Great game, poor execution
This movie is made specially to feature a toned-down version of one of the beloved games in the manga: Musical Chairs.
Also, since Toda Erika wasn't available for this, it answers the question of how Liar Game would be if you had a less naïve female lead.
I am still giving this a high score despite this movie's version of Musical Chairs not being as exciting to watch as it could have been. It is still a clever game.
I have several problems with this film.
1. Less naïve doesn't mean more competent. Shinomiya Yu's decisions still leave me scratching my head.
Furthermore, this film was written with Nao in mind. Its critique of human greed and how we must still trust other people remains. That's why replacing Kanzaki Nao with Shinomiya Yu isn't the best fit.
Adding to this problem is that 1) Tabe Mikako, who played as Yu, isn't as attractive as Toda Erika, and 2) her abrupt appearance makes it hard for me to warm up to her and root for her.
2. Akiyama Shin'ichi doesn't seem as charismatic here compared to his earlier appearances. I don't know if I'm imagining it, but his actor feels like he was just going through the motions and not totally involved in this project.
3. Alice is a missed opportunity. After seeing her special, I would have loved to see a one-on-one game between her and Akiyama. That would have been one of the best episodes, whatever their game might be.
Also, in this film, she is just one of the agents of the Liar Game Agency, an uninteresting position compared to what is possible given her special episode.
Also, since Toda Erika wasn't available for this, it answers the question of how Liar Game would be if you had a less naïve female lead.
I am still giving this a high score despite this movie's version of Musical Chairs not being as exciting to watch as it could have been. It is still a clever game.
I have several problems with this film.
1. Less naïve doesn't mean more competent. Shinomiya Yu's decisions still leave me scratching my head.
Furthermore, this film was written with Nao in mind. Its critique of human greed and how we must still trust other people remains. That's why replacing Kanzaki Nao with Shinomiya Yu isn't the best fit.
Adding to this problem is that 1) Tabe Mikako, who played as Yu, isn't as attractive as Toda Erika, and 2) her abrupt appearance makes it hard for me to warm up to her and root for her.
2. Akiyama Shin'ichi doesn't seem as charismatic here compared to his earlier appearances. I don't know if I'm imagining it, but his actor feels like he was just going through the motions and not totally involved in this project.
3. Alice is a missed opportunity. After seeing her special, I would have loved to see a one-on-one game between her and Akiyama. That would have been one of the best episodes, whatever their game might be.
Also, in this film, she is just one of the agents of the Liar Game Agency, an uninteresting position compared to what is possible given her special episode.
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