Chinese New Year Specials

First of all, before I start this post, I'd like to graciously declare that I have dropped Queen Divas (although I do occasionally skim through), and therefore have no rights to say whether it is bad or worse or worst. All opinions remain as mines, and therefore might differ from yours. 

Every year since I don't know when, it has been a tradition to film a I Love HK for Chinese New Year. I Love HK is a movie with a humongous amount of casts, or better put as, all the stars that has a contract with TVB. Obviously, these movies are a happy community, suddenly faced with a challenge, and finally overcoming it. And if it isn't obvious enough, a comedy. 

Last year (I think), TVB decided to do a Chinese New Year special drama, namely The Days of Days. 

And oh what a huge sensation it created.... Not really. The only thing I heard about it was actually how bad an how over acted and how lame and how not funny it was. And every Chinese New Year, I find myself lacking of anything to watch. Therefore, last Chinese New Year, I completed the drama The Days of Days. 

My reaction? Forever traumatized. I cannot even tell whether it is a drama or a comedy? It tries to make you laugh, and all of the sudden it's so serious and sullen, and then it tries, in vain might I add, to make you laugh again. 

My trauma caused me to be unwilling to try this year's Chinese New Year drama, Queen Divas. While there is a stronger cast this year, namely Nancy Sit, Joyce Tang, Angela Tong, Pierre Ngo and Evergreen Mak, I still find myself hesitant to watch it. While I heard it is far superior than The Days of Days, I also heard reaction that it was a lame comedy. 

Probably what someone would feel after watching Bounty Lady, huh?

While I did skim through it a little, it did actually made me chuckle once. The other times, where it is either about Joyce Tang fighting Angela Tong or Angela Tong fighting Joyce Tang, well, honestly speaking, it bore me. 

And this year, I found something much better to watch and therefore do not have to worry about finding nothing to watch. What is this great savior of mines? Why, War of Genders it is. A perfect combination of quantity and quality, and unlike many sitcoms that has many episodes, it gets better as you watch it!

Therefore, I will not be watching Queen Divas, but will be waiting for other people's reaction. And seeing as I already am watching the legendary classic sitcom/comedy War of Genders, I can pretty much confirm that I will not be touching Queen Divas in the best of my ability. 

I really hope TVB will stop airing comedies for the time being, seeing as they started the comedy streak with the best, Bounty Lady, and everything starts to go downhill (Coffee Cat Mama, Return of the Silver Tongue, Queen Divas, Outbound Love - yes, it's a romantic comedy). 

But Gilded Chopsticks is set to be aired after Queen Divas. Another comedy, however with the cast consisting of Wong Cho-Lam, Joey Meng, Nancy Wu and Power Chan, I have high expectations for it to save the whole name of comedy. 

What do you think of Queen Divas and the comedy streak? Please make use of the Post a Comment and tell me! I enabled anonymous comments. 

PS, interesting fact I found, so far, every drama this year in the third line-up is ALL labeled as a comedy. 

Summary of Year 2013 with TVB

Yes, this is a late post, but whatever. So basically I list down every TVB drama that was aired during year 2013 on the prime time (8:30 and 9:30) and give my reaction to it in the shortest way possible. 

This is separated in three sections, the first section being the most honored: Watched; while the other two are Should've Dropped and Dropped. 

Please take note that this are all in my opinion, and therefore should not be taken too seriously and are not meant to offend. 

2013

Watched:

Friendly Fire - So basically the most memorable part was Sammy Leung, because I have seriously developed a soft spot for him after this series. This series started of comedic, became all tense and sad, ended with a major character dying... Why does this remind me of a higher class version (and an already developed couple) of Ghetto Justice?

Inbound Troubles - Unregrettable experience! So the series was touching sensitive issues... I don't mind, and frankly I don't care because I'm not involved. No offense. Also, I've always felt that the best comedy must be a comedy that took a bold step, and this certainly did. Raised a lot of previously ignored side casts to popularity too. In my opinion, one of the best series in 2013. 

Season of Love - The only reason I watched this was because of Nancy Wu and Oscar Leung and Vincent Wong (basically Autumn), and it did not disappoint. The storyline is a little weird, but I actually liked it, showing all the what-if's that people tend to question so much these days. Spring was terrible, what was Summer again? And winter... *sigh*

Reality Check - This was a drama with a big 'moral of the story' that I did not regret watching. It's actually not really that remarkable, but it is nice to watch if you are in the mood of a family drama (basic drama: happy family, broken family, trying to build it back family, even more broken family, everybody regrets family, everybody tries their best again family, happy family). Must I also mention that I am a fan of Ruco Chan? Oh, and Louise Lee did a splendid job here, a refreshing difference compared to her normal roles as the perfect mother. 

