PalmBeachG

When I first saw Unlocked: A Jail Experiment as a new release, I cautiously put it on my watchlist and wasn't sure if I really was going to watch it or not. Decided to give it a chance and to my surprise I unexpectedly really liked it. I like the experiment whether it was going to work or not because let's face it - something is failing our society and at least one man (the Arkansas Sheriff) was willing to put his career on the line and to at least try something to help not just individuals but a whole unit as a group. I think the experiment treated it more like a mental institution where those that are locked in are allowed to roam freely in common a common area, eat together, play cards, games, watch tv, etc together and they seem to manage despite their different problems, violent tendencies, etc. So why not try here? I just hope that it all sticks with the ones that got transferred out to new prisons and that they don't go back to their old ways. It looks like the documentary may have been left open for another season with maybe another try in another unit.

#UnlockedJailExperiment #Unlocked #ArkansasJailExperiment #ArkansasSheriff.

Guess Who I Am is a C-Drama that got me wrapped up in it in the beginning episodes and then I later regretted watching it. I liked it in the beginning; watched it as I liked Ziqi Wang ML's acting and some of the mystery behind it in the beginning, but then later there were so many other characters involved it started to get convoluted with who was who as the past crimes and mysteries were being revealed. I hated the ending as I forgot the beginning introduction of the FL from 20 episodes earlier so got confused at the last episode - didn't know it was going to be such an important part of the entire show and ending. Forget it - didn't like it at all.

#GuessWhoIAm #ZiqiWang #CDramaGuessWhoIAm.

It is a shame that what could be a great informative and historical documentary and sometimes fun on the early days of the internet always turn into political propaganda and put out there by the same platform. Third one I have seen so far in the last couple of months - each featuring different groups of young people. I am not saying don't watch it but it is too bad because I enjoyed the story of both Moot and Anonymous - most people have heard of them one time or another - I mean who didn't get Rick Rolled back in those days? It was all in light fun and Moot started a board that got popular amongst early days young internet fans where there was light fun and good intentions, but there are always those that ruin things. Would love to give a higher rating for the Moot and Anonymous and Q part but had to deduct for the obvious propaganda. #Moot.

Everyone Loves Me romantic comedy C-Drama is cute and comical in places. If it makes me laugh then the comedy is good and cute as not many make me laugh. Also love the gaming theme - but I am partial to gaming theme dramas. It is not the best C-Drama gaming theme I have seen however the ML and FL seem to be a good match together. I did take 1 star off because it is a little slow at times, especially for a gamer's themed atmosphere and although there is urgency in deadlines, etc, the urgency isn't really shown amongst the staff - leaders and workers that much and also a little slow in the story development. It takes awhile for the romance, connection and chemistry between the ML and FL to start to show. But overall, it is an easy to watch, a little slow burn for a gaming theme, cute romance and comical moments. Remember this is a C-Drama, not a K-Drama so they are a little different to get used to but in comparison to other ones I have seen, like this one.

#EveryoneLovesMe #GamerCDrama #CDramaGamers #CDramaRomanticComedy.

Physical 100 is one of the best competition shows out there - the Koreans always have such good and exciting ideas. Although predominantly a Korean competition of the best physic, it it regardless of race, gender, etc. 100 of the best athletes compete in different types of rounds - some require strength, some fastness, some endurance, etc so the biggest doesn't always win. As you can imagine, CrossFit is a good preparation for this. Season 2 is even better than season 1 and exciting to watch. Am surprised that I selected the winner on both season 1 and 2 on day 1 of the series. The large cash prize gives incentive but most of these athletes do it for different reasons than that.

#Physical100 #KoreanCompetition.

My Sibling's Romance is a unique concept for a dating show. Giving this a 10 rating for its uniqueness and different fun. Koreans seem to always come up with different and new ideas. Honestly, never expected this to turn out as good as it is. Thought this was going to be strange to have your sibling there in the same dating house "incognito' but now that I am watching the show, love how it's going. It does take a couple of episodes to get going as at first there is a lot of time spent on introductions and each person arriving and later divulging to the viewers who are the siblings and who they are connected to. But once it gets going it starts to get kind of good. One episode turned out funny and cute with the way certain things are handled on the show - for example when 2 guys want to date the same girl, brother has to interview the 2 guys (1 at a time) behind hidden glass with a voice modulator so that they don't know who he is and decide for her who is going to get the date. Then the one that doesn't get chosen feels like a loser and wonders who in the house didn't pick him and why. She does not get the choice, the brother does. Hysterical how that comes out. They have many things to complete on the show, etc. Interesting concept and hope they make some connections in the end.

