring out the crudeness of the character itself. First in the role of Ren was not the best of him and it was lesser than what was expected. How many times can Armin be shot at close range and still live? Hmmm.

I was a very entertaining watch. The action scenes were skillfully done. For the most part production, writing and direction came together cohesively. All bl actors at large, please note how to deliver a believable kiss. Full of passion and desire. A miniscule few match this and it elevated the believability of two people intensely in love. Worth mentioning, the wardrobe dept did not disappoint. It ended nicely on the right note.

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Level Down!

Everyone changed and not for the better. What was previously an entertaining series turned into a snorefest of stupidity. S2 was very flawed with very little entertainment and a healthy dash of cringe. Every single time Papa and Mama were said, I vascillated between rolling my eyes or watching on mute.

After 1 yr:
Alan, who would have been open with everyone and never hurt anyone, decides to go to Tony for help. Tony, who had robbed him of Way. Yes, that Tony. He showed how frail mentally he was when faced with aging and how human. Becoming Tony's victim and puppet was just sad really. Why try to become invincible? Jeff lost his reclusiveness but became bold and boring. Being with Uncle Alan turned him into Uncle Jeff.

Babe, Babe, Babe. He became stupid and more reckless. By all means, follow the perp to the bathhouse, whom he suspects has powers, but he doesn't know what it is. I'm not sure if I wanted Charlie to save his butt. Literally. Charlie decides to take away Jeff's powers without thinking of the consequences. Stupid. So he has his, Babe's, and Jeff's which caused a system overload and memory loss. Only at the end, would this prove to be an asset on meeting Tony. The question to ask here, why wasn't this thought of before?

Kenta was caught, escaped and allowed them to recapture him again. Let's put that down to all the hits he probably took in his head while working under Tony. Kim was sitting around being a babysitter for an entire season. Save that drift in the car to save Kenta. He was like a comma in a sentence. Just there.

North was more direct with his bestie in S1 but suddenly shy in S2. Sonic wants the relationship but wants North to do the asking. Hmmmm, why? They were open to each other in S1 with no secrets.

Way was interesting. Chris is not. The most interesting thing he did was sit on Pete. When compared to S1 CharlieBabe and AlanJeff, it was a meh kinda moment.
Pete, well, what can be said. He had a "deep" love for Way by keeping a "shrine" for him. Chris steps into the picture. Suddenly, Way became just someone he knew. Loyalty flew out the window the second his nose flew wide open. Very wide. The many times Pete's house was entered by anyone who chose, uninvited and unannounced, and caught before or after the act, well, it did not have the wow factor the writers had hoped.

Two people stayed true to character. Winner remained a weak lackey, and Tony returned as a losing villain. He had all that money and all that power and couldn't do anything that could change outcomes. He should have stayed dead. He rejuvenated to create poor schemes that backfired and remained on the losing end. One would think that capturing Babe from the first episode to lure Charlie would have made better viewing.

I loved the character of Willy. He was the only reason to reach episode 12, but in true stupid fashion, as this was the S2 common thread, it was wasted. He could have done better. He had guile, intrigue, and charm. He could have snapped those fingers in episode 1 and saved us at least 9 episodes of chronic stupidity by all.

The writing depreciated greatly in this season. Save to addition of Willy, the script was dull and repetitious. None of the characters has layers to peal back like Way did. Other than the engines revving, everyone just stood around and chatted. At this rate, they should not think of continuing with another season unless the acting and script get a major overhaul. Though it was great to see them all together again, it was not worth it in the end.

Copious amounts of coffee will be needed if watching.

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