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A decent dramedy.
The story revolves around four best friends as they set out on the dream trip they planned as teenagers. The long-overdue trip finally happened after their friend’s death, as they rekindled old bonds to pay their last respects to their late friend.The premise of a group of friends going on a road trip does seem entertaining, especially when it involves the big names of leading ladies. When it comes to a movie with many leads, it’s essential to establish the characters, personalities and backstories. Throughout the movie, viewers will discover their individual personalities and backstories, but somehow the character development is pretty weak. I personally think that the only thing that saves this movie is the four leads and their natural dialogue delivery. However, there are sequences that tend to be stressful because there’s a lot of arguments and fights along the way.
The movie starts out okay, but as the story progresses, there are quite a few noticeable faults here and there, to the point where it gets lost somewhere. The flow could've been a lot better if some crucial parts of the story were tackled and handled well. Even so, it isn't all that bad.
Overall, this road trip movie is something to enjoy for its performance. It seems like there’s no acting in this movie, as all of them just had to be themselves and show how friends should really treat each other.
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A decent film, but well-structured, controversial dark romance.
This is one of the dark-concept GL movies I found interesting. It reminds me of Black Swan and Thelma. The epilogue is rather bizarre, but it managed to pull the audience's attention right away. The moment it started, you knew that it was going to be full of angst, so brace yourself.The main characters, Phoenix and Jade, are two women from different backgrounds. Phoenix is an openly gay artist who lives a free-spirited life, while Jade is a prosecutor and a Catholic fundamentalist. While Phoenix is keen to pursue a relationship with Jade, it’s not exactly possible. Then there’s Meng Ye, an androgynous man. Though this movie centers on the love triangle between them, there is no romance whatsoever in this movie. Only desire and pain.
This movie has an extensive theme that ranges from jealousy, possessiveness, sexual acceptance, one’s insecurity, and unhealthy conceptions of power and sex. It also explores the analogy between sex and gender. While the theme and the storylines are quite controversial and provocative, the director handles them brilliantly and conveys them through skillful cinematography.
In my opinion, ‘Wrath of Desire’ is not a perfect movie, and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to the taboo and dark elements it touches on, like BDSM, self-harm, cheating, grooming, and sex abuse, but it's a well-structured movie. It's a nice blending of reality, fantasy, emotions, and desire into a tragedy-packed story. If you like dark romance or something melodramatic, and if you can handle the triggers mentioned, it’s something to watch.
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It's watchable. but nothing special.
"Mon Rak Luk Tung’ was a classic hit in Thailand and this remake seems to follow the original template but with some musical twist to it. The story revolves around the love story between Khlao, a young poor farmer, and Thongkwao, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy man in the village. Their relationship is prevented by their parents, not only because of their differences in status but also because of the parents’ past issues with each other.Like other versions, this drama is meant to be a sweet romantic comedy. However, the sweet romance is somehow lacking in terms of emotional building. The ‘rich girl, poor boy’ storyline is executed pretty typically; there is nothing compelling about it. The conflicts are also not well explored, making the tension feel flat. Although I’m not really into musicals, the musical portion of this drama is acceptable and not cringey.
Every character is decently played, but no character really stands out. Mew and Charlotte's chemistry is okay and their story development is rather weak. Charlotte’s character, Thongkwao, suits her personality, but as the story progresses, there's nothing interesting about her character other than a basic girl - she’s pretty, she’s smart, she’s from a rich family, and that pretty much it. Although her acting is not outstanding, it has improved from her previous series. Saijai, played by Kwan Pinthip, is a very stereotypical depiction of a promiscuous woman. She’s the villain you won’t pay much attention to.
This drama offers beautiful scenery and nice visuals. The countryside location is just amazing. ‘Falling in Love / Mon Rak Luk Tung 2567’ has a decent premise and a good line-up of actors, but the execution is pretty weak. It may not be a well-crafted remake that balances escapism with realism, but it’s an okay drama to watch for its light dramatic plots.
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A lighthearted yet bad comedy movie.
