[K-Drama Review] Exo Next Door (2015)

I'm a member of a few Drama groups on Facebook. In need of a drama to watch, I received a few recommendations after posting the following:

Hiya everyone, it's been a while since I've last popped in, hope everyone is doing well.

In a bit of a slump, feeling restless, bored, and a little sad, but not really? Lol Dunno.
Anyway, currently watching Fated to Love You, but I read ahead on dramabean and now cannot proceed with episode 11 because I know it's devastating. (Haha dunno why I did that.)

Can anyone recommend a SUPER light hearted drama with no more than 7% angst. Haha Korean, Japanese, and/or Taiwanese all welcome.

Thanks for listening and your help in advice!

 I decided to go with EXO NEXT DOOR because of the super short episodes. I liked the idea that I could finish it in a few hours. (Also recommended: Itakura na Kiss variations, Let's Eat, Marriage Without Dating, Stand Up!, King of High School, and You're Beautiful.)

 

 Synopsis:

A 23-year-old girl named Ji Yeon has never been in a relationship because she is super shy and blushes intensely when faced with a boy she likes. Imagine the turn her love life takes when the members of K-pop boy band, EXO, move in next door to keep a low profile.

 

 

Thoughts:

This mini-series most likely drew EXO fans, but since I'm not particularly a fan of EXO, they didn't immediately appeal to me as actors. Even as purely eye-candy they're not to my taste, but I continued watching anyway.

The lead character is Ji Yeon, who freeloads ungratefully off her mom and blushes intensely when faced with an attractive boy she likes. I didn't find her endearing or cute, simply annoying. Her actions in the beginning were aggravating and impolite. She's such a SNOOP! I also found her blushing weird and unattractive, maybe even a little creepy. Yet, she started to grow on me in the last few episodes.

Though, there were a few moments where I chuckled a bit,  I wouldn't consider this show funny.
I did thoroughly enjoy Sehun and his bromance with Ji Yeon's oddball younger bro. It's actually my favorite aspect of the show. The scene during and after "The Big Secret Reveal" was also quite endearing. There was an attempt to get melo-angsty with Suho's character in one, longer-than-usual episode towards the end has some effect.

Also, SPOILER-ISH RANT: Don't get all dolled up for a date when you haven't even received a confirmation text! "No news is actually just no news." But it was pretty sweet how he came running over immediately when he was told that she was waiting.

The ending was cute, I guess. But not very satisfying, at least not on the romantic front. It was actually a bit cheesy. And I usually enjoy cheesy.

In sum, it was enjoyable in a way, but not particularly memorable. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone or re-watch it. However, if you're all caught up on dramas, happen to be an EXO fan, or want to imagine what life would be like if your fave kpop band moved in next door, then give EXO NEXT DOOR a try. It'll be only 3.5 hours of your life.

[Korean Drama] Rooftop Prince (2012)

WOW! I just finished watching Rooftop Prince and all I can say is just, WOW!

Rooftop Prince begins 300 years ago in the Joseon era of South Korea and the Crown Princess has been found dead. The Crown Prince along with his four most trusted officials vow to find the truth of her death. However, they find themselves being chased over a cliff and "falling" into the 21st century and onto the rooftop house of Bak Ha!

From there, it's a 20-episode phenomenal ride full of incredible romance, plot twists, and drama.

The Story:

Rooftop Prince has one of the most unique story-lines that I have ever seen. In all of the 50+ dramas that I've watched, none have impressed me as much as Rooftop Prince. Sure there may be other impressive dramas, as I haven't watched all that many considering, but Rooftop Prince is brillantly executed. There were several plot lines occurring at the same time and feeding into one other--the crime mystery, both past and present and the romance.

Rooftop Prince's intriguing plot also had the most brilliant twists that were almost too much to handle, as well as splendid pacing and tension and a whole lot of drama--heart-wrenching, breath-stealing drama. I mean, I just want to give the writers a big ole kiss, they were just so brilliant! Just when you think you may have gotten things figured out, the writers are like "Nuh-uh, we have more for you, there are TWENTY episodes, remember?" Then you're all like, "Oh yeah. Crap. Now what?" I never watched a drama that made my jaw drop, put my hand over my mouth and gasp "Holy Shit" as many times as this one! Especially in a Rom-Com! They're not usually so suspenseful, but this one was simply awe-inspiring.

The Characters:

I've watched quite a bit of dramas and many of the most acclaimed ones (at least in Romantic Comedy) and I do not think I can say that I have seen more superb acting anywhere other than in Rooftop Prince. Each character was absolutely believable and authentic in their portrayal of their role.

Bak Ha was an inspiring female lead. She was so beautiful and possessed an inner strength to be admired. Even more importantly is that she had a strong sense of self-respect and integrity. Her emotions were so real and pulled viewers right in. Also, her honesty regarding her feelings was really refreshing as it's a rarity in other dramas.

Your Highness/YiGak/Tae Yong was so handsome (duh. Just look at that face). His character as a Prince from the past was believable and adorable. He was also an amazing actor in emotional scenes drawing viewers in.

While Bak Ha and Tae Yong played the role of Mom and Dad, the three officers Chi San, Man Bo, Yong Sool played the role of the three kids and they were perfect secondary characters as comic and cuteness relief in the most stressful or emotional scenes. They made the drama as enjoyable as it was. Without them, I probably wouldn't have kept going.

