1
Jessica
Through the looking-glass
Hot Boys and Smut Does Not a 10 This Make
The very first scene in episode 1 got me excited to start this show. The cinematography and production value looked top notch, and it seemed like a good story was right around the corner. By episode 2 I was starting to have my doubts about how much I'd enjoy this show, and by episode 9 I decided it was more of a burden than a joy to watch, so I ended up dropping.
_____________
Let's start with the GOOD:
• The lead actors do have nice chemistry with one another. Especially as the series progresses, you can tell that they are comfortable with one another and like being around each other. The romance, therefore, feels natural and organic. And yes, the bed scenes are steamy and sexy and fill that hole of carnal desire that other BLs leave behind.
• SOME parts of the story are good--the serious parts. There are a few defining moments that come to mind that I thought were really well acted and scripted. I also appreciate the variety and ingenuity that a different setting (here a baking company and baking competition) and plot can bring to the genre.
_____________
Ok, now on to the BAD:
• The acting. There was this forced naturalness about it that came across as awkward, stiff, and inorganic. I agree with others who have said it seemed like improv. While I think this style works for certain types of scenes, I believe it's better if used sparingly. The acting did improve as the series wore on, but the awkardness wasn't completely erased.
• The story. Oh how I wish the writers/director/whoever had narrowed down the number of episodes and focused solely on the internship, baking competition, and development of Ace and Sky's relationship within that context. It would have made for a more focused, unique story. I liked the creative plot line and new type of challenge(s), as well as the different setting. But no. They had to bring in elements from BL shows we've seen time and time again. I don't always mind when tropes are used, but I'd prefer they be used in a way that actually fits within the story and moves it along. Here, it felt like it was added for manufactured drama and to create more episodes.
• The humor. God I hated the humor. It was like watching something written by a 12 year old boy. Cringe doesn't begin to describe it. Of course, humor is subjective, and if you’re a fan of booger and fart jokes, inappropriate workplace sexual harassment downplayed as something to make fun of and laugh at, and the like, you may like this. Me? I prefer comedy that's a bit more subtle and witty in nature.
• Finally, the product placement. Look, I know companies have to make money in order to create these things. I get that. My problem is that I felt the director/writer could have found a much more creative and seamless way to insert the numerous product placement scenes. Many of them were added out of nowhere and had absolutely nothing to do with the story at all, which made for a jarring and disconnected viewing experience.
_____________
OVERALL, if you're a fan of, for example, Make It Right or The Best Twins, I think you'll enjoy this. I say that not because the stories are similar, but because the comedy is, and the comedy makes up a huge part of this show. I also think you'll enjoy it if you're looking for something simple and silly with good visuals. But if you want something that's a little more serious all-around and consistent in terms of writing, then you may be disappointed. I'd say give it a shot and if you're still liking it by the end of episode 2, then I think this one will please you.
_____________
Let's start with the GOOD:
• The lead actors do have nice chemistry with one another. Especially as the series progresses, you can tell that they are comfortable with one another and like being around each other. The romance, therefore, feels natural and organic. And yes, the bed scenes are steamy and sexy and fill that hole of carnal desire that other BLs leave behind.
• SOME parts of the story are good--the serious parts. There are a few defining moments that come to mind that I thought were really well acted and scripted. I also appreciate the variety and ingenuity that a different setting (here a baking company and baking competition) and plot can bring to the genre.
_____________
Ok, now on to the BAD:
• The acting. There was this forced naturalness about it that came across as awkward, stiff, and inorganic. I agree with others who have said it seemed like improv. While I think this style works for certain types of scenes, I believe it's better if used sparingly. The acting did improve as the series wore on, but the awkardness wasn't completely erased.
• The story. Oh how I wish the writers/director/whoever had narrowed down the number of episodes and focused solely on the internship, baking competition, and development of Ace and Sky's relationship within that context. It would have made for a more focused, unique story. I liked the creative plot line and new type of challenge(s), as well as the different setting. But no. They had to bring in elements from BL shows we've seen time and time again. I don't always mind when tropes are used, but I'd prefer they be used in a way that actually fits within the story and moves it along. Here, it felt like it was added for manufactured drama and to create more episodes.
• The humor. God I hated the humor. It was like watching something written by a 12 year old boy. Cringe doesn't begin to describe it. Of course, humor is subjective, and if you’re a fan of booger and fart jokes, inappropriate workplace sexual harassment downplayed as something to make fun of and laugh at, and the like, you may like this. Me? I prefer comedy that's a bit more subtle and witty in nature.
• Finally, the product placement. Look, I know companies have to make money in order to create these things. I get that. My problem is that I felt the director/writer could have found a much more creative and seamless way to insert the numerous product placement scenes. Many of them were added out of nowhere and had absolutely nothing to do with the story at all, which made for a jarring and disconnected viewing experience.
_____________
OVERALL, if you're a fan of, for example, Make It Right or The Best Twins, I think you'll enjoy this. I say that not because the stories are similar, but because the comedy is, and the comedy makes up a huge part of this show. I also think you'll enjoy it if you're looking for something simple and silly with good visuals. But if you want something that's a little more serious all-around and consistent in terms of writing, then you may be disappointed. I'd say give it a shot and if you're still liking it by the end of episode 2, then I think this one will please you.
Was this review helpful to you?