The adventure begins when Riam’s mother and sister get taken hostage by a group of bandits for the reason that the bandit leader is searching for a virgin who was born on a certain date and year in order to gain immortality, which happened to be Riam. So Riam and her goofball friends begin a journey to rescue her sister and mother. As silly as it might sound, that’s the story this movie is highlighting.While this movie has a decent premise and a good lineup of actors, the execution is pretty bad in many ways. The plots are underwhelming, and the fun adventure this movie is intended to be is pretty messy. Not to mention the bad CGIs that make the whole thing look so outlandish. When it comes to jokes, it’s understandable that everyone has different senses of humor, so we interpret the comedy differently. To me, there are some funny moments, but they are predictable. I’m fine with slapstick jokes (which I know it’s popular in Thailand), but if they were supported with clever punchlines, it would make the jokes laughable. Unfortunately, some punchlines are missed, making the comedy look silly and contrived. I was cringing more than I was laughing.
Bella Ranee Campen is famous for her humorous and natural acting style, so Riam is not even a challenging character for her to carry. Riam is carefree, mischievous, and beautiful all in one, but the character doesn’t have the wow factor that makes it stand out or even make it better than other characters Bella had played before. Other supporting characters do their parts nicely to help advance the story with Riam.
I learned that this movie hit millions at the box office, so I reasoned that would be a good enough reason to watch it. But I found it hard to digest this movie as a whole. Overall, 'E-Riam Sing' is a lighthearted watch with good and positive messages, but it’s not a smart comedy. It’s just not my cup of tea.
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Visually stunning, but 'tragic' at its heart.
First of all, I want to say that if you happen to suffer from or deal with mental issues, this movie could be concerning since it lacks trigger warnings and has inconsistent handling of very sensitive material.If you think this is a strangers-to-lovers romance movie that was filmed in a foreign country, technically, you are not wrong. But the core concept of this movie is far from the typical romantic movie you’ve seen. The idea is somewhat tragic: the FL is suffering depression and flew to Switzerland seeking assisted voluntary death (AVD), a morbid activity that’s legal there, and by chance, she meets another Pinoy, and strangely enough, they bond over the mutual understanding of AVD.
Visually, this movie offers the best views of the picturesque natural beauty of Switzerland. During the 1 hour 48 min running time, it almost feels like I’m watching a travelogue rather than a movie. Ironically, while this movie provides your eyes with breathtaking scenery and shows a few experiences you can add to your bucket list, the essence of it is disheartening. The dialogues could’ve been done in a better way, especially when the mental health issue is the midpoint of the movie’s narrative. Even as someone who doesn’t deal with serious mental issues, I found it depressing, especially the often juxtaposed scenes of emotional disarray of two people strolling across beautiful Swiss landscapes like it’s a sweet romcom.
Mental health is a sensitive topic to discuss in any medium, especially when it touches on the idea of ending one's life. While this movie attempted to encourage conversation about this topic, with some reminders of self-love, it wasn't being handled with the right amount of sensitivity. Just when I thought there would be a light at the end of the tunnel, the ending turned out to be gloomier than I expected. Tons of beauty shots couldn't save this movie. The way it romanticizes suicide is a bit problematic. It’s frustrating to see the lack of basic research by the filmmakers on the right approach to a sensitive subject.
In terms of acting, Kylie Padilla handles her character and scenes efficiently. Playing a character with such a significant psychological and existential burden is not easy. Gerald Anderson, on the other hand, isn’t really noteworthy. He has his charms, but they fail to impress beyond that. While Kylie and Gerald show a decent chemistry, their intended romantic dialogues sound contrived.
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A watchable, light drama, but could've been better.
This drama is like Hotel de Luna meets the American dramas Miracle Workers and The Good Place, with a slightly different setting. Even if you haven’t watched the parent story, you can still get the whole idea of this spinoff. The premise is not something relatively new – people stuck in purgatory while waiting to be sent to either heaven or hell – this spinoff tells the story in an almost familiar setting we’ve seen before. The only thing that caught my interest is how they portray Hell, which looks like a paradise and is interpreted as a paradise for all the crime and illegal things.The plots are quite predictable, with not many subplots that will give you surprise and suspense. There isn't much to be impressed with or complain about in terms of character as well. Most characters have their own backstory, but it doesn’t have much depth to make you feel related to the character. FL and ML have good chemistry, which earns this drama a little extra point. Given the hanging finale, I suppose there will be a second season. So far, I enjoyed this drama, but it could've been better.