Se Na and Tae Mu played the perfect villains. I've never been so impressed or awed by the sheer evilness of the bad characters before. The actor who played Se Na, especially impressed me. She was believable in her role from beginning to end. And they just wouldn't quit! They were involved in many of the plot twists. It was insane and entralling!

The Romance:

... was absolutely freaking perfect! Bak Ha and Tae Yong's love was so strong and real that it spanned 300 years (how can you beat that?!). They could play with and tease one another, bicker like an elderly couple, and trusted one another deeply. I loved watching their interactions on screen, especially the various scenes of loving tenderness. Perfect.

The Soundtrack (OST):

Almost has perfect as Bak Ha and Tae Yong. Each song fit its scene perfectly, or added an air of suspense or irony. The writers (or whoever is in charge of the sort of thing) made very good choices! I'm in love with Ali's song "Hurt" in particular. (See both Korean and English versions below.)

The Ending:

Watching the last episode was so stressful! I was so afraid of how it would end. Viewers weren't given as many clues as we may have liked. Until the very end the writers kept surprising us, but they didn't disappoint us and the ending was nearly perfect. Though all of the loose ends were not completely tied, it was satisfying.

Looney Verdict:

Rooftop Prince is a definite must watch. It may very be the best drama of 2012. It has the most amazing acting I've ever seen in a long time, possibly ever. It has an intriguing and attention grabbing plot with excellent pacing that keeps you hooked for all twenty episodes. The perfect mix of serious emotion and comic relief, great music, and a satisfying ending. Everything a drama addict can ask to have mixed in her drug. In short, it deserves the honor of being placed amongst my "Favorite's List" and so it shall!

[K-Drama] Love Rain (2012)

 

Love Rain (2012)

K-Drama (20 Episodes)

Genre: Romance

Synopsis:

When you’re in love, rain can be sweet like flowing emotions, or it can be bittersweet if it reminds you of the love that got away. While in college in the 1970s, Seo In Ha falls in love with the sweet Kim Yoon Hee. But destiny stepped in and separated them, and both moved on with their lives. Forty years later, In Ha’s son meets and falls in love with Yoon Hee’s daughter. Can the young couple finish what their parents started or will fate step in again to separate two generations of lovers?

My Review:

I really liked the concept of the plot of this drama. The whole parents were in love 20 years and then the kids fall in love bit was intriguing, emotional and highly interesting. The four first episodes showing the fast was an excellent touch.The lead characters of course were excellent. I love Jang Geum Suek in everything he does and Yoon A was adorable as Ha Na. The supporting actors added dimension to the series. The soundtrack was good. The ending was the perfect adorable bow to wrap around the drama. My only issue was the pacing of the drama. I felt the indecision of whether or not to remain together because of their parents in episodes 15-18 or so, was overdone. I simply fast forwarded past the angst to the end. I felt like they tried to stuff in too many other conflicts in addition to the main one, which I felt was unnecessary. I mean in addition to the star-crossed lovers bit, we had the evil mom, the love rectangle and even a disease! lol Despite my complaints on the pacing, I really enjoyed Love Rain and would recommend it to any K-drama enthusiast.

Personal Taste/Preference (2010) - Korean Drama

Personal Taste/Preference

2010 - Kdrama

Romantic Comedy

16 Episodes

Synopsis:

Personal Taste is a drama, which is based on a novel "Gaeinui Chwihyang" by Lee Sae In. The story is about a man pretending to be homosexual in order to become roommates with a woman who wants to live with a gay male friend. Jeon Jin Ho (Lee Min Ho) is a straight guy who pretends to be gay in order to become a roommate to his female friend, Park Kae In (Son Ye Jin). His hobbies include organization and ironing, and he’s known for his stoic poker face.

Review:

^___^ Ahhh...Personal Taste.

This was a GOOD one. I've been meaning to watch this for a long time, but I kept putting it off. After watching City Hunter, I wanted MORE Lee Min Ho, so I finally got around to it.

What I've been missing all this time--is a pretty good drama. Personal Taste had all of the makings of a good drama. It has an interesting, original plot, a great cast of lovable and believable characters, strong, pure chemistry and love between the lead couple and tons of hilarious moments. For 16 episodes, I laughed, smiled, teared-up, snorted, rolled my eyes and cried. The OST was also really good!

Yet there was still something missing throughout. My main issue is that the pacing was really slow.  I found myself fast forwarding quite a bit about half way through as the series kind of lost its steam. While I will not miss the series itself, I WILL miss Jin Ho and Kae In.

Personal Taste is a drama that I really enjoyed and believe to be worth watching.

P.S. The BEST place for watching dramas, is over at Viki.com. Users can leave comments as they watch. It's like watching with your friends--crazy, very unique friends! The comments are usual hysterical and totally random!

Here's the link: Get your taste of Min Ho here!

Heartstrings (2011) – Korean Drama

 Heartstrings

15 episodes + 1 special (2011)

Korean Drama

Romantic, Music

Synopsis:

Lee Shin is a university student majoring in modern music. He is also the vocalist and guitarist of the band "The Stupid." Shin is known for his good looks and strong passion for music, but in reality he is cold, lacks interest in anything unrelated to music and has neither dreams nor plans for the future. He initially likes Jung Yoon Soo, a dance professor at university, but this all changes when he meets Lee Kyu Won.

