Kate

While I usually love some complexity for crime driven dramas, the setting of this one made it impossible to enjoy.

My expectation might have had a big impact on how I view it. I was hoping for a rather simple plot with some amazing characters to dig deep into. The sad truth is, the plot was "complex" but full of predictable traits. We had some amazing characters that were never really used to their full potential. It would be much better if the whole story truly revolved around the kids, and no adult was connected to the cases. If we could get the "kids can do evil, kids are not all innocent" kind of scenario.

The whole drama should focus more on what is happening in school, but it didn't. The more the plot progressed, the more side stories we've got: prosecutors’ story line, an investigation by the police, adults’ politics, corruption.

If you set your drama in the school, you should use this place to its full potential, and that's what they did at the beginning. We’ve got to know the dynamics and rules of their school life, the background for the main characters, how they interact with adults, who is the top dog and how they use their power. But the further we got into the plot, the more unnecessary grown ups doing adult stuff we've got. The drama switched from being "school" to "crime/corruption" kind of story.

How amazing and tragic of the ending we would get, if they didn't show Beom Jin's father much. If we weren’t sure if he was connected to the case, it could have been only Beom Jin's view of it. And when we finally get that last court scene, he truly was just helping Soo Ah and there was nothing more going on between them. We could see how Beom Jin's obsession about his image ruined him and his family. How the lack of communication and keeping secrets can lead to a tragedy. It would have more heart and value. The true ending was simply disappointing.

Overall, the drama was kind of enjoyable, but definitely not because of the plot, but rather a few characters I liked. I skipped some scenes, especially the investigation ones, which I often watched at 1.5x speed. The trend of mixing everything in the plot and making it more complex than it has to be is really popular lately in dramas, and this one is not an exception.

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This was sweet and funny, but at the same time left me thinking: what the heck have i just watched?
It felt a bit like nonalcoholic drink when you crave some percentage. It was so short, it did not really have time to set the mood, vibe and hit me in any way.

I still appreciate how they managed to give some nice and relatable messages that can apply to many different contexts, not just a specific one presented by the customers. Universal takes that could make your life better.

The acting was also good for a short web drama like this. Especially impressed with Kim Wook in episode 2 and his quick and effective change of performance.

My biggest issue? Lackluster production. The music was too loud, the cat sounds were cute, but at some point overwhelming. I was bombarded with different auditory stimuli, I struggled with focusing on what I was watching.

That said, I loved the fake cat paws. That was probably one of my favorite small details from the whole show.

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Good execution of a basic story.

While the movie has high production value, good writing and great cast, it brings exactly nothing to the table. We have seen this story in a similar setting quite a few times.

These are always the same questions: What does it mean to be human? How far can we go to survive? What can we do for power and control? What makes some movies tackling these ideas stand out more than the others are cast/performance and the unique setting. Medical trials on clones is not exactly an out of the box idea. And with that, the movie is interesting and enjoyable, but easily forgettable. Sure, a few scenes showcasing Seobok’s special abilities were fun and more unique takes on the typical clone scenario, but surely not enough to make this production outstanding in any manner.

Gong Yoo carried the whole film on his shoulders. The performance saved a rather stereotypical character. On the other hand, as much as I like Park Bo Gum, he made me feel exactly nothing as I was watching Seobok. What’s worth mentioning - the small beef between Chief Ahn and Kim Cheon Woo was probably the most entertaining aspect for me.

The production was great. A high budget movie delivering high quality effects and action scenes.

Overall, a good watch, one that most would enjoy. Will I remember it to later recommend to others? Probably not.

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So good and fun it should have been a series.

It still works perfectly fine as a movie, but there is just so much to explore and both the characters and connections between them could have been more deep and engaging, if this was more than just a movie.

I finished it, liked it, was entertained from the beginning till the end, liked the characters, even ones I was skeptical about at the beginning, and yet the last thought I had - I needed more.

The characters were too diverse for this length. I did not get enough well paced character development from Mikado Kosuke, not enough in-depth exploration of Hiyakawa Rihito’s trauma and how he dealt with it for years, not enough time to truly understand and accept Hiura Erika’s actions. I wanted more background about the past events for the 3 main characters. More conversation about the power of belief in contrast to the power of not believing.

So many cool concepts, ideas and stories that could easily fill a short series. The source material was made for it, and yet all we’ve got was a movie. A good movie, but it could have been great.

