Category: Review

DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.

Good Ol’ Review: While an Easy Watch, Solid Cast and Dreamy Visuals Not Enough to Deliver Satisfaction on Netflix’s “Doona!”

Netflix’s Doona! (이두나!) is an interesting melodrama focusing on the rocky romance between the titular Doona, a former idol and Won Jun, a boy next door university student. The series relies heavily on its dreamy visuals and appealing main cast as its narrative floats through predictable scenarios and contrived tension. And yet, the relatively short nine episodes never feels like the series is moving too fast. Nor does it feel like the series is moving too slow. But that brings up what might be the series’ biggest shortcoming.

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Hindsight Review: Herlene Budol Proves Herself in Refreshing, Fun “Magandang Dilag”

GMA Network’s Magandang Dilag has come to an end. And its 99 episodes have been a fun, enjoyable ride. Though the series featured some familiar themes and scenarios as many Filipino teleseryes, it was able to set itself apart in many ways. It was able to blend in comedy and humor with the heavy drama. And as a revenge story, Magandang Dilag was unrelenting in dishing out sweet karma to the series’ antagonists. But perhaps the biggest outcome from the series is how it was able to showcase Herlene Budol as a lead actress.

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Hindsight Review: Charming, Likeable Cast Carries GMMTV’s Familiar “Dangerous Romance”
Hindsight Review: GMMTV’s Satisfying, Fun “Only Friends”
Good Ol’ Review: Disney+’s “Moving” a Thrilling, Imaginative and Emotionally Affecting Adventure

Disney+ has had a couple of original Korean drama offerings so far. But Moving (무빙) just might be their best yet. And not only that, this webtoon adaptation from artist and screenwriter Kang Full has a very strong case for being named the year’s best overall. Moving is a thrilling, imaginative and emotionally affecting series that boasts an incredible ensemble cast and stunning direction.

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Good Ol’ Review: Picking Up Right Where it Left Off, Season Two of Netflix’s “D.P.” Delivers Another Profound Experience

Season 2 of Netflix’s D.P. (디피) picks up right where the first left off. And that’s not merely referring to the story itself, but also to the incredible performances, top-notch production and captivating, compassionate writing. Just like the first season, Jung Hae In and Koo Kyo Hwan deliver masterful, nuanced performances as they help bring to life the story of two military police officers tasked with pursuing deserters and in turn hoping to fight the injustices in a system that seems to be untouchable.

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Good Ol’ Review: Ra Mi Ran and Lee Do Hyun Deliver Captivating Performances in “The Good Bad Mother,” One of the Year’s Best Series

JTBC’s The Good Bad Mother (나쁜엄마) might just be my favorite Korean drama of 2023. I challenge anyone to not shed some tears at least once during the series’ excellent 14 episodes. And that’s tears from the series’ many emotional stories or from laughing so much at its welcome and well-placed humor. Ra Mi Ran and Lee Do Hyun deliver masterful and captivating performances, leading a strong ensemble cast as they help bring to life a truly breathtaking and beautiful story.

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Recap: Kamen Rider Shinobi, Episode 46 NinPow! Raid the Base! Give the Good News!
Check-in Review: Episode 72 of “Magandang Dilag” a Showcase of Herlene Budol’s Growth, Good Direction and Clever Writing
Good Ol’ Review: Woo Do Hwan, Lee Sang Yi Power Fun, Thrilling “Bloodhounds”
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