#MySiblingsRomance #KoreanDatingShow #SiblingKoreanShow.

I actually loved this light fun treasure hunt Bandidos short drama of only 7 episodes. Featuring a rag-tag group that was put together, each having their own task to round out the team, my favorite turned out to be the 17-18 yr old (turns 18 while on the hunt), heir to the hotel and the computer whiz who can hack into anything, has no parental supervision, lives by himself in the hotel Presidential suite, plays games all day and starts out as a virgin. He is the most comical, and was recruited of course by the older more criminal element - some who are connected and related to top archeologist. It's just fun to watch, not too violent. A twist at the end so watch to the very last second w/o turning off too early.

#Bandidos.

"Shoot For The Stars" (also called "Shooting The Star" on Viki), is a fantastic drama from the early days (2002) and it is one of the best I have seen from the classic K-Dramas, even in 2024. Found it as working my way through all Zo In-sung's dramas (early name Jo In Sung) as fairly new to discovering his works and so happy to see that some platforms are still releasing it now in 2024 so that those of us that haven't been watching dramas since then can get caught up on the early works of favorite actors. Each one I have seen so far Zo In-sung is able to express so much emotion to the viewer like no one else can. In this drama he makes you wish there was really someone like that in real life and not a fictional character. So moving, so give it a chance even though it is an older drama I am so glad it was presented it to us again as there are many viewers like myself that never got to see some of these top actors from the beginning of their acting career Very classic format, very moving, excellent acting and overall worth watching - stick with it.

#ShootForTheStars #ShootingTheStar #ZoInSung #JoInSung.

Ha Jun, who plays ML Kang Tae Ho is a fantastic actor in this long drama. Thank goodness for his cute romantic role with a touch of goofiness which makes it lighter and funnier to a drama that is kind of dismal and dark with corruption as well. I think he is perfectly cast - cute, handsome, great personality, humorous, caring, and smart. He is not the "direct" heir to the business as his father is the 2nd son so has no desire to actually take over the business but does have a desire to protect the integrity of it. Perfect casting for the ML.

Despite the fact that the drama can get a bit slow moving at times in the beginning, there are many side stories of each sibling of the FL that intertwine with the FL and ML. Then add in the brother and grandma of Kang Tae Ho and other family members, there is quite a cast overall.

The script is a bit over-the-top Korea old fashioned so it takes some time to get used to - with the FL's mother way overpowering and controlling plus a weak daughter (the FL, however that takes to episode 30 for her to stand up for herself thanks to the support from Kang Tae Ho.)

All in all, as ridiculous as it is, it can be fun to watch as the drama goes on and the ML and FL have a cute love story going on but a little innocent IMO at their age, but I guess that is the more old fashioned Korean way. Light overall entertainment - can have its darker moments but it is so ridiculous that you can't help but laugh at times and just think - oh come on now....

My lower rating comes from the scripting of the FL which made me dislike her really. Even to the ending. Please note that my rating reduction has nothing to do with Ha Jun who has done a fantastic job at the role he was given. Also note that the only saving grace for me came in episode 50 when Sul Jung-Hwan (who also played a great supporting role as Lee Hyo-jun, the FL's brother studying to be a lawyer) finally announced his exam result. It was the most memorable and joyous moment of the entire series. I never care for endings where there are major lapses of time - the writers idea of satisfying the theme of "Live Your Own Life" I guess. Absolutely hate that.

#LiveYourOwnLife #HaJun #SulJungHwan.

Well in the end, Nicholas was asked if he is holding something back and he responds "always keep an ace up your sleeve" and he recommends it for everyone.

