Reviews

yes go see a doctor

What I Like
Hira doesn’t idolize Kiyoi as much as in the show which is so refreshing (still a fan but not borderline stalker) and he finally gains some confidence in himself. Kiyoi finally doesn’t kick or be mentally abuse towards Hira which I enjoyed.

What I Hated (a little nitpicky sorry)
They’re still fighting over the same things again (this is like the 3rd time now) and again there’s no true resolution.
Don’t get me wrong I like Anna but we lose focus on the main characters to focus on her relationship and her fan boy. These plot points feel like filler and to have a super climactic big moment and they just feel out of place.

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This is one of those reviews where I’m so angry that I worry I won’t be able to write in coherent sentences. All Shall Be Well didn’t have contrived scenarios created to evoke emotion, instead it covered all too real problems and politely vicious human nature.

Pat and Angie have lived together in the apartment they bought for 30 years. To quote Forrest Gump they go together like peas and carrots. Once factory girls, they found a way to own a textile factory, which they sold years ago. They help Pat’s family financially when they can and always with deep seated affection. All seems well with this loving family until Pat dies suddenly without a will. With money and real estate involved, the familial bonds inexorably unwind. Angie found herself going from a life partner to a “best friend.”

I knew when I saw the synopsis where this film was headed. As same sex marriage is not currently legal in Hong Kong, Angie was in for a very rude awakening during her grief. If there is one complaint I have, it is that Pat and Angie had owned a business and had to know that everything needs to be in writing, documented, signed and sealed, especially for a particularly vulnerable relationship in the eyes of the law. * If a blow-up swimming pool has a deed or title, both people’s names better be on it or some greedy relative will appear to try and make a claim. Pat had too much faith that her family would honor her wishes. The situation in the film was that Pat’s brother became the executor and his say was all that mattered in regards to the funeral, the apartment, and other financial concerns. They quietly stole what was not theirs, all the while justifying it by minimizing Angie’s contributions through the years.

Patra Au gave a beautifully nuanced and complex performance as Angie’s grief was interrupted by the supposed loving family’s greed. Without screaming or wailing, she conveyed the pain of loss and the anger over the betrayals hurled her way. And the bitter resignation to her legal situation which saw her relationship minimized. There were also the gentle moments with Pat walking hand-in-hand and her kindnesses toward Pat’s family before they turned on her. Patra brought Angie to life and made her feel real.

Money can make even level-headed people throw away their ethics, rationalizing their despicable behavior. Pat and Angie’s love was beautiful and tender, the healthiest relationship in the family. Truly kind individuals, they were generous with their time and money. Luckily for Angie, she at least had the made family of friends she and Pat had cultivated who were far more caring and loyal than Pat’s biological kin. Pat’s family wasn’t overtly homophobic but that didn’t make their actions any less mercenary. This woman who had been an integral part of their lives for 30 years, who had shared their joys and sorrows was systematically erased. The one thing they couldn’t erase was the love and memories the women shared.

29 June 2026

Spoilery comments:



Edit---*PBG Note: Our beloved PBG brought up in a comment below that same sex couples who marry outside of HK/China are recognized for inheritance purposes. The movie did mention this legal maneuver that unfortunately, this older couple did not take advantage of. They made numerous mistakes. Pat put off writing her will for whatever reason, even though Angie helped pay for the apartment her name was not on the deed, some people have trouble recognizing their own mortality. I think the couple was so close to Pat's family that they never dreamed that they would be capable of stealing Angie's home and finances.

Vengeful Note: I hope that family never had a peaceful moment in the apartment and Pat's ghost haunted them for fun when she wasn't visiting Angie.

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One of the Best Action Movies but Very Unrealistic

How come that you can still kill more people after being injured by axes, knives, and a bomb explosion?

Nothing really beats a Jackie Chan action film, but please, make it more realistic. You dragged a good story that could've ended well. It started with kids doing the heist, then suddenly they were just reduced to almost nothing towards the end of the film. Also, why is Tony Leung just a support role when his character was the reason why they stretched the story to a lousy end. He killed tens of gangsters with weapons, only to be arrested by a handful of policemen after being subdued by a woman he almost killed like a child's play.

I'll just keep it here. It started big and explosive, but how they tied up the story is very disappointing.

