“Bogotá: City of the Lost” (보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅)
There is a lot going on in “Bogotá: City of the Lost” — shootings, explosions, backstabbing. But when it’s all over, you realize that it was mostly much ado about nothing.
Tag: 2 stars
“Arahan” (아라한 장풍 대작전)
Sang-hwan is a police officer who is too much of a ‘fraidy cat to be a standout on the force. But through his friendship with Eui-jin, who has extraordinary fighting skills, he learns that he has untapped super powers of his own.
“CEO-dol Mart” (사장돌마트)
If you’re looking for a light K-drama where the plot is not really the point, “CEO-dol Mart” is the show to watch. The premise of this series is that after the death of a member, the idol group the Thunder Boys broke up and went their separate ways before they had a chance at getting recognition.
“The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” (악인전)
“The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” is not a good film, but it’s watchable because its star is Ma Dong-seok. The burly actor stars as a mob boss whose street credibility takes a beating when he is nearly killed by a floppy-haired serial killer (Kim Sung-kyu) — whose modus operandi is rear-ending drivers and then savagely stabbing them to death.
“My Magic Closet” (Além Do Guarda-Roupa)
The first episode of “My Magic Closet” accomplishes what “XO, Kitty” failed to deliver. It deftly tackles identity and what it’s like living as diaspora.
“My Heart Puppy” (멍뭉이)
After learning that his long-time girlfriend is deathly allergic to dogs, Min-soo sets out on a journey to to find a new home for his beloved golden retriever. In the end, he realizes that the solution to his problem was nearby the whole time.
“Somebody” (썸바디)
A psychological thriller that sounded much better than it actually is, “Somebody” revolves a serial killer (Kim Young-kwang) who uses a dating app to find his victims — and the app developer (Kang Hae-lim) who identifies with him, even after finding out his true identity.
How “Physical: 100” should level up in light of its anticlimactic finale
The hit reality show “Physical: 100” had a ho-hum ending that highlights what could’ve been if the competition were more fair and strategic.
“Physical: 100” (피지컬: 100)
“Physical: 100” is riding high on the assumption that this athletic reality series is the real-life version of “Squid Game.” But as everyone knows by now, reality is a concept used to sell unscripted shows that are at least partially scripted to tell a certain story. Is this series fun to watch? At times. Is it novel? Not really. Anyone who remembers “American Gladiators” will recognize the cheese factor that drives these programs.
“The Interest of Love” (사랑의 이해)
답답해. That’s the first feeling that comes to mind when I think of the K-drama “The Interest of Love.” The entire series is about a group of broken people who can’t articulate how they feel and are in a constant state of unhappiness because of this.
“Bad and Crazy” (배드 앤 크레이지)
The premise for “Bad and Crazy” had the potential to be a really good crime procedural, where almost everyone is crooked. It stars two really great actors, Lee Dong-wook and Wi Ha-joon. So what made me stop watching? My latest K-drama notes…
“Doctor Lawyer” (닥터 로이어)
There are parts of “Doctor Lawyer” that are well done. The plot is intriguing. And this K-drama stars So Ji-sub (one of my faves). So why did I stop watching? The answer is in my quasi review. Let me know if you agree or not!
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Review: Breezy, Beautiful, But Dated
In this review, writer Jae-Ha Kim explores Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and the way it approaches its Asian American lead — and her love interests.
“Hard Hit” (발신제한)
Seung-Gyu is an upper middle class bank manager who’s driving his children to school. While the kids bicker in the backseat, he answers a phone he doesn’t recognize. At first, he assumes it’s his wife’s phone and that the caller is trolling. But when the calls don’t stop, he worries about the what ifs. What if the caller isn’t lying? What if a bomb really will explode if he gets out of his car? What if?
“Cheese in the Trap: The Movie” (치즈 인 더 트랩)
Based on the 2016 K-drama, “Cheese in the Trap” — which was based on the webtoon of the same name — this film adaptation is a good primer, but it’s lacking in telling the characters’ full stories.
“Inspector Koo” (구경이)
“Inspector Koo” starts off strong, with a whip-smart teenage serial killer manipulating her victims, teachers and the police. She is as much a sociopath as a psychopath, which is explained away during a backstory that involves childhood trauma.
“The Bros” (부라더)
Seok-Bong and Joo-Bong are estranged brothers who reunite for their father’s funeral. Neither one remembers having a close relationship with anyone in their family and dread the thought of spending time with them.
“Penthouse: War in Life (Season 3)” (펜트하우스)
What started out as a compelling makjang series ended with a bloody mess, where vengeance wasn’t sweet. Rather, it took over the main characters’ lives to the point where they could see nothing else but hate.
“Rugal” (루갈)
As with Choi Jin-Hyuk’s previous police procedural, “Tunnel,” there are some convoluted plot issues that drag down “Rugal.” Choi is handsome and charismatic, but he can only do so much with so-so dialogue.
“Love Alarm” (좋아하면 울리는): Season 2
“Love Alarm” was one of the first Netflix series that split a K-Drama into two seasons. They need to stop doing that. This second season is a disappointing mess.