Lee Kyu Won is a bright and outgoing student who was born into a prestigious family and is majoring in traditional Korean instruments, especially the gayageum. Kyu Won's grandfather, Lee Dong Gun, is one of the top 3 traditional musicians of his age and his biggest wish is to see his granddaughter become a traditional music prodigy. Trying to live up to her grandfather's expectations, Kyu Won immerses herself in training and becomes a university student who knows nothing outside of her studies. As her friends are fans of "The Stupid", she was forced to go to the band's concert with them. There she saw Lee Shin performing live, and is immediately captivated by him.

Review:

I’m totally shallow, I admit, especially when it comes to my fave pretty korean boys. I decided to watch Heartstrings because I love love love Jung Yong Hw!. I first fell in love with him in “You’re Beautiful”, then I fell in love with his band CN Blue.

I think it’s lovely that Shin Woo (Yong Hwa) and Mi Nam (Shin Hye) from “You’re Beautiful” got a chance to star in their own romance! 

So, Heartstrings…. I like the characters. Yong Hwa plays his role as Lee Shin, a student majoring in Western Music very well. At the same though..it’s sort of who he is in real life, so I don’t think we can attribute much to his acting skills. That is NOT to say, I did not love his role and how he portrayed it..I DID! Lee Kyu Won was meh… I liked her A LOT more in “You’re Beautiful”. She does okay in Heartstrings, still pretty cute and did a okay-pretty good job acting. The character I really loved though was Cha Bo Woon, Kyu Won’s BFF4EVER! She was so adorably funny and such a great friend--always interrupting Lee Shin and Kyu Won’s couple moments and getting punished as a result by Shin! LOL

As this is a Music drama, we have to talk about the soundtrack. It’s pretty obvious what I think of it..it’s CN BLue’s Yong Hwa, after all! The soundtrack was GREAT! I really loved it. I paid more attention to the performances than to the plot to be honest.

The plot was a simple one…Music school, a performance, some jealousy, attempts to sabotage said performance etc etc Yet, I found myself fast forwarding..A LOT. In addition to the performance scenes, only parts I didn’t fast forward were the romantic scenes.

Overall, I give Heartstrings a "good" rating. While the soundtrack was Amazing, it alone cannot make a drama. Problem is that I can’t quite put my finger on what was lacking…the drama simply didn’t leave much of a lasting impression. I don’t have the feeling of lose one usually feels after a great drama and I certainly don’t see myself re-watching it a million times in the near future.

**Love CN Blue too? Leave your favorite song in the comments!

Down With Love (2010) - Taiwanese Drama

Down with Love

2010 - Taiwanese

16 episodes

Synopsis:

Shiang Yu Ping, a divorce and inheritance lawyer, is seen by others as cold, selfish, and ruthless. He had taken in his brother's orphans and was in need of a nanny. But after he exhausted his supply of nannies, he still couldn't find one who doesn't fall in love with him or gets scared off by the kids. Fed up, Yu Ping asks his secretary, Yang Duo, to find a nanny that meets his requirements. She recommends her younger sister, Yang Guo, for the job; assuring Yu Ping that her tomboyish sister will not fall in love with him by lying that she does not like men at all.

Review:

What I loved most about this drama was the lead couple! Yang Guo and Yu Ping were the one of the cutest couples I've seen. I loved watching the two of them together. I also loved the side characters, especially Yang Guo's family , her sister and father. This drama would have gotten a "very good" rating if not for the dang ending! It was HORRIBLY done, essentially false advertising (you'll know what I mean after watching, but keep the image above in mind)! The rest of the series was so well done and then to botch it up so much at the very very end was kind of unforgivable! :/ 

**Did you love Yang Gui and Yu Ping as much as I did?! Do your gushing in the comments! I'll join you! xD

Love Keeps Going (2011) - Taiwanese Drama

Love Keeps Going

Taiwanese Drama

2011 - 13 Episodes

Synopsis: 

A story of an egotistic guy meeting a girl who aimed to please. A casual comment from her boyfriend on wishing to open a bakery store of their own caused Mei Le to immediately abandon her lucrative job in fiance to pursuit a career in baking bread. But, her boyfriend still dumped her for someone else anyway. Her breakup directly impacted Han Yi Lie. First, her cheating boyfriend was his brother. Second, he worked better after eating her bread and couldn't function when she stopped baking it. So he decided to help her get over the unfortunate event.   

Review:

Ahh..Mike He..How I looves you! lol I haven't watched T-dramas in a while, but after watching "Drunken to Love You", I started missing Mike He something fierce as it was weird seeing Rainie and Kingone, but no Mike! So I went hunting for some newer series starring Mike He and lo and behold, I found "Love Keeps Going".

I really enjoyed this one. To begin with, the love between Mike He and Cyndi Wang is so authentic. This isn't the funny, fluffy, playful love stories you usually see in romantic comedies. Instead, it is a real love strengthened by adversity and near tragedy.

Speaking of adversities and tragedies, the plot was very well scripted and totally sucks you in. The characters are all well-developed and are "real" people on screen--some you love (like Yi Fe and Yu Cheng), some you hate (like Mother Han and the manager) and the really special ones that you at first hate, but then come to love (Xuan Xuan).