On the note of source material, I tried to read it, but the sexualization of the connection the main leads had was just distracting and a bit ridiculous. The sensual exorcisms just made me laugh, so on that aspect, I’m actually happy the movie changed things up. I would appreciate a clearer indication of the feelings they had for each other, but there should be a middle ground between what was in the manga, and how much the cut out for the movie.

Acting was great. Shison Jun’s emotional scenes got me good. Especially the one after he passed out. The build up of the emotions the character was experiencing in these few minutes was delivered in a perfect fashion.

What’s more - the film was beautiful. Maybe it just fits my aesthetics, but I loved every frame of it. I also appreciate the gore that was excessive at times, but not gross and cartoonish.

One thing I would complain about was the soundtrack going from church choir to old school games. At times it completely did not match the scene it was played for.

Overall, I would recommend it. If you know the source material and expect a BL, this ain’t that. But it’s a nice story that vaguely touches on some interesting concepts.

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Basic plot sandwiched between fun opening comedy and great ending action.

Been awhile since I laughed so much during the opening few scenes of a movie. Does not happen a lot that I rewatch action sequences. Both happened as I was watching Mission Possible, sadly only at the beginning and the end.

It’s a goofy and lighthearted comedy with a small twist that could have made it even better, if it was used to its full potential. I wish they used the duality of Woo Su Han more - it would serve for both great comedy and great action.

There is nothing truly special about the plot, but with action comedy, it’s not a bad thing. I honestly believe the complex plot should not be distracting viewers from the entertainment a simple comedy delivers.

Acting was great. Especially liked Kim Young Kwang’s performance. I knew from the start the character he is playing is not what he presents himself to be and the acting perfectly carried the “unexpected” situations.

Overall, it’s a simple comedy with simple characters and nicely done action and choreographies. I wish they pushed a little bit harder on the jokes, kept the slapstick from the beginning more present till the end. The middle part just felt a bit empty and stagnant.

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It’s just a fun compilation of different characters dying because they were unlucky enough to step foot in the cursed house. - more or less that’s the plot.

If this is your first Ju-On movie, you won’t get much history and background of the curse and how it was born. There are some hints, but they do not serve as a cohesive set up for the story. That said, I strongly believe we don’t need that here.

In horror less often means more, especially if we talk about the supernatural. The harder the story tries to explain things, the more convoluted and boring it gets. I appreciate how we get none of that here. Just a creepy lady with a creepy meowing kid killing people because they are pissed about their crap life. That kid… personally scared me more than the pro yoga mother rolling down the stairs.

It’s short, but effective for a midnight watch in a dark room.

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A whole bunch of nothing...

The movie was basically like these "haunted lactation explorations" tv shows, where nothing happens for 40 minutes, but then they exaggerate the reaction for the smallest whisper or a creak. It starts well introducing the case and building the atmosphere, but then it plateaus till the end and gets more and more boring with every minute.

Have to say though, the directing truly made it seem like a realistic reportage. Appreciate how each footage they showed made sense, and I never questioned "who filmed it?" - these small things that completely ruin the immersive experience.

The acting was also good. Because of the intentional often low quality shots and shaky camera, we could not really grasp the full performance with all its detail, but it was good enough for what it wanted to present.

They way they presented the story itself was painfully basic.

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The thing is, this was such a brainless fluff I wish they were more cliche and used more typical rom-com tropes. More pining, more silly jealousy - fill that screen time with more variety of situations, because the second half kind of became repetitive.

That said, the chemistry was amazing. I think my favorite aspect of the show was how the characters were completely different from the initial impression they gave. Miura Manatsu is not this cold and detached dude who is completely not interested in his partner and Haruta Ami is not this innocent pushover. There is a great amount of mutual push and pull and flirting/bickering. The dynamics were great, all thanks to great performances.

I also appreciate how the show put a twist on some characters and their reaction to the relationship - this was refreshing.

Overall, perfect as a palate cleanser between more complex/serious dramas - there to appreciate the romance and give your brain a break.

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Could have just called it Momo and be done with marketing.

Anyone slightly familiar with creepy pastas will right away see the similarities between the supernatural being in Stare and the urban legend of Momo - long dark hair, slim long face, big and creepy eyes. You hear about her, she shoes up, you have a stare showdown, you die - that’s the movie.

I don’t think there was more to it to be honest. It had great potential to be great with better and slower directing. Stretch these starting into her eyes scenes longer, build that tension, but in the actual film it all passed way too quickly. The whole origin got messy, the importance of some characters forgotten, who was in on it, who just told the scary story thinking there is nothing more to it? All too blurry.

Acting was fine, so were the effects. I would appreciate less blowing up eyes, since that aspect was rather lackluster in presentation.