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Jackson Yee proves once again he is a generational talent, not just a pretty face

Big World is the ultimate proof that China’s young actors are so much more than just their striking visuals and idol backgrounds. Beneath the attractive exterior lies raw, profound talent, and characters like Liu Chun He are the perfect vessel to showcase that immense potential.

The film catches you completely off guard. It delivers an unexpected cinematic experience, yet anchors itself in a story that feels strangely familiar—delving deep into the raw, selfish aspects of human nature. It’s a gritty, honest exploration of what people will do when pushed to their limits.

Jackson Yee delivers a mammoth, career-defining performance here. He completely sheds any "idol" persona to disappear into the role of Liu Chun He, bringing an incredible emotional depth and intensity to the screen.

If you still think young actors are only cast for their looks, watch this movie. It will completely change your perspective. A stunning, thought-provoking film carried by a phenomenal leading man.

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A raw, heartbreaking masterpiece that goes far beyond typical sageuks

I flew all the way to Singapore just to catch The King’s Warden on the big screen, and it was worth every single mile. As a long-time follower of Park Ji Hoon and a huge admirer of Yoo Ji Tae, combined with all the box-office records this movie has been breaking, my expectations were sky-high. Safe to say, it completely shattered them.

What I loved most about this film is its raw, uncompromising approach to history. It doesn't romanticize the past like standard periodic K-dramas often do. Instead, it feels deeply intentional in its raw portrayal of the long, complex Korean monarchy—a history drenched in profound grief, heavy sacrifices, and brutal betrayals.

The story is masterfully constructed, balancing the devastating isolation of the deposed young king with the humanity of those around him. Park Ji Hoon’s physical and emotional transformation is nothing short of breathtaking, and his chemistry with the cast keeps you glued to the screen.

Be warned: this isn't a light watch. It is a realistic, grounded piece of historical cinema that will pierce through your heart like a dagger. An absolute masterpiece.

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longest backstory in the history

I wouldn't score this movie higher than 6.5. It's not that it's bad, but I felt the backstory was excessively long. They could have cut much of it to allow more time for the tsunami and the subsequent rescue efforts.
The film runs for 2 hours, and the character's backstory takes up 1 hour and 20 minutes, which is far too long, especially since it has little relevance to the actual tsunami event. I think the structure was overly drawn out. However, I can understand why they might have made that choice; the cast features many iconic names, and perhaps they wanted to give them ample screen time. Unfortunately, this decision impacted the portrayal of the disaster, which should have been the main focus of the movie.

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Wuxie meets Alien - discount edition.

I don't even know where to start. To say the movie felt disconnected feels like an understatement. We had Aliens that are not really Aliens, prehistorical "animals", discount version of Grave Robbers' Chronicles, biologist that was determined to die, bur failed even in that.

Why does this movie start mid scene. I've got whiplash from the opening scene, to only around half way through figured out the "opening scene" are just random scenes from various moments in the movie - and with that you kind of know how it ends.

As for the production - hard to tell if a lot of it was AI generated or just poorly done CGI. Or both. I'm leaning towards poorly done CGI, because I feel like AI generated models would look better. I'd take poor CGI done by person, over AI generated images any day though.

Overall, there truly is nothing to talk about. We had vague treasure, mid team trying to find it, no explanation, no exposition, no proper closure.

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Absolutely Legendary Camp

**Review Title:** Absolutely Legendary Camp: A Hilarious Throwback with Real Heart

I managed to catch Drags to Riches on its premiere night on 23 June 2026, and honestly, it was an absolute ripper of an evening. The cinema was completely packed and bursting with non-stop laughter from the opening credits right through to the end. But what really blew me away was that underneath all the glorious, chaotic madness, this film has a massive amount of genuine heart. It is not just mindlessly chasing a string of jokes; it actually handles a really uplifting story about family, acceptance, identity, and the importance of being true to yourself, which gives all the comedy some proper emotional weight.

Directed by the brilliant Victor Villanueva, Drags to Riches proudly embraces its own unique brand of unapologetic camp. It does not bother trying to conform to a conventional, safe comedy structure, nor does it try to ground its most outrageous moments in reality. Instead, the film fully commits to the utter madness, and that is exactly why it works so beautifully. If you are willing to just leave your logic at the door and go along for the ride, you will be rewarded with one incredibly hilarious sequence after another.