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Should you give this movie a chance?
If you have seen 'One More Chance', you might want to watch this movie. But don't expect it to be the upgraded version because it might not be what you expect. Popoy and Basha’s flawed relationship in the prequel survived, and this movie takes an observant look at their married life with a subtle focus on the ‘seven-year marriage itch’.The storyline progressed in phases: from the wedding, then fast-forward to the present day. It gives an understanding of what is going to happen next, which is the challenges they are facing of being married. It’s understandable that so much could change their dynamic as a couple after almost 12 years together (they dated for 5 years in One More Chance and married for 7 years in this movie). I’d say that the conflict doubles down on the movie’s realness and is reasonably exaggerated for melodrama’s sake.
Bea and John Lloyd, as usual, deliver a good performance. They are who they should be, as they just perform naturally while giving sincerity to their roles. Their chemistry is undeniable. There are moments that made me smile, sad, frustrated and even made me go “aww!”
Like the prequel, A Second Chance is not lacking in sweet romance, some corny lines, dramatic conflicts and arguments, supportive friends, and a predictable ending – a standard romance-drama formula. The emotional rollercoaster is there, but not enough to leave a lingering feeling or a lasting impact. There are a few things that I think could’ve been done better, but overall, the movie is not bad.
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A solid remake.
When it comes to K-drama remakes, there's always a question: can it live up to the expectations of fans of the original? For me, a successful remake isn't solely about replicating the story, but how it manages to retain emotions from its source material and make it stand out on its own. This Thai version stays true to the cherished elements of the original while still offering something new.Given that this series is a remake, it's natural to draw comparisons. One might argue that since the storyline of "Signal" is already known to many, there might not be much room for suspense or surprise. However, this version is updated with more localized perspectives and fresh visual aesthetics while still managing to infuse the suspense based on the original's story and key plot points. The crime cases, although inspired by the original, are effectively tailored to fit the Thai context.
It is no secret that the original "Signal" was praised for outstanding performance by Jo Jin Woong, Kim Hye Soo, and Lee Jaehoon trio. They basically set the bar high, so it could've been easy to nitpick the remake. However, this version does not disappoint in that aspect. Chakrit Yamnarm, Pancake Khemanit, and Nonkul Chanon did justice to the characters. There wasn’t a single dull moment, and nothing felt like a mere imitation. Chakrit brings depth and intensity to his character, while Pancake adds a touch of vulnerability and strength. Nonkul's portrayal is captivating and keeps viewers glued to the screen.
Overall, this series proves to be a good remake that stands on its own merits. With its skilled cast, engaging storyline, and suspenseful moments, this remake is definitely worth your time.
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Feel the thrill of every spike.
Sports movies always resonate with audiences, especially with the theme of striving to be the best and the story of the underdog. This movie does exactly that without any major flaws.Instead of making this movie entirely about the volleyball legend Lang Ping, it gives more space that highlights the players during the training and the sports events that the team competes in. The shots and the editing are so impactful, making your attention glued to the screen from the moment it started until the end. The intensity increases steadily.
What amazes me the most about this movie is that the players are playing themselves. Even the young Lang Ping is played by her daughter, who’s also a volleyball player. Without a professional acting background, each player carried out their own story successfully. You can see and feel the honest emotion and reaction in every hardship they have gone through during training and every match they are playing. What’s even more amazing is the fact that players from the USA, Thailand, Japan, and Brazil teams appear in this movie rather than having actors portray them. This is a good approach in sports movies because when a professional athlete plays, the technique and style are more accurate and convincing than an actor who embodies someone’s character. I'm just stating the obvious.
The matches are well executed, as if the movie were a historical re-enactment itself. I can feel the adrenaline rush, as if I’m watching a real match instead of a movie. It makes this movie one of the best sports movies I have ever seen. This is a perfect-10 sports movie.
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Queer-positive and realistic portrayal of family relationships
This film is based on the real-life story of Singaporean drag queen Sammi Zhen. And it’s not just a film; it is a heartfelt depiction of family relationships, the responsibilities of caregiving, and the journey of self-acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals."A Good Child" has made a significant impact on audiences, garnering positive reviews for its nuanced exploration of complex themes. The film does not sugarcoat the challenges of caregiving or the complexities of family dynamics or the pain of reconciliation between an estranged parent and their LGBTQ+ child. It confronts these issues head-on, offering a raw and candid look at the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful process of coming together as a family. This authenticity is what raises this film above a typical family drama, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of cinema.
