Neko is the only reason I don't regret watching this series.
Most GL series either have good, satisfactory, or poor production values. But in my opinion, Roller Coaster has good production values. It’s not just about the cinematography, but also good visual storytelling. I also like the well-balanced ambient sound and good audio mixing, which most series usually don't pay close attention to. The only technical thing I’m not a fan of is the driving scenes VFX. I wish they could do the actual car tracking shot to give more emotional depth to the scenes as most of the scenes look floating and distracted.
In the acting department, Pundao and Shelly, being newcomers, did just okay, and there’s still a lot to be improved. Pundao still needs a lot of practice, as her dialogue delivery sounds pretty rigid and unnatural, and also her expression sometimes feels forced. I honestly don't buy any emotions she's delivering. But I personally think Neko deserved a standing ovation for her performance as Air. She ate and left no crumbs. She nailed every action and emotion so effectively, especially with her expressive eyes, whether it's happy or heavy scenes. She really brings nuance to this series with her performance alone—no fan service, no hype. NEKO NAERUNCHARA LERTPRASERT... SHE'S PURE TALENT. #TeamAir. Without her, this series would certainly feels bland. I think Neko is the one doing most of the heavy lifting but getting less recognition. Plus, Roller Coaster is one of very few GL series with a good male character we can root for.
Now the storylines/plots. I've read the book and there were some chapters and parts that I don't quite like, especially with the 'harmless flirting' that will pretty much have predictable consequences. Whether it's morally right or wrong, let's leave the argument for another space and time. But in the series, while I still dislike those parts and there’s something about the changes that put me off a bit, even though the plots flow at a nice pace until the end. As much as the script manages to bring the book to life, some changes that did not quite impress me. And I’m never one to care about NC scenes and the hype, and I believe those scenes or the execution don't define the quality of a series, so it won’t even affect my rating one bit.
Honestly, this series turned out pretty well, plus a good main OST, but still not up to 'the best' or 'outstanding' just yet for me to rate it higher. Overall, while it’s a well-produced GL series, it's still lacking in some areas.
In the acting department, Pundao and Shelly, being newcomers, did just okay, and there’s still a lot to be improved. Pundao still needs a lot of practice, as her dialogue delivery sounds pretty rigid and unnatural, and also her expression sometimes feels forced. I honestly don't buy any emotions she's delivering. But I personally think Neko deserved a standing ovation for her performance as Air. She ate and left no crumbs. She nailed every action and emotion so effectively, especially with her expressive eyes, whether it's happy or heavy scenes. She really brings nuance to this series with her performance alone—no fan service, no hype. NEKO NAERUNCHARA LERTPRASERT... SHE'S PURE TALENT. #TeamAir. Without her, this series would certainly feels bland. I think Neko is the one doing most of the heavy lifting but getting less recognition. Plus, Roller Coaster is one of very few GL series with a good male character we can root for.
Now the storylines/plots. I've read the book and there were some chapters and parts that I don't quite like, especially with the 'harmless flirting' that will pretty much have predictable consequences. Whether it's morally right or wrong, let's leave the argument for another space and time. But in the series, while I still dislike those parts and there’s something about the changes that put me off a bit, even though the plots flow at a nice pace until the end. As much as the script manages to bring the book to life, some changes that did not quite impress me. And I’m never one to care about NC scenes and the hype, and I believe those scenes or the execution don't define the quality of a series, so it won’t even affect my rating one bit.
Honestly, this series turned out pretty well, plus a good main OST, but still not up to 'the best' or 'outstanding' just yet for me to rate it higher. Overall, while it’s a well-produced GL series, it's still lacking in some areas.
Was this review helpful to you?

6
22
3
3
1
1
1
1