The plot follows fierce office rivals Andre (played by Elijah Canlas) and Troye (played by Iñigo Pascual), who are both desperately gunning for the exact same corporate promotion. Things quickly spiral out of control when their blunt boss, Don Manny (Benjie Paras), bypasses them completely and hands the position to his son, Jarold (Christian Bables). But when Jarold suddenly vanishes into thin air, the desperate duo stumbles upon his long-lost twin brother, Jonas—a absolutely fabulous drag queen, also played by Bables. They somehow convince Jonas to impersonate Jarold to save their corporate skins, setting off a wildly entertaining, escalating chain of events.

First things first, we have to talk about Christian Bables. Honestly, once you see his name attached to a cast list, you already know you are in incredibly safe hands. No matter the genre, he consistently delivers outstanding, masterclass performances. But he is far from carrying this whole film on his own. The entire casting is a massive win. Iñigo Pascual continues to prove himself as a seriously dependable actor, while Elijah Canlas demonstrates once again why he is hands-down one of the most versatile and gifted performers of his generation. Whether he is doing gritty independent films, mainstream cinema, or international projects, Canlas always brings something deeply memorable to the screen. With a core cast this strong, you are already sold on the movie before the story even begins, and thankfully, the material completely lives up to the immense talent on display.

Victor Villanueva proves yet again that he truly understands the mechanics of comedy. His sharp direction gives every single actor plenty of room to shine while perfectly maintaining the film's wonderfully chaotic, fast-paced rhythm. Every single punchline lands beautifully because the cast never treats the jokes like they are trying to be funny—they fully commit to every ridiculous situation as though it is just another normal day at the office. That deadpan, straight-faced commitment makes the sheer absurdity even more hysterical.

Christian Bables is undoubtedly the standout star of the show. His portrayal of both Jarold and Jonas is remarkably distinct. He builds two entirely separate characters through unique body language, speech patterns, mannerisms, and physicality. Switching between the two personas looks completely effortless for him, and his comic timing is absolutely impeccable. You never confuse the twins for a single second.

Iñigo Pascual delivers what is easily one of the funniest, most energetic performances of his career. His comedic timing feels incredibly natural, and his bright chemistry with the rest of the cast makes every single interaction a joy to watch. Meanwhile, Elijah Canlas surprises everyone with an incredibly successful comedy debut. After watching him excel in so many heavy, dramatic roles over the years, it is immensely refreshing to watch him embrace full-blown, chaotic comedy with total confidence. One particular emotional breakdown scene perfectly showcases his phenomenal range. Instead of relying on the typical, exaggerated fake crying you usually see in comedies, Canlas delivers the moment with genuine emotion and actual tears running down his face, without losing a single bit of the humour. It is both sidesplittingly funny and unexpectedly impressive. And fair warning—after watching this film, you will never look at a can of whipped cream the same way again.

There is also an understated, brilliant chemistry between Elijah Canlas and Iñigo Pascual that quietly becomes one of the absolute highlights of the film. Their playful rivalry is genuinely charming, their contrasting personalities complement each other naturally, and honestly, in another universe, I could easily see these two leading a massive hit BL series together. They just work so well as a duo.

The humour itself perfectly captures that classic, uniquely Filipino style of comedy. There are so many scenes that make absolutely zero logical sense, yet they are so unashamedly ridiculous that you cannot help but laugh out loud. Intrusive thoughts somehow instantly become reality on screen. The impossible simply happens, and everyone in the scene acts as though it is perfectly normal behavior.

Even the camerawork joins in on the fun. The constant, dramatic zooms, sudden camera movements, and intentionally exaggerated framing give the film a fantastic, old-school energy that recalls the golden era of Pinoy comedy. Whether it is an instant PowerPoint presentation appearing out of thin air, stairs somehow moving as fast as an elevator, elaborate international costumes magically materialising in seconds, or a serious street fight unexpectedly turning into a game of luksong baka, the film never stops to question its own absurdity—and neither should the audience. It is pure joy.

The supporting cast also delivers some solid value. Benjie Paras fits the role perfectly as the casually homophobic father whose blunt, unfiltered remarks are both deeply frustrating and unexpectedly funny due to his perfect delivery. K Brosas brings a lovely warmth and absolute sincerity to the screen as Jonas' supportive mother. Macoy Dubs adds an infectious, effortless best-friend energy to every scene he is in, while real-life drag performers Deja, Mrs. Tan, and Feyvah Fatale show some seriously impressive acting versatility that goes way beyond their stunning, glamorous looks.