The soundtrack was okay, nothing spectacular (not like City Hunter's. God, I loved the soundtrack for that!), but it wasn't horrid.

The only small downside that I can think of is the very ending. I think things were wrapped up a little too neatly, too quickly. One more episode would have probably been perfect. Also, I hate the fact that the series ended without showing Mike's face! I won't say any more and risk giving spoilers, but it was just a bit upsetting! lol

Overall, Love Keeps Going  is a definite must watch. Worth 13 hours of your precious life! SO, what are you waiting for? GO WATCH IT! Look, I'm even making it easy and providing a link.

Clicky, Clicky!

Until next time,

Tuma

P.S. Already watched "Love Keeps Going" or want to recommend a drama I totally need to watch? Leave a comment!

P.P.S. Expect a ton load of reviews in the near future. Two weeks left in semester. Just need to survive..and make it to summer break, then I'm home free to BINGE on dramas! I have a LOOONG "To Watch" list! ^____^

Black and White (2009)–Taiwanese Drama

It’s been way too long I know. I have such a long list of dramas to write reviews for, but I’ll get to them eventually. Today, let’s talk about my new two favorite buddies—Pi Zi, the Ruffian and Ying Xiong, the Hero.


Title: 痞子英雄 / Pi Tzu Ying Hsiung (Pi Zi Ying Xiong)
English title: Black & White
Genre: Police, action
Episodes: 24
Broadcast period: 2009-Apr-11 to 2009-Jun-27
Download: http://myac.asia/tw-drama-black-and-white-2009/
 
Synopsis: Pi Zi and Ying Xiong are two cops who are as different as day and night. One does nothing except for drinking coffee and living a luxurious lifestyle while waiting for information from dubious sources to crack his cases. Another believes law and justice are the pillars of society and is constantly on the street catching criminals… a little overzealously for his superior’s liking. When a case brought these two top crime solvers together, sparks flied and a little light peeked into this dark city where the nation’s President is on friendly terms with the local triad and twins kill people while drinking milkshake.

My Review: This. Drama. Was. Amazing! Black and White has been on my To Watch list for so damn long and I’ve been kicking my own butt for waiting so long to finally get around to watching it. I’ve been putting it off because it’s not like my typical Romantic Comedy, but boy am I glad I took the plunge and watched this. Black and White isn’t your typical crime drama. From episode one, it grabs you tightly by the collar and doesn’t let you go as you, with the help of Pi Zi and Ying Xiong, struggle to solve a crime that it a lot bigger than it looks and to survive.

The Characters in this drama are diverse and all equally captivating. The relationship between the three leads is very powerful to the overall storyline, but the supporting characters are also just as important. Each one plays such a vital part that the drama would definitely not be what it is without them. I especially love how much Pi Zi and Ying Xiong need and balance one another, despite their vast differences.

The Plot is the best one I’ve seen in any Asian drama that I’ve watched. What I liked best about this drama is the lack of dramatic irony (technique in which audience knows something that the characters do not). I felt a stronger emotional connection while watching this drama because of the fact that the clues were revealed to me as they were revealed to the characters. I felt that I was also cast into the role of a fellow officer and helping to solve the crime. The countless twists and turns in the plot were masterfully placed to keep viewers hooked (like a 2 dollar hoe on crack). Just as I thought I knew what was going on and who was responsible, I get slapped in the face with a “That’s what you think! This story isn’t finished yet”. Another great thing about the drama was the build-up and suspense. They managed to provide the perfect amount, not too much in which you begin to lose interest, but just enough to have you holding your breathe from beginning to end, just enough to have your hand tremble just a bit as you move to click on to the next episode, just enough for you to cry and smile bittersweet smiles because it’s not all over quite yet.

The Soundtrack wasn’t anything special but then again I don’t think a good soundtrack is very necessary in an action drama like this one.

Overall, Black and White deserves to be number uno on your Must Watch list. Don’t put off watching this one like I did…. What are you waiting for? Get to it!

P.S. For those of you who have already watched it, what did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments! :)

See you again soon,
Tuma

My Princess (2011)

It's been forever, I know! Sorry, super busy for school and life. Doesn't mean I haven't been watching dramas (nearly impossible), just that I haven't been blogging about them. So, I have a lot to catch up on!

Title: My Princess
Year: 2011
Episodes: 16
Genre: Romantic Comedy (Do I watch anything else? lol)
Starring: Song Seung Hun as Park Hae Young and Kim Tae Hee as Lee Seol

Synopsis: An ordinary college student, Lee Seol, finds out she's a princess. The grandson of Daehan Group, Park Hae Young, is put in charge of educating Seol on proper etiquette. However, Hae Young is put in a precarious situation when he finds himself drawn to Seol, the girl who will take away his inheritance if the monarchy is restored.

Romance/Plot: This was a very sweet story and pretty good. The progress of the romance was nicely done and subtle. Both the viewer and the characters weren't sure how or when the leads had fallen in love, just that they had. This princess plot is a bit different from others I've watched, which is nice. For one, the romance isn't between a commoner marrying into a royal family due to some promise (Goong), nor is it a romance between a princess and prince both fighting for the inheritance (Romantic Princess). In My Princess, Lee Seol is a typical, if slightly quirky, college student who finds out she's a princess and eventually falls in love with her tutor. There's some angst and political agendas, but most importantly a sweetly budding romance between her and her advisor.

