Unexpected Business: A Review

I don't usually review variety/reality shows as the main purpose of these programs is to entertain and there's not much of a storyline or a script and the stars just play themselves. However, this deserves a special mention.

I've also seen Cha Tae Hyun and Jo In Sung in dramas (though I know CTH used to do a lot of variety but I haven't seen them yet) so it was a treat seeing them in a situation that is out of their comfort zone.

It was interesting how they handled the 10 days that they were temporary owners of a country store. They adapted quickly to their environment and even became one with the townspeople. CTH was so charismatic and JIS managed to charm his way into the hearts of the ahjummas. I love their alba (part-time workers/guests) and their dinner conversations. It's a different kind of reality show.

I cried with the two when they met with the owner at the last episode. They weren't able to meet with her when the series started so it was sort of a surprise for the cast. It was very emotional and touching.

It was also interesting to see the different personalities in their small village that appeared as guests. It was amusing to see their starstruck expressions when they saw the actors but they managed to get over that and treated them as one of their own.

I wish they would have another season. I will truly miss this show as it's so chill and relaxing to watch. Something to make me unwind on a Friday night. 

Vincenzo: A Review

From Netflix FB page

With possible spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This drama made me realize how difficult it is to be Lawful Good. We have always been educated and even reiterated in other dramas that criminals, though how evil and despicable they are, should be dealt with in accordance of the law. Moreover, with their human rights protected. But there will always be a part in us that will yearn for biblical justice--an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. And suffice to say, this drama successfully wooed my bloodthirsty side.

Throughout the whole series, we've seen how the people of Babel group lead by Chairman Jang, superbly played by Ok Taecyeon (and I say that without prejudice), kill people ruthlessly without blinking an eye. We grieved with the victims and even cheered them on when they were able to get justice at the end. And that justice, oh wow, it was so satisfyingly delivered. I should feel pity on how our hero, Vincenzo, dealt with their punishment but it was so so SOOOO deserved.

There were those who only saw Ok Taecyeon for the first time. He was actually the main reason (yes, Song Joong ki was the second) why I watched this drama. OTY is a member of the kpop group, 2PM, before he ventured into acting (he's still a member of the group and still promotes with them. In fact, they have a scheduled comeback later this year). This is actually his 6th drama that I've watched not counting his reality show appearances (3 Meals a Day and 2PM Wild Six!). Amongst all his shows, Vincenzo is where he managed to show more depth and improvement in his acting. I'm SO proud of him!

A lot of viewers were also not happy with the death of Jang Han Seo. I felt ok with that as it made me despise Chairman Jang Han Seok more. If ever I felt pity for that psychotic chairman, it disappeared when he killed his own brother.

Kwak Dong Yeon, the actor who played Jang Han Seo, again showed his notable acting chops (I can still remember his memorable appearance, albeit a cameo, in It's Okay Not to be Okay). If it's character development that we're looking for then his is the one that deserves an applause. After being physically beaten by his own brother for years, he found the "brotherhood" that he was looking for in his former arch-nemesis. It made his death more bittersweet and touching.

I should also mention the awesome cinematography of the series and the OST too! I love the instrumental violins (?) that were played at the end when Vincenzo was walking away. Makes you really want to give it a standing ovation.

Am glad they did not go too heavy on the romantic scenes. I liked his chemistry with the female lead but am more focused with Vincenzo's relationship with the other characters--the Geumga Squad for one. They're my favorites here, most of all, the president of Vincenzo's fanclub (Oh My Consiglieri). Gosh! That was a riot! Hahaha!

If I were to have a peeve it would be the product placements (PP). South Korean dramas are notorious for their PPs especially if the lead is a hallyu wave star. However, if the PP is smoothly done, it doesn't bother me and I just laugh it off. In this case, it's effective as I want some Maxim and Kopiko.

I originally thought that this drama was a tad too long at 20 episodes and 1.5 hours each! But at its conclusion, there were still so many things that I wanted to see--a reunion with the Geumga squad, the destruction of the building, Vincenzo's new "family island" etc. But I rest easy knowing that this drama entertained me enough for the past 3 months.

Highly recommending this!

Rating: Five Tissue Boxes

For the entertainment and for the superb cast.