DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.
It is always a great experience when you come across a series that is well-written, fun, has a great cast and can make you simultaneously laugh and cry throughout. That is exactly what Delivery Man (딜리버리맨) is. The fantasy/mystery comedy/drama from ENA is such a wonderful treat from beginning to end. And one of the most satisfying series so far this year.
Netflix’s Black Knight (택배기사) has an interesting premise and a strong cast. Breathtaking dystopian visuals pair with familiar present-day themes. But even if it comes to a satisfying conclusion, it at times feels as if the six episode series struggles between wanting to be a feature length film or a longer, more in-depth character drama.
Jeon Do Yeon is absolutely captivating as she kicks ass on Netflix’s Kill Boksoon (길복순). The film is an emotional character piece masked as a pulpy, gritty thriller. Unrelenting action gives way to relatable family drama for an overall engaging story.
I didn’t expect to get emotional. But as the end (opening?) credits rolled on the first episode of Voltes V: Legacy, I did. And this is me not having watched a single episode of the original series. If I felt this excited and hyped for the series, I can’t even imagine how it must feel for fans who grew up with the original series. Especially for Filipino fans who are seeing their childhood now in a live-action, locally produced series.
And ultimately, that is such a welcome sight to see. Mga Lihim ni Urduja was a fun, exciting ride. Even if the series might have been a little too different for some viewers, it is one example of how there are still so many unique stories to tell on Philippine TV. Even familiar stories, but in truly refreshing ways and with new approaches. Urduja showed there is so much potential just waiting to be tapped. And one hopes it won’t be the last of its kind on local television.
So this Face 2 Face reboot as a television program is a welcome sight. It definitely has some kinks to work out if it hopes to enjoy as successful a run as the original series. Those kinks are definitely as resolvable as the complaints the people bring to the show. But in spite of any of these early bumps, Face 2 Face remains a fascinatingly simple, yet engaging hour of television to have every day.
In looking up some Korean BL series to check out, I somehow stumbled upon Blue of Winter (유도 소년/Judo Boys). The roughly 45 minute, five episode series follows the angsty and sometimes messy relationships of four boys as they navigate high school and reach for their dreams. (That’s a very generous logline for the series though.)
Right off the bat, if you’re wondering which of these two connected anime films to watch first, here’s what I think based on my experience. I decided to watch the “blue” movie (color based on poster) first. That is To Every You I’ve Loved Before. Then watched “To Me, The One Who Loved You” (the “red” movie) second. And it was fine. But if you are looking for a more chronological and perhaps easier-on-the-brain experience, definitely go with To Me, The One… first. Ether way, you’ll still get the same conflicted, bittersweet climax for our main characters.
The bottomline, up top, is that TVING’s Duty After School has a great premise, good ideas and slick production. But its plot-driven narrative and lack of depth hold it back from realizing its full and more meaningful potential.
And yet, I decided to watch Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always on the day of release anyway. And to my shock, I actually quite enjoyed it. In fact, I think it’s probably the best (live action) thing to come out of the franchise in a decade. At least, it’s my favorite thing.