I liked it - it accomplished what this kid accomplished as a young teen - with proof from photos and interviews and court records ( however that was accomplished). I see this more as a grooming or adults taking advantage of a kid who just happened to have the connections of well known politicians and upper class owners of business owners' kids through his private school. He was the commoner in the elite school - every elite school has a few. He was noticeably popular and sociable at school and a leader who could get the kids to follow him. He started to get invitations to important parties and was getting used by adults for info - w/o his full understanding what was going on. He was flying in jets at 15 living in the fast lane and a kid that age can't understand fully what is going on. As he ages he matures and starts doing favors and goes up the ladder as a minor quickly -and he learns how to manipulate people way before his 18th birthday. So when does the fact that he was manipulated and used turn into him manipulating and using others? At what age did that kick in? Is he responsible for him loving nice things when everyone kept rewarding his favors with commissions and homes and cars, etc?

Sorry but had to turn it off as soon as something started coming out of Adams nose. Already was thinking before that happened that this is too slow going and was going to put me to sleep. Yes, naturally floating in space is slow but combined with the slow speech of all characters was too boring from the get go. I rarely turn any film off once I make the decision to watch it let alone do a review in all fairness, but thought I should say why. Wanting to give it a fair chance, came here to read other reviews before giving up then when I saw that was going to be a spider coming out of his nose that was it for me. If it was just some kind of a blob or anything but that maybe I would have stuck with it since it was only 1 3/4 hr long to see the point of the film snd dialogs. So it did't reach me from the first few minutes to be able to do that.

The Hungry and the Hairy is a fun travel show and how can you not love it with Rain as one of the stars? Really as famous as he is in Korea I have only discovered him recently since am from the U S when saw him on another Netflix concert one try comeback series. He was so fantastic at his concert given at the government house had no idea of his talent. So this travel show attracted my attention when I saw it featured Rain. The other star have seen before but not really familiar with. It soon becomes apparent that they are opposites but that is what makes the show fun as they form their own friendship and have little contests amongst themselves with the winner making the other do something goofy like a challenge in the town or get styled for the ride by the winner, etc. So just all around fun show. They make friends and talk about their families a little too so you get to know the stars better-let's just say his family is so blessed to have such a nice guy. The other star is funny and brings out the humor in Rain too. All in all a fun show that features local cuisines and cookouts and even learned how to grill US steak with mayo to make it taste like expensive Korean beef worth 5x more.

#RainKorea #Rain #HungryAndTheHairy.

Why all the lower ratings? This is one of the better travel shows that feature much about the different types of artistry, music, singing, composing, art, wine making, magic and so much more. I have learned so much from this show and Jay Chou. Also enjoyed the scenery of each place. It's not the mindless fluff you see in other travel shows where buddies go along. It also is not a show you can binge watch due to the length of each episode so the entire series can be lengthy for some. It also mixes in a little magic which lightens up the mood between friends and is also another form of entertainment that has taken years to master.

To give one example, my favorite is when they visited in France the Chateau Lafite Rothschild and got to meet the current and 6th owner of the Rothschild family. She gives a tour of the wonderful Chateau and cellars where the oldest wines are stored and explains everything. They also have a tasting and tour of the vines. Loved this close-up tour by the owner and so informative. Worth giving this travel series a chance.

Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club is an intimate story and documentary of a group of Korean university students getting together with common interests and dreams. Narrated by Joon Ho a famous directer and member of the club made much of it interesting with stories of the 90s - remember Windows 3.1 didn't even come out until 1993 and there was no such thing as an IPhone. Main form of networking was through the college bulletin board. Animation was in such an elementary stage at that time frame by frame it was a miracle just to make 1 little character. So loved the reminiscing as remember much of it including how everyone copied the movies back then. However found some of the other's members stories a little boring or slow going but all in all kind of reminds me of photography when you would develop photos yourself in a bath of silver solution for so many seconds and bring it up and manipulate it like real artistry - you just got into it with your heart and soul and just felt it. Digital manipulation just doesn't give you the same feeling. The Yellow Door members were doing the same thing - they got into it with their heart and soul and some dreams came through and some didn't. It's only 1 1/2 hr so give it a watch.

#YellowDoor #YellowDoorFilmClub #JoonHo.