Admittedly, not every single supporting role lands with the same impact. Adam Domingo (Panginoon ng Kababawan) feels like he is holding back a bit when his character really needed a much bigger, louder energy. Pau Dimaranan lacks the commanding screen presence required for her role, while Eli Padilla, Marco Navarra, and Kobe Francisco do not really contribute much to the overall progression of the story. On the bright side, young KD Omalin leaves a surprisingly strong impression despite his limited screen time, looking every bit like a talented future star to watch out for.

Beyond all the laughs, I really appreciated how the film highlights the vital importance of a supportive family in a child's life. That grounding emotional core gives the narrative way more weight and prevents the entire thing from becoming just another over-the-top, mindless comedy.

Drags to Riches genuinely feels like a beautiful love letter to the classic era of Filipino comedies. At a time when modern local comedies have become much more grounded, subtle, and sentimental, Victor Villanueva proudly revives the loud, unapologetically camp, and delightfully unserious style that many of us grew up watching and loving. It even carries wonderful echoes of the late, great Wenn V. Deramas' unmistakable comedic spirit, while still feeling uniquely fresh under Villanueva's vision.

The screenplay is not completely perfect, and there are admittedly a few missed opportunities in the writing that could have made the overarching story even stronger. But thanks to Villanueva's confident, visionary direction and the fully committed, brilliant performances from Christian Bables, Elijah Canlas, and Iñigo Pascual, Drags to Riches succeeds exactly where it matters most—it keeps its audience roaring with laughter while delivering just enough heart to make the entire experience incredibly memorable.

If you are looking for strict realism and heavy logic, this probably is not the film for you. But if you are after a wildly entertaining, proudly queer, and gloriously camp comedy that completely embraces every bit of its own beautiful chaos, Drags to Riches is an absolute blast that you should not miss.

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Fun Watch

The comedic set up is made for laughs. The execution of the first half was a bit clumsy but it was the second half when all the parts come together and the story takes off.

A young woman is the number two in a crime syndicate overseeing more than 50 men. She's tough and a skilled fighter. The fight scenes feel like a movie out of Hong Kong but that's OK. She finds her long lost sister who is terminally ill, and her dying wish is that she marry. This creates problems as her social skills are a bit rough around the edges, but she gets the job done and of course her clueless husband doesn't know her true occupation. If this wasn't a comedy first I might have thought she would kill him with her death glare. On their wedding night the poor guy must've felt like a male black widow spider approaching his bride for consummation.

Complications ensue when her sister dies leaving a final wish - that she has a child. Some of the scenes in the hilarious baby making process might generate an 'R' rating in the US.

The first half was good, but it was the second half that earned a high rating.

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It takes more than a pretty face to make a watchable movie

An absolute SNOOZEFEST, of a magnitude that's rare even for this genre. The leads have negative chemistry and the plot is a big nothing burger. Admittedly, the conditions were not looking good for me going into this - I found the manga to be mid, I'm not the biggest Kumada Rinka fan, and I think Ryubi was kind of miscast in this role - but I still tried to have an open mind, and yet it was even worse than expected. I'm shocked at how lifeless they managed to make a shojo romance movie, which should have some cute charm and heart-fluttering moments as a pre-requisite, but I was flatlining the whole way through with the uninspired directing and checked-out performances from all the cast. Even the costuming was ugly, like what was with Nakajima Sota's outfits!!! Skip this unless you need something to fall asleep to.

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Exactly what it promises in the synopsis.

This movie will give you exactly what you expect from the plot based on synopsis - nothing more nothing less. There is not that much elaboration on the lore, who the characters are and why they do what they do. It’s simple, and it kind of works.

Lilith is not exactly a niche antagonist, but still better than good old Satan himself. Even if underdeveloped, I liked how the plot centered around womanhood - for good or for bad. Yes, she kind of gave me a red version of Conjuring’s devil, not the most unique design for the “evil being”, but what I do appreciate is how little we actually saw her throughout the movie.

Not enough tension builds up and scares, but I do appreciate that when there were horror elements they went more into weird shit in the corner or seen when passing by, and not in your face jump scares. I also really liked the set design. Smart choices of the locations. Decent use of light - bright enough you don't miss a creepy hand, but dark enough to keep the scary atmosphere.

