Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
While still amateurish, Episode 2, was nevertheless better than the previous episode. At least on this episode, plot/storyline somehow progressed. The connection between Algiro's story with that of Tina/Dzrey wasn't clear yet though. Script still needs to be more conversational. Acting also requires refinement to be more natural. Production technical issues remained. All in all, I see good intention behind this series. But execution at all fronts demands improvement.
Was this review helpful to you?
Given that the main topic discussed on "Herma" has already been tackled on "Metamorphosis," a well-made movie about the struggles of an intersex, it's difficult to fully appreciate this series. While this series can be lauded for its efforts at highlighting a sensitive and serious topic like intersexuality, it should also be noted that everything about this series screams school project. The scenes on Episode 1 were disjointed and hard to follow. Intersexuality wasn't explained properly. Screenplay had cheesy lines. Dialogues weren't conversational enough. Acting for the most part, felt scripted. Some of the actors didn't fit their roles well. The actress who played Algiro's Mamay (mother) was too young for her role. Audio-visuals were weak. There were distracting background noises and sound volume fluctuations. There were also dark camera shots. Editing, especially scene transitions, had issues. Overall, this was a weak start for this series but I'm hopeful this series improves on succeeding episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
Much like the previous episodes, Episode 7 wasn't really interesting. Yes, the couples (Art/Mack and Khel/Sai) got closer on this episode but their scenes lacked excitement. Not even Art and Mack's near kiss and Khel's shirtless scene provoked enthusiasm for this episode. There were unnecessary fillers with the comic relief effeminate queers. The school pageant proper, with its awkward dancing, was rushed. Everything about it screamed cheap. Screenplay was dull. Actors haven't improved. And audio-visual issues remained. At least this series is almost halfway through its season.
Was this review helpful to you?
Wheel of Love: Weekend to Remember Episode 3
0 people found this review helpful
Out of the 18 ongoing Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series, this series and Daddy Love, are among the better ones. Episode 3: It's a Pie was a good episode. After three episodes, at last, there's relationship development between Jenevie and Rome. I'm still hoping for some character depth for Jenevie though. While I enjoyed this episode, I'm also looking forward to the other sub-plots/secondary storylines. Why is Miguel so homophobic? When can we see the pairing of Daniel and Markie? What's Mateo's story? Anyway, screenplay was generally ok. Acting was largely fine. You'll know if an actor's good when he's given a short scene and he made the most out of it. Enzo's that type of actor. Audio-visuals were still ok. All in all, this was a solid episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
My Toxic Lover Episode 4
0 people found this review helpful
While there was some progress in terms of plot/storyline (Bryce ended up working for Ethon) on Episode 4, there were still a lot of unnecessary fillers whose only purpose was product placement. Yes, Bryce's shower scene was ok even if it was obviously prolonged but the scenes at the office, dinner table, and spa were just tiresome. The characters were generally not endearing enough. Script had corny lines and repetitive dialogues. Acting by the lead cast members Aki, Kevin, and even Solo need work! There was a lot of staring at nothingness. I really feel they need to undergo acting workshops handled by professional and veteran actors (e.g. Angeli Bayani) to improve their craft. While production design and cinematography were mostly fine, editing issues persisted. There were dead air and dispensable scene inserts (e.g. the shower scene should have been one continuous scene). All in all, this was another weak episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
Diving Into Love Episode 6
0 people found this review helpful
Episode 6: Closure came out of nowhere. At least this episode made this series a bit more interesting. This series has been quite monotonous as of late. Kian finally got the spotlight and new characters were introduced on this episode. Screenplay, especially for the monologues, had cringy lines. Personally, I don't like monologues. They're not creative and they're not realistic. Acting was off on some of the dramatic scenes. Production technicals were generally ok though. Overall, this episode was fine. At least this episode was a bit more engaging.
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent episodes of this series, including Episode 9: Sagittarius, haven't been compelling enough. The plot/storyline of this episode was too simple and typical. Screenplay was dull. Acting was also a bit uninspired. Technically, this episode had a lot of distractions. There were bothersome background noises. Asymmetric split-screens remained. There were also off-putting jumps and skips. There are two episodes left. I hope this series finish strong.
Was this review helpful to you?