Sorry, but didn't care for Queen of Divorce. The best thing about it IMO was the actor Oh Min Seok, who plays Noh Yul-seong, the CEO of Cha-Yul Law and was the ex-husband of the FL. Didn't like the script - never a fan when there are children involved and then the child gets used between parents., and didn't like the ending either.

Am I the only one that despite the bad things that Noh Yul-seong has done, feel a wee bit of empathy toward him? The fact that his mother was pulling all the puppet strings, controlled him like a cult leader and he followed her every order - even divorcing his first wife who was his love the FL when she was his child's mother and he actually did love her at that time at the order of his mother for business sake? And that, yes, he had an argument with the FL's mother but it was an accidental death not murder? I just liked his acting and didn't like much of anything else about this series.

Didn't like the fact that the FL never once took any level of moral culpability for any of the things that she has done. For example, remarry him just for revenge and to dig for information so get him arrested to get custody of her son. Tell him lies the whole time about how she will support him in his business as a wife, blah, blah, and he actually fell for it at first. Also no culpability for indirectly getting witnesses killed perhaps while doing all this revenge and stabbing her clients in the back (her client was the 2nd wife of the CEO whom she got Noh to divorce) only to remarry him. Revenge is not sweet when you hurt people along the way and just didn't like any of it. And then to dismiss the sanctity of marriage at the ending and suggest it should have a 5 year expiration date when you have a child involved?

This modern day reality show "Churchill's Secret Agent Selection: WW2" is excellent and can't be compared with any other reality shows I have ever seen. Really enjoyed the scenes from a UK historical view with real clips and descriptions of the secret missions of the actual secret agents of the time. The show, mixed with modern day candidates to participate in a competitive training program which mirrored what the real agents went through back then, make it unique. Candidates are interviewed and chosen on individual traits that each one possess and they are quite diverse. Who will make it and who will not? My personal favorite turned out to be Jeffreys, a very small short woman you would never expect to take down a grown highly trained man in a flash - you just can't judge people. Ea. Episode is a different kind of training. One thing it may have been lacking in training however is no mention of opposite sex trickery or getting involved with the wrong woman for example. I only say this because saw a different Netflix spy doc abt US spies that got caught and it seems approx. 90%+ it was because of falling for the wrong woman or getting stabbed in the back by double agents, etc. As innocent as this show seems with serious training lets face it - the opposite sexes are being paired together in the field in real life/death situations and temptations and jealousies come into play.

#ChurchillsSecretAgentSelection #SecretAgentSelection.

Pale Moon is an intriguing drama that departs from the norm of what I think of when it comes to K-Drama. It may not appeal to everyone, including myself, however stuck it out and watched it in its entirety. It does go kind of slow at times. To me it is more of a film studies kind of movie. The kind that you may get for an assignment at school in a film studies class where you are asked to watch it and then write a paper on it with your comments and theories. The use of the moon in the beginning and the ending and cinema type lighting techniques - shadows, dark, is reminiscent of old Hithcock films reminds me of this drama although different.

Here in Pale Moon everyone uses everyone else - The ML's (Gong Jung Hwan) boss uses him like a dog and a minion, and he uses the wife to prop up his career only. The wife uses the young ML (Lee Shi Hoo) to fulfill her own emotional needs, the young ML uses the FL, Kim Seo Hyung, for money. Even the side stories everyone uses everyone else for sex, designer clothes, whatever it may be.

As far as the May December romance, I had a hard time believing it. Sorry but didn't see the chemistry - Maybe if the FL had a different haircut just a little bit longer such as in her bio photo on Viki I could have seen the chemistry better. I just thought it looked a wee bit boyish and the bio photo was so much sexier. If they were trying to give her the "housewife" look, I think it was a fail. Couldn't see how the romance could have begun in the first place - the emotional connection wasn't "all that" in the beginning, but the money was. I kept thinking it was more like those jigglo K-dramas I have seen where the young guy gets kept on the side. IMO that was more believable, but don't think that is what the director wanted us to believe.