Mood/Tone: What I like best about My Princess is that after all of the issues and problems, the relationship between Park Hae Young and Lee Seol is more playful than passionate. They tease and annoy one another, which I found totally cute!

Visual/Aesthetics: The castle was beautiful and so was Lee Seol's clothes. Hmm...nothing much as to say. This wasn't a drama relying on stunning scenes (not like Secret Garden).

Soundtrack: Oh man! Since I took so long to get around to writing a review, I don't quite recall the soundtrack and whether or not it was good. I'm assuming it was horrible, since one tends to remember very bad soundtracks, but I can't say it was amazing.

Overall: This is mostly definitely worth watching. The plot is interesting enough, but the lead couple if what makes this worth watching. They're so cute together.

Laters,
Tuma

Secret Garden (Kdrama)

Another drama review and this one’s a real treat!

Title: 시크릿 가든 / Sikeurit Gadeun / Secret Garden
Chinese Title : 秘密花園
Genre: Melodrama, fantasy, romance
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2010-Nov-13 to 2011-Jan-16
Air time: Saturday & Sunday 21:45
Synopsis: The drama tells the story of Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin), a seemingly perfect man yet with certain arrogance and childishness in him, and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won), a stuntwoman whose beauty and body are the object of envy of top actresses. One day they went deep into the mountains and entered a strange house. A strange grandmother offered them chocolate to eat. The next day they found themselves changing bodies.
My Review: “Secret Garden” takes the typical 'poor girl and rich guy fall in love despite opposition of the guy’s family’ plot and gives it a fun, magical twist! What if, in addition to dealing with all of the usual issues that arise with any new relationship—getting to know one another, admitting feelings, fighting, making up etc etc, you also had to deal with the occasional soul-swap whenever it rained? That’s what the love story of Gil Ra Im and Kim Joo Won is about.
It gets even better. Joo Woo is a the young president of a huge chain of department stores. He’s arrogant, eccentric, immature (at least with Ra Im) and claustrophobic. Ra Im is—get this—a stuntwoman. How cool is that?! Ra Im and Joo Won’s sweet love blooms each time she kicks him in the shin, or flips him over her shoulder. And kinky Joo Won thinks she’s pretty when angry, so it works for them both.
There are also the supporting characters: Joo Won’s cousin Oska, whose a Hallyu star and his first love, turned enemy, turned love again Yoon Seul. You cannot help, but love Oska, cause he’s just so damn full of himself, but in a totally playful, adorable way! And though at first you hate Yoon Seul, you begin to like her quite a lot towards the end.
Throughout the story, Joon Woo and Ra Im come against many obstacles in their love—Joon Woo’s evil mother, the two love birds themselves and a secret that’s been linking the two of them for 13 years.
“Secret Garden” is a drama that’s sometimes funny, sometimes silly, sometimes hot and heavy, sometimes sad and touching, but always full of a ton of ton between the characters.
Now, to make this a fair and “objective” review, I’d have to mention one not-so-awesome aspect of the series. *drum roll* And, the winner is…the soundtrack. Don’t get me wrong, the songs were pretty good and put quite nicely where they were put it. I just think a bigger selection was needed for a drama of this length (20 eps), to avoid sounding repetitious. I sometimes found myself fast forwarding or muting, especially in the last few episodes.
Overall, “Secret Garden” is a definite must watch. It’s a new Looney Express favorite!
So, go watch it, or I’ll “turn your vertebrae number five to number 6”!
Download here!
Watch here!

Keizoku 2: SPEC (Jdrama)

Time for another drama review!!!
Today’s drama is a really good one. It’s intriguing, exciting and quite different from the dramas I usually watch!

Title (romaji): Keizoku 2: SPEC

Genre: Mystery

Episodes: 10 

 

Synopsis: Touma Saya is a woman with an IQ of 201 and an inability to "read the atmosphere" in social situations. Due to a previous case, her left arm is in a sling. Her partner Sebumi Takeru used to be the star performer of the Metropolitan Police. After some incident however, he was transferred to Mishou. Those two track down offenders with special abilities(SPEC) who managed to get away with their crimes.

My Review: I really really enjoyed this one. This was very different from my usual slew of romantic comedies, but I decided to give this a try after reading a funny review of it. What I love about this drama now that I’ve finished it?

1. The Characters. Toma and Sebumi have so many facets to them that you can’t help but feel some sort of connection to them as you watch. Toma comes across as an eccentric, socially inept, but extremely intelligent detective. Sebumi is a stiff, follows-the-rules kind of guy. But together they still make quite a team. The side characters also play vital roles and are just as intriguing, especially those with SPEC, or special abilities. I mean, you have a physic, a mind reader, changed memories, stopped time, clairvoyance, psychometry and more!

2. The Story. The plot was VERY interesting. Toma and Sebumi are apart of 3-man division that solves special cases involving humans with special abilities or SPECS. At first you may think that this will end up being an episodic series with them simply solving a case each episode, but that’s hardly the case. Each episode lays down the basis for the next, revealing clues and new secrets. The VERY best thing about this drama is that it absolutely keeps you on your seat. Just as you think you know who did and why, you’re hit with something else, something you didn’t even realize, This happens throughout the series, even at the very end, where the biggest secret of all is revealed!