Till Death Do Us Part Episode 2
0 people found this review helpful
Episode 2: Trahedya (Tragedy) revealed what's all the fuzz about. Arthur got his girlfriend pregnant and he's dying. In the end, Boyet met an accident. Script, especially for the inner monologues, had cringy lines. Acting needs massive refinements. The lead actors were overdramatic at times while the supporting actors lacked conviction. There were also unnatural hand movements. While better than the previous episode, audio-visuals were still weak. Overall, this series needs to improve in succeeding episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
While there's some progress with respect to Sai and Khel's relationship and Win's feelings toward Sai, Episode 6 was still a dull episode replete with problematic portrayals of comic relief effeminate queers and toxic and vain women. The inclusion of traditional Filipino (Pinoy) games on this episode was also witless. Script was still dry. Acting remained underwhelming. And I continue to have issues with the dubbing. All in all, I hope succeeding episodes are better.
Was this review helpful to you?
HeartBreak Mountain Episode 4
0 people found this review helpful
Episode 4 didn't quite move the plot/storyline forward. Other than Rafael confronting Austin about the latter's relationship with John, nothing really happened on this episode. While the script was natural enough, it was also dull. Acting still needs improvements. Production technicals were still substandard. All in all, this series needs some excitement.
Was this review helpful to you?
Till Death Do Us Part Episode 1
0 people found this review helpful
This series is another example of a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series produced by a local production company (Astrum TV) based outside Metro Manila with very limited budget. For Pinoy BL series with meager finances, I would hope that at least they're acceptable in terms of substance even if they're understandably challenged with respect to form. Alas, such wasn't the case for this series based on its Episode 1: Broken Dreams. Plot/storyline wasn't clear. There were too many prolonged and unnecessary scenes. Everything just felt disjointed. Screenplay wasn't conversational enough and acting felt scripted. The actors weren't natural with their performances and some of them overacted on some scenes. They need massive improvements. Production design was substandard. Cinematography was poor. There were unstable camera shots. Musical scoring and sound engineering were crappy with distracting background music and off-putting background noises. Editing was amateurish. While I appreciate that lower class Pinoys especially from the provinces and rural areas were portrayed on this episode, I hope Pinoy BL series like this one make a serious effort in quality improvement.
Was this review helpful to you?
Wheel of Love: Weekend to Remember Episode 2
0 people found this review helpful
While I found the pairing of Jenevie and Rome on Episode 2: Egg-cited Much cute, I still fear that Jenevie will be limited to being one of the series' comic relief characters. Jenevie should have some character depth. Also, the issue of vulnerability in the household shouldn't be ignored given the power relations between Jenevie and Rome. But I did enjoy this episode because the script had really funny lines. Acting was also alright for the most part but John should avoid making those distracting hand movements. Audio-visuals were solid. Miguel seemed like a homophobic so it's interesting to learn more about his character on the next episodes. I'm also looking forward to the pairing of Daniel and Markie on succeeding episodes. I just wish the episodes are longer.
Was this review helpful to you?
My Toxic Lover Episode 3
0 people found this review helpful
I barely got through Episode 3. A lot happened and yet nothing really happened that moved the plot/storyline forward. Screenplay wasn't that bad but at times I felt it was trying really hard to be comedic or dramatic. Acting still lacked fluidity. It felt scripted. Production design and cinematography were mostly ok but musical scoring and sound engineering were a bit off. Editing still needs work. Overall, this was this series' weakest episode so far.
Was this review helpful to you?
Diving Into Love Episode 5
0 people found this review helpful
In terms of pace, Episode 5: Confession was quite slow. While the reflective activity of putting your feelings in a jar was interesting, the plot/storyline didn't really move forward on this episode. Script had circuitous lines as well as cute dialogues. Acting was mostly ok. Kid's the most important reason why I'm watching this series. Audio-visuals were alright. I hope the next episodes are better.
Was this review helpful to you?
Episode 8: Taurus was dragging. It didn't help that the plot/storyline wasn't interesting enough. Screenplay had numerous corny lines and boring dialogues. In terms of acting, Kelly and John Clifford were alright. John Clifford's cute. Production technicals had issues. There was a distracting floating wire visible on most frames. Overall, this was a weak episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