Which brings us to the ending. Hate the kind of endings where you don't know exactly what happened, where you are left "hanging" there. It is open to interpretation - is it the husband who now lost everything - his job, his wife, and realizes what he lost and that he truly loved her? Or was it the young love that realizes in the end everything she did for him and how much he really did love her after all - which he did all along but the fame and fortune got to his head? Please someone tell me if I missed something and I am supposed to know.....that's why I can only give it 8 stars and not 10. Some might think there will be a second season?

#PaleMoon #PaleMoonKDrama #LeeShiHoo #Kim Seo Hyung.

Doctor Slump is a comical and cute drama overall and the ML that was cast, Park Hyung-sik as Doctor Slump, makes the whole show. He has a way to make you smile and laugh at the same time as being handsome and romantic. Also he has a special tone in his voice that is unique that is nice and fun to listen to. I had to take off 2 stars however for the FL. Despite her broad bio that I read, I don't think she brought any chemistry to the show. Too bad as I think it could have been better. She was a little too **tchy and also acting the role as if she had a stick up her you know what - no one would ever like someone like that so the FL could have been cast better IMO. No special personality brought there. The side love story - the friends of the ML and FL is cute as well. Episode 14 finally is the turning point with the 3691 coded message that brings about the love for both, career success and money back in DR Slump's pocket, and resolving psychological problems. We have to attribute all of these miraculous things being accomplished in one episode to the code given 3691.

#DoctorSlump #ParkHyungsik #DRSlump.

Man On The Run uses celebrities as the hook to get you to watch this expose on a name you would never recognize otherwise. It's common knowledge that celebs get paid for appearances so big deal. They don't know where every dollar comes from people they are acquainted with for gosh sake. As far as the man "on the run" part of the story and the fraud he committed - it's a web of corruption and politics at the highest level but a rather boring story overall IMO. It actually put me to sleep 3 times and came back in the morning to finish it. Doesn't say much for such a short documentary or story. One thing I did learn from it though is who the man is that is on the run - will remember the name now Jho Low, which by the way sounds like a fake name anyway, If I hear it discussed in a social setting at least I will know who and what is being discussed, so I will give it that which is what my 3 stars are for.

#JhoLow #ManOnTheRun.

Kissing the Ring Finger (Ousama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi) is a love contract marriage drama which I love, and loved the casting of the ML in this drama Yamada Ryosuke as he played the traditionally conservative family heir perfectly. He was cute, handsome, romantic and caring. The FL was OK but at times a little self serving and **itchy in her acting when he really did like her after all. I have seen better contract marriage dramas before but this one felt a little short in a couple of ares due to the fault of the script I think in about episode 9 with the breakup that had no explanation - just out of the blue and left the FL hurt and made the ML look like another lying you know what. The script could have been better - not the actor's fault they are just going along with the script. The first love of the FL side story could have been more interesting and come more into play or have been better scripted. Also never did care for large lapses of time at the end of a story - please just get on with the story and forget about the lapses. Cute ending though so appreciate that so I gave it an 8 rating overall.

#YamadaRyosuke #KissTheRingFinger #ContractMarriageDrama.

"Between Him And Her" is the slowest drama ever. This couple goes together for 7 years after both living together and working together and after misunderstandings on both sides they break up. The script is boring and the title could have been called "It's Too Late" instead of"Between Him and Her". That seems to be the overall theme of this drama - It's either a day too late, a moment too late, 7 years too late, an hour too late, every single episode it's too late no matter what it is and I was hoping episode 10 was the ending. It could have been - looked like it was going that way or could have gone that way. But it was too late again! So frustrating! Still airing after Episode 10 and it is dragging out longer. Will be so glad when it is over. Can't stand the FL acting and the way the script has written her character - who has been so cold and cruel - after all, she is the one who started this whole thing; the ML was trying to protect her image when it all went down.

Update after the Final Episode: First let me note that my low rating is not a reflection of Lee Dong-Hae's acting as he did a great job . I had to come back and say that the script really never got better and didn't care for the final episode either. Checking director's bio on Apple TV which mentioned director Park Sang Min (1s t drama directed) and also writer Hyeo No webtoon artist.

#BetweenHimAndHer #LeeDongHae.