Give it a watch, people! It’s short and sweet and definitely worth spending 10+ hours of your life watching!!!

Until next time! PEACE!

Mary Stayed Out All Night (KDrama)

Another Drama Review!!

Mary Stayed Out All Night

Genre: Romance, comedy
Episodes: 16 

Synopsis: Wi Mae Ri is the cheerful, pragmatic daughter of a failed businessman who had grown used to being constantly on the move to escape from debtors. She becomes fast friends with the free-spirited indie singer Kang Moo Kyul when she nearly ran him over in a car. Meanwhile, her father Wi Dae Han is saved from his debtors by his old friend, Jung Suk, who had just returned from considerable success in the Japanese entertainment industry. Jung Suk, who had harboured a secret love for Mae Ri's mother, sets up a deal with Dae Han to have Mae Ri marry his son, Jung In. In her desperate to escape this predicament, Mae Ri begs Moo Kyul to pose as her husband, and finds herself in even more trouble than before when her father proposes a 100-day period in which she has to divide her time equally between Moo Kyul and Jung In, after which she has to decide who to marry.(from drama-wiki)

My Review: Sigh....I realllllly really enjoyed this one. I should've known as soon as I saw that my honey-baby Jang Geum Seuk was a lead that it'll be a good one--and it was! It had everything that I love in a drama. Excellent characters who are real and lovable, an intriguing plot that has you riveted from the first episode to the last, strong emotion, and tons of humor. The characters of Moo Kyul and Mae Ri were so damn adorable together!!! And even though they had their ups and downs they stayed true to one another. There wasn't too much of the angst that I hate in alot of drama. Myoo Kyul and Mae Ri admitted their feelings for one another fairly early on, which I love. The other love interests Jung In and Seo Joon weren't manipulative and/or vindictive, so you were able to love them too. This is a most DEFINITE must-watch and I know there are TONS of other reviews saying the same! So, go give it a try, already! 

Below are a few screenshots, mostly from earlier eps...cause I got too damn engrossed to stop and take screenshots of the later episodes!! It was that good!!

 Ep. 3: Myoo Kyul says: "Ah..You totally look like the cat from Shrek". LMAO! That line was too damn funny!

 Ep. 5- Mae Ri's drunk daddy held up by his two son-in-laws! lol Husband Jung and Husband Kang!

 Ep 1: Drunk Myoo Kyul! Giving "flowers" to an equally drunk Mae Ri! lol How cute is he? DAMN CUTE!

Anime: Lovely Complex

Hey Everyone,

I'm back with another Anime review. I've just finished watching Lovely Complex.

Summary from AnimeSeason.com:

Risa Koizumi, taller than the average girl, and Atsushi Ootani, shorter than the average guy - their constant bickering and comical love-hate relationship is well-known throughout the school. They act similarly and love the same music, and their friendship is full of laughing, shouting at each other, and of course, lots of jokes about one another's height. But when Risa notices her feelings for Ootani growing, she's worried. She doesn't know if he can ever see her as more than a friend. With her friends rooting for her, she struggles to make him see how she feels about him, and that a romantic relationship between a tall girl and a short guy can work. Oblivious Ootani doesn't make things easy for her, but she stubbornly perseveres in her own unconventional way, determined for her feelings to get through to him, and finally be returned. If only she could do it without driving herself and everyone else crazy in the process...

Review: This a funny 24 ep long romantic comedy! And when I say funny, I reallly mean ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS!!!! Risa and Otani are one of the MOST INTERESTING couples I've ever seen. But their feelings are real and very endearing. Their relationship is so sweet. You can't help but fall in love with them yourself and their group of friends who all have their own personalities and problems. This a cute anime that has it all! Most definetely give it a try.

There's also a live movie, which is also very good by the same title. Give that a shot too, while you're at it! Teppei plays Otani in the live movie...He's SOOO ADORABLE!!!! Look!

Looney Express awards Lovely Complex a 4.7/5!

My name is Kim Sam Soon

Hello World,

Today is a drama review. I just finished watching 16 ep long "My name is Kim Sam Soon".

Here's the synonsis from dramawiki.com:

Kim Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah) is a baker who has a talent in making pastries and cakes. On Christmas Eve, she caught her boyfriend, Min Hyun Woo (Lee Kyu Han), cheating on her and breaks up on the same night. On that same night, she accidentally went into the men's restroom and met Hyun Jin Hun (Hyun Bin), a somewhat callous fellow but sometimes considerate guy. By sheer coincidence, Jin Hun needs a baker for his restaurant Bon Appetit and Sam Soon is unemployed. Sam Soon is hired as the restaurant's chief baker and the two fights like cat and dog. Nevertheless, they started to have feeling for each other and Sam Soon agreed to post as Jin Hun's girlfriend so his mother would leave him alone. Things got complicated when Jin Hun's ex-girlfriend Yoo Hee Jin came back from the States intending to win him back.

I absolutely adored this drama. Kim Sam Soon is such an interesting woman. And she's so different from most of the heroins in the dramas. The main difference in this drama, is the fact the guy is dating a woman who is older than him. This is the first time I've seen this type of situation in a drama. This is a really great drama because of the fact that it felt a bit more realistic than other dramas. It was alot of fun and an emotional whirlwind. You sighed, cried, laughed, screamed and then did it all again! It's one of the best. Give it a try folks.