For the acting - it was good. I don’t really remember which nun, since they all kind of blend together, but one of them especially delivered good creeps.

There was a lot of potential to make the movie better - expanding on the lore of the orphanage, focusing on less characters, making the sibling’s bond more prominent.

Overall, not exactly something you will regret watching, but not something to be excited about.

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My June Recommendation movie

Watch this because recommendation challenge from 𝑨𝒏𝒉𝒖𝒂.

The film follows the journey of Guo Jing (GJ), a pure-hearted and fiercely loyal Han youth who was raised among the Mongols under the care of Genghis Khan. After spending two years in the Central Plains mastering elite martial arts, he finds his life entangled in a web of devastating misunderstandings, heartbreaking romantic separation, and a looming war that threatens to tear the land apart.

During his time in the Central Plains, GJ meets the free-spirited Huang Rong (HR) , and the two quickly develop a deep bond. However, their relationship is pushed to its breaking point when most of GJ's former martial arts masters are brutally murdered. Misled into believing that HR's unorthodox father is the killer, a heartbroken GJ distances himself from her, leaving her vulnerable to the dangers closing in around her.

Eventually, GJ uncovers the truth and realizes that HR's father was never responsible for his masters' deaths. But by the time he recognizes how deeply he has wronged her, she has already disappeared amid the chaos of a town skirmish. Determined to make amends, he embarks on a desperate journey to find her, protect her from the enemies pursuing her, and finally clear the misunderstanding between them.

Meanwhile, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan prepares a massive military campaign against the Southern Song Dynasty, leaving GJ trapped between two worlds. Having been raised on the steppes after his father's death, he owes the Mongols immense gratitude and respect. Yet, his true homeland is Song China, whose people now face invasion. Torn between loyalty to those who raised him and his duty to protect his homeland, GJ faces the greatest dilemma of his life.

As war becomes inevitable, GJ and HR reunite to confront both the madness of Ouyang Feng and the unstoppable Mongol army. Standing firmly on the front lines to protect his homeland, GJ embraces his ultimate destiny as a true gallant hero. With HR’s brilliant mind and his own unmatched martial arts, they stand together against the impending storm, determined to stop the invasion and save millions of innocent lives.

That's pretty much the story without giving anymore spoilers.

What I like:
+ As usual, Xiao Chan's acting never disappointed.
+ I really like that they stick with the Mongol language instead of changing it into Chinese.

What I don't really like:
- Unlike many previous adaptations of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, The Gallants assumes that viewers are already somewhat familiar with the characters and their history. It kinda baffled me in the beginning…

Overall if you are a fan of Xiao Chan you can watch this. But remember, familiar yourself first with the story…

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Jackie Chan movie… of course here I come… haha

The story begins when international action star Jackie Chan is invited to attend a special adoption ceremony at a wildlife reserve. There, he becomes the adoptive guardian of a rare giant panda cub named Hu Hu, whose unusual appearance and exceptional genetic traits make him famous around the world. While Jackie simply wants to enjoy his time with the lovable panda, Hu Hu's popularity also attracts the attention of a ruthless international crime syndicate.

The situation quickly takes a chaotic turn when the crime syndicate tries to collect a massive $100 million bounty placed on Hu Hu by a wealthy Middle Eastern sheikh, and a heavily armed team of international mercenaries storms the park to kidnap the cub. Suddenly, Jackie finds himself trapped in a real-life action movie—only this time, there are no directors, special effects, or stunt doubles to save the day.

To protect the defenseless panda, Jackie teams up with his cowardly but well-meaning talent agent, David, and Hu Hu's fiercely dedicated caretaker, Su Xiaozhu. Together, this unlikely trio must rely on their wits, the environment around them, and Jackie's signature improvised kung fu skills to outsmart the high-tech mercenaries and keep Hu Hu safe.

So, how does the story end? Will Jackie Chan succeed in saving Hu Hu from the bad guys, just like he does in his movies? Or will the syndicate ultimately succeed in snatching Hu Hu and claim their prize?

That's pretty much the story without giving anymore spoilers.

This film reminds us that Jackie Chan is getting older. Jackie Chan’s action may be slower now, but his spirit, his comedy remains unchanged. I really like how he kinda changed his action movie to a more gentler one…

If you're a fan of Jackie Chan. This is a must watch…

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