For those who watched the first 2 episodes: any good?
EDITED: watched them, wow this is intense. Definitely not the thing that would be shown in prime time slots. Although I had concerns with the inexperienced JE dude in the lead, it quickly dissipates as the general acting level so far is also pretty good - I checked the director and saw Jojo Hideo (from Alps Stand no Hashi no Hou movie, whom I think is an exceptionally well-directed show) at the helm, which explains it.
Agreed with a comment below me though, the cinematography could've been better.
About Rinkuma's role as Yano, I think the omission of her yankii-ness is due to the time setting of the series. In the original material (set in early 2000s) and movie (2010), the yankii subculture was still relatively a big thing. However, this version assumes the whole thing to happen in the present time (2020s) and hence it's no longer make sense to write the character that way.
Would be super awesome if they make a sequel, featuring more run-down inns farther away from the Kanto area featured in the 12 episodes of the installment.
I think the point mistaken by a relatively significant portion of the audience is that (1) the time setting is present-day not early 2000s (original manga) or 2010s (movie) and (2) more emphasis of slice-of-life-ish style storytelling (even more than the movie).
Implication of the former is that some characters have to be altered. The most apparent one is Ayane, because obviously gyaru culture no longer fashionable in Japan these days, which makes a justification for nerfing her character. Although it works for me much of the time, the alteration doesn't go without a hitch though, which is obvious in a chain of events in episode 2 (as well as part of ep. 1). In the movie and manga, Ayane and Chizu are already somewhat 'outcasts' like Sawako - that's why they can get along rather quickly. The characterization of Ayane in this version doesn't really make sense of it - she looks way too fashionable and 'normal' here. I believe this is more of a matter of instruction from the director (and screenwriter) rather than the actor - I think Rinkuma performs well despite the character writing 'flaw' above, particularly in later episodes.
On the other hand, the different storytelling style results on slower tempo (of which they can afford due to the serial format) and almost complete elimination of the comical scenes (such as Sawako's inner monologues), of which the latter is a right choice at least for me. Even then, as pointed out multiple times in the comment section, it suffers from inconsistent pacing at the first 2-3 episodes, perhaps to make way for late- (near-graduation) and post-high school arcs. Nevertheless, the impressive camera works, production quality, the fact that they resolved the pacing issue afterward, on-screen chemistry among the cast, and much of the individual performances (although not all) make up for it. As if a cherry on top of a cake, the 'gamble' of adding the extra arc turns out to pay off and makes a great wrap-up.
What I really like is that secondary characters are given a lot of chances to shine and depth, especially compared to the movie version. To the point of some certain secondary characters actually outshine the two leads - particularly Sanada, Chizu (throughout the show), and Pin (in the last arc). Although the main leads' actors have impressed me multiple times in their previous projects, it seems that they fall a bit lower than what I expect for. Although I never rate the late Haruma that highly (no offense, he was never a technical virtuoso, not even close - let alone in 2011), I think he was surprisingly a better fit than Suzuka. Anybody playing Kazehaya requires more of a charisma rather than technical skills, and idk I just feel Suzuka tends to fall flat when he is called upon to do the former. He nailed the frustration in the middle arc though.
Conversely, Minami Sara feels rather underwhelming here, especially given her good track record. I have no problem regarding her appearance because the 'creepiness' of Sawako comes from her demeanor not her looks - it's the acting, especially in emotional scenes. Where's the emotionally-stirring expressions she has shown in her previous movies for example, "Shino Can't Say Her Name"? I know the comparison with Tabe in the 2011 itself is an uphill battle, but it's clear she could've done so much, much better here.
On the other hand, Sakurai Kaito is a perfect actor to play Sanada - he is convincing enough to be an athletic and resolute kid, and his back story is also very interesting. But the real surprise comes in the form of Nakamura Riho as Chizu. Prior to this project, I think she is by far the less-challenged actors among the main cast - perhaps I didn't see her enough or simply because her previous roles barely stray from being visually very attractive co-worker/classmate. Not in the project - this is far from what she usually does and she does it sublimely. Her Chizu looks as if it comes out straight of the manga version and her performance is heart-felt (the character depth also helps a lot too). Heck I'd gladly rate her portrayal higher than that in the movie version, she looks more convincing than Rembutsu (which was and is still a very good actress in her own right), given the factors above (and her height too). The other key characters also deserves shoutout, from Miura Shohei's Pin (I know it's his typical character he usually plays these days, but still) and Kurumi (I like her voice!).
Despite the shortcomings, it still has a lot of redeeming qualities, and being not boring is still a plus. 8/10 is a fair point.
The Maki and Yumeri sub-plot. ♥_♥ Really quite surprised at @onefive's acting in this drama, you wouldn't…
It's not secret all Amuse (FYI all ChamJam' actresses belong to this agency, not only onefive members) recruits were admitted as actors, tho of course there are a few bad apples from time to time especially in the past.