Looney Express gives this drama a 4/5! Lucky Lucky Sam Soon!

My Girl, Mean Girl Ah Chu & Alice Academy

...Getting sick of me? Three in one day!
This one's gonna be quick. Just thought I'd quickly review two dramas and an anime I'd just recently finished.

The first is a korean drama, My Girl.

Synopsis (http://www.koreandrama.org/?p=199)

Ju Yoo-rin (Lee Da Hae) is an imposter proficient in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Seol Gong Chan (Lee Dong Wook) is the second generation heir of a big corporation. Because of his grandfather’s illness, he’s forced to ask Yoo-rin to be his long-lost cousin so that his grandfather’s last wish can be fullfilled. So therefore, they both are bound in a lie that no-one in the family knows the truth. Kim Sae-hyun (Park Si Yeon) grew up in a rich family and dreams to become a tennis star with the nickname “Sharapova of Korea”. Her charm and intelligence attract many men. She and Yoo-rin have cutthroat competitions. Seo Jeong-woo (Lee Joon Ki) will fall also for Yoo-rin and finally learn to love that special someone.

My Review: This was a pretty good drama, overall. Usually when you encounter Romantic dramas like this, you end up finding yourself annoyed with the main character. The girl chases the guys saying how much she cares about him, all the while sobbing her heart out. I could never stand a girl who cries ALL the time. But YooRin in My Girl was completely different. She was more realistic and absolutely hilarious! Even though she cries, you understand her pain when she does, it's completely justified. This drama is the epitome of Romantic Comedy. It had a good dose of both aspects. The love and the development of their relationship was there within an amazing plot and absolutely endearing, but the comedy wasn't completely lost as it is in most romantic comedies. My only issue is that it moved a bit slow and I totally hated the main dude's ex-girl!!! Jeez, she was such a pain.
Looney Express awards My Girl with a4.2/5.

The next drama is Mean Girl Ah Chu:

Synopsis:

Ah Chu is a mean girl. Well, she looks that way. But, under her tough exterior, she is a kind-hearted and charitable modern day female chevalier. One day, this girl encounters a gentle and honest man named Ling Ping Zhi. But he's never been away from his mother and is very naive. Therefore, Ah Chu displays her chivalry and saves the bachelor in distress. Later when he enters the showbiz, she helps him manoeuvre the dangers of show biz.

My Review: This drama was....hmm...I have mixed feelings about this one. For one, it took me forever to finish, not because it was bad per say, but it wasn't good enough to compel me to watch either. And towards the end of the series, the main characters, especially Ah Chu began to really annoy me. I personally hate it when a couple clearly likes each other and one of them takes it upon themselves to do what they think is "right" for the other by breaking up! COMMUNICATION IS KEY, people!!! Geez..it really got me aggravated!

Looney Express gives Mean Girl Ah chu a 3/5.

And finally, Alice Academy.
 

Story:
Mikan and Hotaru,who are best friends, grow up in a small town in the remote countryside. Suddenly, Hotaru moves to a school for geniuses in Tokyo. Mikan misses Hotaru so badly that she decides to travel to Tokyo herself to find Hotaru. She finds Hotaru in a school called “Alice Academy,” and discovers that the school is actually for people with special powers called "Alices". Then, Narumi-sensei, a teacher at the school finds out that Mikan also happens to have an alice and he lets Mikan into the academy


In the academy, Mikan meets a mysterious kid named Natsume, who has the Fire alice and the most popular boy in the elementary division. In the beginning, Mikan hates him but she gradually starts liking him. Soon Natsume begins to care for Mikan and finally admits that he will do anything to protect her.

Mikan gradually meets some new friends like Yuu Tobita, the class president, and Ruka Nogi, a close friend to Natsume, and Sumire Shouda, the self-declared president to Natsume and Ruka's fan club.

 My Review: Ok.... I was really surprised that I LIKED THIS SO MUCH!!! Usually anime where little kids are the main characters annoys the crap out of me, but Alice Academy was just soo damn funny and entertaining. The characters, especially Mikan were so outrageous and one-of-a-kind that I couldn't help, but begin to like them. This is a pretty good anime, that has some substance, like it's not all just about hilarity, there's actually a real plot, though it's not developed until the very end. Overall, it was entertaining enough that I watched all 26 eps in two days! Keep this one someplace safe until you find yourself down in the dumps or really bored!
 
Looney Express gives it a 4/5.
 
Until next time, World! Don't miss me too much! HUGS X KISSES!

So I'm not Handsome (Taiwanese Drama Review)

Hello world,

It's been a while I know. I've been busy with school and life in general. Being a 17 year old is alot tougher than it should be!

Today I'm reviewing So I'm not Handsome, a 13 episode Taiwanese drama translated by DOREMI. The story revolves around a goofy trio of friends and their respective love lives. These three are seriously the NUTTIEST guys I've ever seen in theatre. This drama was the funniest I've ever watched. The comedy was clearly emphasized in this romantic comedy. IT IS A MUST WATCH!! Definetely being added to my faves list.

So I'm not Handsome receives a 5/5 from Looney Express Reviews!