Richie Koh's portrayal of the drag queen Jia Hao is nothing short of outstanding. Koh brings depth and complexity to the character, capturing both the flamboyance of Jia Hao's on-stage persona and the vulnerability of his off-stage identity. Koh's performance is both captivating and moving, elevating the film to new heights. And the rest of the cast did just an amazing job as well.
One of the strengths of this film lies in its attention to character development and how their stories intertwine with the main conflict. Each character, from Jia Hao to his estranged brother and mother, is given the space to grow and evolve, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The relationships among the characters are deeply explored, and the honesty in portraying the real struggles faced by the characters creates a more profound and impactful viewing experience.
In conclusion, "A Good Child" is a standout Singaporean film that deserves to be recognized for its queer-positive and realistic representation of family life. Through its strong audience resonance, outstanding performances, and honest exploration of complex themes, the film shines as a beacon of quality cinema. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a moving and insightful film.
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Doesn't live up to the expectations
When it comes to horror movies, audiences are always on the lookout for something that will send chills down their spine and keep them on the edge of their seats. 4 Graveyards is a film that promises to deliver a mix of horror, drama and comedy, but it doesn't live up to the expectations.This movie is divided into four different stories with different concepts and directorial teams revolving around the idea of a grave—Djinn, Miracle, Never Rest in Peace, and Children’s Graveyard. In anthologies, there’s often one story that stands out more than the rest, and I have to say, the 4th part, ‘Children’s Graveyard,’ is the one that really grabs my attention. Unfortunately, it feels like it’s a tad too late to recover from a slow start. While each story has its own unique hauntings, the script and the overall plot progression are underwhelming. Thus, I found it challenging to fully engage with the film as a whole.
The reason this movie caught my attention in the first place is its inclusion of religious elements from both Islamic and Christian beliefs, which is a refreshing angle we rarely see in Thai horror. Unfortunately, while this could have added a unique twist to the plot, the execution is rather disappointing. Another issue with this film is its lack of impact. While it does have its fair share of horror elements, they fall short of leaving a lasting impression. The frightening experience doesn't quite reach the level of creepiness it deserves, and the film fails to create that sense of dread and suspense that is crucial for a successful horror movie. I sat through the entire film without a single flinching. Plus, the CGI is pretty subpar.
Despite its shortcomings, one redeeming quality of this film is the solid acting performances from the cast. Each actor really brings their character to life in a believable way. However, even the stellar acting cannot fully compensate for the film's other shortcomings.
To sum it up, 4 Graveyards is a decent horror film, but it lacks suspense and overall impact. Some people may find some enjoyment in this film, but if you're a die-hard horror fan like me, it may be best to look elsewhere for a truly terrifying experience.
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A fairly satisfying remake of a classic Thai horror.
This is the 6th remake of the classic Thai drama, but the first being produced for the big screen.One of the standout features of this film is its production quality. It's undeniable that it's pretty uncommon to find a horror movie that pays such close attention to detail. The film has pretty good editing too. The transitions from scene to scene are quite seamless and manage to captivate the audience's emotions. So far, Kantana's projects have rarely let me down in terms of production and technical aspects. The costume design and hair and makeup are impressive too. You can see the detail to reflect the era as accurately as possible. And for me, the great production aspect always deserves an extra point. I would rate it lower than 7.5 if it wasn't for the production.
One more great thing about this film is the amazing performances by the three main actors. Their acting prowess truly shines. Nune Woranuch fully showcases her potential as Khun Lantom, creating a unique version of the character. Nune's beauty is ageless—how does she manage to look so stunning even as a ghost? At the same time, Gap Thanawet and Goy Arachaporn really show off their acting abilities, proving they can take on any roles with ease.