Very likely only after then these girls were assigned to the RL idol groups such as onefive or Sakura Gakuin, so they've all already got the acting basics.
Not quite a fan of idol maniac culture (I found it's kinda senselessly exploitative), but this one is fun and informative way (although it seems to exists in the universe where everything is shiny and light-hearted) to peek into the rabbit hole. You don't need to agree with everything the writer tries to convey to enjoy it. Really enjoy the sense of humor presented all along.
Where is the school film setting located? Due to the near mountains in the background, I assume it’s not Tokyo?
It's taken in Toyama prefecture, though similar to the original material, the story assumes to be set in a fictitious Hokkaido city (thus a lot of Hokkaido reference).
2 
EDITED: watched them, wow this is intense. Definitely not the thing that would be shown in prime time slots. Although I had concerns with the inexperienced JE dude in the lead, it quickly dissipates as the general acting level so far is also pretty good - I checked the director and saw Jojo Hideo (from Alps Stand no Hashi no Hou movie, whom I think is an exceptionally well-directed show) at the helm, which explains it.
Agreed with a comment below me though, the cinematography could've been better.
Implication of the former is that some characters have to be altered. The most apparent one is Ayane, because obviously gyaru culture no longer fashionable in Japan these days, which makes a justification for nerfing her character. Although it works for me much of the time, the alteration doesn't go without a hitch though, which is obvious in a chain of events in episode 2 (as well as part of ep. 1). In the movie and manga, Ayane and Chizu are already somewhat 'outcasts' like Sawako - that's why they can get along rather quickly. The characterization of Ayane in this version doesn't really make sense of it - she looks way too fashionable and 'normal' here. I believe this is more of a matter of instruction from the director (and screenwriter) rather than the actor - I think Rinkuma performs well despite the character writing 'flaw' above, particularly in later episodes.
On the other hand, the different storytelling style results on slower tempo (of which they can afford due to the serial format) and almost complete elimination of the comical scenes (such as Sawako's inner monologues), of which the latter is a right choice at least for me. Even then, as pointed out multiple times in the comment section, it suffers from inconsistent pacing at the first 2-3 episodes, perhaps to make way for late- (near-graduation) and post-high school arcs. Nevertheless, the impressive camera works, production quality, the fact that they resolved the pacing issue afterward, on-screen chemistry among the cast, and much of the individual performances (although not all) make up for it. As if a cherry on top of a cake, the 'gamble' of adding the extra arc turns out to pay off and makes a great wrap-up.
What I really like is that secondary characters are given a lot of chances to shine and depth, especially compared to the movie version. To the point of some certain secondary characters actually outshine the two leads - particularly Sanada, Chizu (throughout the show), and Pin (in the last arc). Although the main leads' actors have impressed me multiple times in their previous projects, it seems that they fall a bit lower than what I expect for. Although I never rate the late Haruma that highly (no offense, he was never a technical virtuoso, not even close - let alone in 2011), I think he was surprisingly a better fit than Suzuka. Anybody playing Kazehaya requires more of a charisma rather than technical skills, and idk I just feel Suzuka tends to fall flat when he is called upon to do the former. He nailed the frustration in the middle arc though.
Conversely, Minami Sara feels rather underwhelming here, especially given her good track record. I have no problem regarding her appearance because the 'creepiness' of Sawako comes from her demeanor not her looks - it's the acting, especially in emotional scenes. Where's the emotionally-stirring expressions she has shown in her previous movies for example, "Shino Can't Say Her Name"? I know the comparison with Tabe in the 2011 itself is an uphill battle, but it's clear she could've done so much, much better here.
On the other hand, Sakurai Kaito is a perfect actor to play Sanada - he is convincing enough to be an athletic and resolute kid, and his back story is also very interesting. But the real surprise comes in the form of Nakamura Riho as Chizu. Prior to this project, I think she is by far the less-challenged actors among the main cast - perhaps I didn't see her enough or simply because her previous roles barely stray from being visually very attractive co-worker/classmate. Not in the project - this is far from what she usually does and she does it sublimely. Her Chizu looks as if it comes out straight of the manga version and her performance is heart-felt (the character depth also helps a lot too). Heck I'd gladly rate her portrayal higher than that in the movie version, she looks more convincing than Rembutsu (which was and is still a very good actress in her own right), given the factors above (and her height too). The other key characters also deserves shoutout, from Miura Shohei's Pin (I know it's his typical character he usually plays these days, but still) and Kurumi (I like her voice!).
Despite the shortcomings, it still has a lot of redeeming qualities, and being not boring is still a plus. 8/10 is a fair point.
Very likely only after then these girls were assigned to the RL idol groups such as onefive or Sakura Gakuin, so they've all already got the acting basics.