Why Why Love (Taiwanese)

Hey Guys,

I'm back again for another drama review. Today's drama is a 15 episode long Taiwanese drama called WHY WHY LOVE. Rainie, Kingone and Mike He from DEVIL BESIDE YOU make another appearance in a heartwrentching tale of love, death, hardship and friendship.

Here's the summary from mysoju.com:
Tong Jia Di needs a life besides work, paying down family debt, and more work. So her best friend Jiang Xiao Nan sneaks in a “Love” coupon in Jia Di’s raffle box praying that the lucky guy who draws it will sweep Jia Di off her feet. As it so happens, Huo Yan, the compassionate manager Jia Di has secret crush on, is the lucky guy. But, tho' the prince can exchange the coupon for Cinderella’s love, it doesn’t mean he will, especially when his devilish younger brother is determined to exchange his “Master/Angel” coupon for her servitude.

The summary DOESNOT do the drama justice. This series will make you laugh and cry and sometimes both. It's also highly addicting. I watched all 15 episodes in three days!!! It's captivating from episode # 1!!!

Looney Express gives Why Why Love a 5/5!!! It's another FAVORITE!

1% of Anything

Hey guys,

It's review time! This time it's a 26 episode long korean drama filled with laughs, tears, angst and of course love. 1% of Anything shows viewers that even 1% is enough when it comes to love.


Here's the summary from mysoju.com (where I get my drama fix ^_^):
Kim Jung Hwa is a young and sincere middle school teacher, who has little interest in money. She is also extremely warm-hearted and loves to help other people. When she helps carry an elderly man's belongings from the train to another location, the elderly man is extremely thankful. This grandfather turns out to be the extremely rich owner of a well known conglomerate. His grandson, Kang Dong Won is a quick-tempered businessman who rivals his grandfather, but in an almost comical way. In an order to "tame" his favorite grandson, the grandfather agrees to give his entire fortune to the person who marries Kim Jung Hwa, therefore forcing Kang to meet the girl whom his grandfather chose. Although at first Kim and Kang don't get along because of Kang's extremely cute but bad temper, their arguments bring them closer together. Kang starts to get jealous when Kim's fellow teacher starts liking her too. Through the clever conditions that Kang's grandfather makes, Kang starts a relationship he does not look forward too. However, what looked like a relationship that would 99% not work out, turns out to be the "perfect" match, the 1% chance.

Check it out! It's definitely a good one. Looney Express rewards it with 4/5! WHOOP WHOOP!

Love Contract (Taiwanese)

Hey Guys, It's time for a Drama Review.

I've just finished watching Love Contract, a taiwanese drama starring Mike He and Ariel Lin. It is the one of the most beautiful romance dramas i've watched from start to finish. It's soo touching that you can't hold back tears. Each character has his/her own conflicts that makes you feel for them.

Outwardly, Xiao Feng (Ariel Lin) is a stubborn tomboy and the captain of the Kendo Club at her college. In her group of friends, she is the leader with her demanding nature and abrupt ways. Inwardly however, Xiao Feng is a girl scarred by her past and searching for what she wants most, love. Her friends, Ah Kai (Zhang Rui Jia), Xiao Bai (Lai Zhi Wei ), Mu Tou (Lin Yi Hong), Xin Lei (Zhong Xin Yu, and, Xiao Xiao (Yang Pei Ting) don't know about that part of her past but they are all loyal friends to Xiao Feng; that is, until Xiao Bai and Ah Kai leave the Kendo Club for the Swim Team. Xiao Bai and Ah Kai are immediately regretful when the captain of the Swim Team, Ah Ken, turns out to be a captain as grueling as Xiao Feng. When one night Xiao Feng announces to her friends she wants love the most, Xiao Bai and Ah Ken devise a prank called the love contract. In exchange for finding swim team members to recruit, Ah Ken must court Xiao Feng.

~Summary from mysoju.com

This summary doesn't do the drama justice. It's not your typical happy love story. In addition to true love, this one is filled with angst, lost, sadness and acceptance. It brings out the romantic in us all. It's well worth the watch, guys. I guarantee that you wont be dissapointed.

This drama gets a rare score of 5/5 from Looney Express Reviews=D

Romantic Princess (Taiwanese Drama)

Hello Folks,
It's that time again! And NO, it's not my period. HARDY HARRHAR!
It's DRAMA REVIEW TIME!

I've recently watched the 13 episode long Taiwanese drama, Romantic Princess. It's spins the tale of the long lost grand daughter of the richest man in Asia. Raised in the middle class family, Xiao Mai is shocked and upset to find a limo in front of her house and being forced to live in a mansion with four very handsome guys(kyaa!). It gets even worst, as the sole hier to her grandfather corporation, she must marry his chosen successor Jin, who happens to be a jerk. What'll happen next you ask? What the drama, DUH!

Here's the summary from mysoju.com (where I get my drama fix):
Adopted by middle classed parents, Mai has always had a dream to be an heiress. Who knew that one day this dream would come true. Mai's biological grandfather is the head of a prestigous aristocratic family and after many years of searching, he finally finds his long lost granddaughter. As she starts her life as an heiress, everyday is filled with excitement, however, everything seems a bit different from what she had imagined them to be.

Even though, it was a great drama, the ending wasn't anything like what I expected. It was sort of boring compared to the rest of the drama, which was highly exciting!

Looney Express hereby gives Romantic Princess a 3.5/5.