Overall, a decent watch when you feel like watching horror, but also want some simple and short entertainment.

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Perfect type of a mess.

The movie fits just right into the “so bad it’s good” category - with elements and plot that could last for at least 3 separate movies, it makes for a perfect late night brainless entertainment.

While the first 25 minutes are rather dull, following typical ghost and cursed storylines we have seen in hundreds of movies, the moment the ghost hunters duo shows up, that's when magic and crack happens.

There is no logic in this film - none. It’s impossible to make sense of the 80% of scenes and dialogues. They drop random supernatural lingo and we as the viewers need to just accept it all makes sense.

The acting was surprisingly not bad - improved with every minute. Honestly, delivering some of the lines in a serious matter seems like a miracle to me.

Production was… C class at best and that’s one of the fun and charming aspects of the movie. It’s made for people who can enjoy cringe and poor effects.

Overall, what an acid trip it was.

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A bit basic, but still fairly entertaining.

There was nothing truly wrong about the movie, but nothing stood out in a positive way either.

What starts as a comedy, ventures into more sad territory closer to the end. We know how Koreans are - nothing is just a comedy. I must say, I actually really like where the plot went and the given conclusion, I just hoped it would be set up better and more hints have been given.

On the comedy side - I did not really laugh once. Maybe smiled a few times, but that’s it. The jokes were just really mediocre and they did not take full advantage of the scenario they created.

The acting was good, especially from Han Seung Yeon who is able to deliver both the comedy (even if limited by the script) and drama.

Overall, it's light, short and fun enough to watch and not feel like you wasted time.

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That was a surprisingly easy and fun watch. With just 125 minutes, they managed to properly set up the plot and the characters, explain the past events, connect them to the current timeline, and keep a good pace. It follows a typical teen horror scenario, but makes it interesting enough for me not to care for the overused format.

It’s nothing groundbreaking or amazing, but it’s for sure an entertaining watch with some unexpected plot developments. The characters seemed like your typical university students which added some realism to a rather unrealistic, but enjoyable story.

I for sure liked the performances and was surprised to see some well known faces in the roles of Professor Choi and Professor Yeo.

It seems like a good watch for people who are not too good with horrors. It has some creepy moments, but there is also enough mystery and plot to get invested and focus on that. It’s also relatively short, so you won’t get exhausted watching it.

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Well structured, simple jealousy and betray driven story, seasoned with supernatural elements.

Wishing Stairs tells a story of two best friends, Jin Sung and So Hee, and the rivalry born between them because of the upcoming competition. The movie effectively made me question if the events presented to me have any supernatural origin or are the result of the feelings of guilt in Jin Sung and obsession Hye ju displayed towards So Hee. Sadly, the director and writer straightforwardly answered said question by the end of the movie, instead of leaving me, as a viewer, with the possibility of self interpretation.

The structure of the story is simple and extremely easy to follow. The linear storytelling without countless flashbacks to the past events makes it a good, digestible horror flick that does not require much brain power to understand.

The performance from the main cast and the production value were truly good. The director knew the limits of what she could achieve in that time, and did not overuse cheap and not well made CGI or special effects for jump scares.

Overall, I would recommend it if someone wants to watch a fun, simple story that answers all the questions and truly guides you through the plot and events happening.

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Lost the campy quality trying to take itself a bit too seriously.

This is not a good movie, but it could have been fun to watch, if it did not try to be a good movie. And if it tried to be more of a horror and less of a make out sessions compilation.

I’m not even joking, it feels like there were more ass, boobs, make out, shower masturbation scenes then the actual kills, gore and scares. Lower budget horror movies can be fun, often are, but they need to understand what actually works for the audience. Yes, “sexy horrors” are a thing, but you need to keep the balance between hot ladies and them dying.

The whole set up was more or less useless and way too long. Why they are going on the trip, how they are going on the trip, who took them to the resort - it took just the first 10 minutes of the movie, but with how it was written and directed, it felt like 30. The whole movie was not dynamic enough. There was no real tension.

On the bright side, I do like how who died when made logical sense. The local cannibal did use their brains during some sense, and I appreciate how we get an actual explanation why they kept the leads for the last. Another big props for the married couple - that was a solid way to go. Approved.

As for the acting - god no. Funny enough, there were moments when it felt really natural, then I was hit with the robotic delivery, to end on unreasonable screaming and overexaggerated reactions.

The blood and practical effects were not bad. Even good for the last confrontation. Mostly the issue was not the props, but how they were used by the actors that felt off.

Overall, it’s a movie.

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