However, despite its great production and performances, this remake really struggles with its story and pacing. Turning a full-length series into a 90-minute film could be a challenging task for the scriptwriters, but they did manage to pull it off pretty well. Still, the limited time frame and the rush to build emotions might leave the story feeling a bit lacking. The first half is a slow burn, and the dialogues come off as a bit too careful before they finally gain momentum towards the end. And with only three characters steering the story and the main focus on Chev and Rossukon, it can feel a bit draggy.
In conclusion, the 2025 version is a fairly satisfying remake of a classic Thai horror drama into a big screen. While it may not be perfect, it's still quite well done.
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What the heck?!
"Hala Bala" tells the story of a police officer who sets out to track down a notorious drug lord, only to find himself trapped and tangled up in a haunted forest. The film's premise sounds promising, but unfortunately, the execution falls short of expectations.One of the main weaknesses of this film is its storytelling. The narrative is confusing and seems a bit out of place. The plots driving the story forward feel disjointed and without a clear end goal. One moment it's about chasing a bad guy, then it shifts to some cannibal, cult thing, and suddenly it dives into spirit possessions. The various twists and turns in the story seem to come out of nowhere. This lack of direction makes it hard for me to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.
In addition to the poor storytelling, this film also suffers from weak character development. The main protagonists - the cop and his wife, are not given enough depth or backstory to make them compelling leads. Other supporting characters are also underdeveloped, making their presence in the film feel pointless.
Despite these shortcomings, there are at least two positive aspects of this film—the actors' performance and good production values. Ter Chantavit and Nychaa Nuttanicha deliver solid performances in their respective roles. Their acting talent shines through, but even their skills cannot elevate the film to a more impressive status. And the well-shot scenes and good cinematography only do a little to compensate for the film's weak storyline and character development.
In conclusion, Hala Bala fails to live up to its promising premise. For viewers looking for a suspenseful, thrilling, and compelling experience, this film may not be the right choice.
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A Fresh Take on Food-Centric Drama
In the world of entertainment where mukbang shows have been popular, "Mom's Recipe" took the idea and mixed it with some travelogue and acting, making it a lighthearted, refreshing concept drama that explores more than just food.The series takes viewers on a journey of Cheng and Sri, a college sweetheart couple who just recently got married, through their daily lives, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of balancing their married life, work, and family. As they explore the world of cooking together, they also discover more about each other and themselves.
"Mom's Recipe" follows a unique format where each episode highlights a specific menu or dish that plays a significant role in the characters' lives. It goes beyond the kitchen to explore the emotional and personal connections we have with food. Each dish featured in the series is not just a meal but a story, a memory, a tradition. By intertwining food with heartfelt narratives, the drama invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with food and the role it plays in their lives.
Aelm and Esther are the heart of the show. They bring Cheng and Sri's story to life with their great performances. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, capturing the essence of a couple who are not only partners in love but also in life. Cheng and Sri's dynamic feels like that of a real couple, complete with inside jokes, shared memories, and mutual support. The way they interact feels genuine and relatable, giving the show a sense of authenticity that is often missing in similar dramas.
Overall, Mom’s Recipe is a delightful blend of food, love, and life, offering viewers a refreshing take on the food-centric drama genre. Through its charming characters, engaging stories, and mouth-watering dishes, the series captures the essence of love, family, friendship, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
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A dull remake, but at least Toni and Pepe add some color to it.
When it comes to film remakes, there's always a level of expectation that comes with revisiting a classic. However, not all remakes live up to the hype. In the case of this remake, the film falls a bit short of expectations.Toni Gonzaga and Pepe Herrera are undoubtedly talented actors, known for their versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. However, even the best acting can only take a film so far. The direction and storyline of the remake are somewhat lackluster, leaving much to be desired in terms of creativity. While the film may not be a carbon copy of its predecessor, it also fails to bring anything significantly new to the table.
While there are elements of local humor sprinkled throughout the film, it doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of fully embracing the culture and nuances of the Philippines. Viewers may find moments to enjoy in the film, but overall, it may leave them wanting more in terms of a truly localized experience.
Overall, the remake turns out to be rather dull. While the charismatic duo brings some much-needed color to the film, it's not enough to save it from its shortcomings. For fans of Toni and Pepe, the remake may be worth a watch simply for their performances. However, for those looking for a memorable and impactful cinematic experience, this remake may not be the answer. It's a movie to enjoy in the moment, but one that won't leave a lasting impression.
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