Final rating after watching all episodes - no change, still 6 stars. Am not a fan of lapses of time near the ending of a drama. The FL didn't improve to impress me much since I last rated. Would have liked to up my rating due to Lamon's acting but the overall drama kept my rating the same.

Original rating of 6 stars - Branding in Seongsu has some positives to it and some things I don't like about it. First, love the theme of branding - I thought the ideas I saw here are ingenious. Loved the pharmacy idea which was both humorous and would be a great idea in real life if placed in the right areas. Also loved the Whiskey idea - very different concept too. The humorous and sexiness of the branding comes across. Love the subtle comical moments overall in the series so far as well. What creeps me out though is that when they switch souls I can't fantom kissing yourself romantically basically - you know what I mean..... just creepy. Worse than the thought of "kissing cousins" or the phrase "go "F" yourself? As far as the casting goes, (Lomon Park Solomon), plays So Eun Ho the utmost best. Looking forward to seeing more of him in the future as well. When he was switched into the female soul his confidence just shined through. On the other hand the FL to me didn't give as good of a vibe when they were switched. Didn't like the attempt of acting with masculine traits .

#BrandingInSeongsu #BrandingInSeongsuDong #ParkSolomon #Lomon #SwitchingSouls.

Giving Wedding Impossible a 8 but may come back to reduce. 9 for theme - love to watch marriage contract dramas. 9 for casting - seems that the casting has been on point so far. The reason I am having doubts about giving any higher than an 8 at this point is the predictability of it. Only after 2 episodes it seems that everything has been laid out already - so much so, for example the secret, the father situation, that I think the whole ending can be predicted at episode 2 (including the heir for the future). Am I the only one to see the ending from just episode 2? A little more mystery may have been more fun IMO. Unless there is some big twist down the road - who knows. Will keep watching and be open to changing my 8 to lower later depending on how this actually develops the ending - if we knew it all from episode 2 or not.

#WeddingImpossible #MarriageContractDrama.

OK romance & comedy with a positive message - be real, tell the truth to someone you love even if you hurt them - don't hide behind a mask...cute series for younger viewers.

A departure from the usual Japanese drama that usually has an ending that is difficult to understand, at least for me, so glad to watch this one with a clear ending although it was a bit predictable when it got to the later episodes, so reduced the star rating for that. Also reduced the star rating because from a global point of view (am from the US) I guess there is difference in cultures as getting involved romantically with a cousin (fake or real) would be unheard of as it is a taboo. Cousins don't date. I don't see or understand the value in making the 2nd male a cousin. What would have been the difference if he was just a best friend instead? Unless it is a subtitle transcription error - not sure but the transcription I saw said cousin.

#MissionsOfLove.

Called "Shape Of Red", this very common themed movie of the same old thing - the wife stays home to take care of the husband and child and the husband doesn't care for her going to work because the housework isn't getting done or the child needs a babysitter. He also isn't giving her any sex but she provides for him. It doesn't take too long before she gets reunited with her first love who is now available.

So here is the thing - all the Japanese Dramas and Movies that I have watched thus far always have an ending that is hard to decipher, or open to interpretation. I hate watching things that need an explanation at the end. I keep trying new ones and it seems that this is just the Japanese style so if you don't care for this type of thing - watching a whole movie and then wondering what the heck happened, then it is not for you as it can be a little convoluted in the ending.

I am pretty sure I know what happened; could actually figure the ending out 1/2 through the movie when Tasuku Emoto, the ML having the affair with the FL ,told her he was sick 4 years ago and left it at that. The thing is we all knew what was going to happen so the ending was muffled up a bit or it would have just been a boring end for another boring housewife story with some hot sex missed in. The small few second clip before the credits IMO was in reference to an "unbuildable dream house" the FL designed and will never materialize either in bricks and mortar or in her marriage - the best part of the house that Tasuku Emoto remembers was the horizon view out the window as he stated before when she was reminiscing about their college days. She just keeps driving into the horizon because she lis never going to find it. And I think it is all just a memory of hers anyway and reminiscing again but don't take my word for it as it is is IMO and other's may have different opinions so you just need to watch it. Very confusing for sure.

#ShapeOfRed #TasukuEmoto.