A Great Way to Care II - I watched the prequel and I really enjoyed it. I watched the sequel and... I guess it was okay... Yoyo Mung's presence kind of ruined it though. And Tavia Yeung's presence in the last few chapters... MARVELLOUS! As always, I will only like Tavia when she takes up a role that are challenging and does not consist of only crying, preferably an evil or semi-evil role. Yes, I seriously liked Tavia in Beyond the Realm of Conscience, but her roles after that was mostly in the safe circle. Until this...

Slow Boat Home - I don't really know what to comment on this. It was... boring. Okay, it was boring. But it wasn't so terrible as for me to put it in the Should've Dropped list. Though I must admit, it was really close. 

A Change of Heart - This was actually pretty good! I have to say, Joey Meng was just okay-okay to me in Inbound Troubles. But this... She certainly deserves some recognition for this! She was awesome here!

Triumph in the Skies II - So basically the only thing I loved here was the beautiful sceneries, and Francis Ng's splendid acting. Not that Chilam wasn't good, but he wasn't 'splendid'. Fala Chen's character as Holiday was completely zero dimensional, though she was quite fun to watch when she is with Francis. I was so very tired of Myolie here. The script was bad, the plot was boring... As I said, the only redeeming quality of this drama was the beautiful scenery and Francis. 

Brother's Keeper - Another one of my favorite drama of the year, this was, although quite inconsistent at times, a great work. Splendid acting by Ruco, that guy should win an award some time soon! Though, he's still new at the 'main character' circle, and they don't usually get the award so quick. Plenty of chances for you, Ruco. Kristal Tin was great here as well, but I can't say she was better than Ruco. Then again, there really isn't any competition for the Actresses Awards.... Oh, and special mention for Louis Yuen, he was pretty good too. 

Will Power - I was anticipating this drama so much.... The teaser trailer was totally a comedy, and it turned out to be a serious drama instead! Still, it was enjoyable, with great acting by Wayne and Moses. However, my eyes were damaged fatally from overexposure towards Jason Chan. He was terrible, as always. 

Bounty Lady - The last of my most favorite series of the year (yes I had three)! Although it wasn't that great compared to Dayo's past works, it was splendid nonetheless. With the exact right amount of satisfying sarcasm, witty dialogues that are logical and somewhat philosophical (new additions to Dayo's 'golden phrases' people!), hilarious expressions and faces, Episode 6 and 7 starring Grace Wong, I laughed my head off during most of the series. There were some serious moments though, and Dayo was great at it proving himself to be a great actor that can act not only in comedies. Then again, I already knew Dayo was great in You're Hired during his emotional scenes there aaaaannnddd.... BACK TO THE TOPIC! Anyway, they were mix responses for Laura's appearance, but I liked her... She was excellent.

(Return of the Silver Tongue and Coffee Cat Mama are still not completed, and I will not add them to this list)

Should've Dropped:

Missing You - I don't understand why I completed this! It was such a torment, and the major source of suffering was in the form of... JASON CHAN! Yes, surprise people! 

The Day of Days - Once again, I cannot fathom why I completed this pieceover exaggerated crap. Probably being too bored during the school holidays... 

Bullet Brain - My reaction to this drama must be the same as yours... Disappointing. 

Karma Rider - *sigh* Once again, we gather to mourn for this piece of disappointing crap.... Still, I wasn't expecting much, I just had too much free time. 

The Hippocratic Crush II - Hah! So are you going to kill me for including this in the Should've Dropped list? Huh?! To be honest, I enjoyed the prequel. But the sequel is just too.... Why is the majority if the cast sick? Yes, I know it's a medical drama and therefore needs to have sick people but... Why is the doctors the ones being sick here? This was just a collections of tragedies that might happen to people, but is just too impossible to happen around the SAME CIRCLE OF COMMUNITY! Disappointing! I hereby rage!!!

Dropped:

Beauty at War - Frankly, disappointing. It was no where near the standards of the prequel. Though I must say, Sheren Tang really was impressive here. Still, dropped it out of boredom. And glad I did. 

Awfully Lawful - Boring comedy that brought little laughters. Sorry. Dropped. 

Always and Ever - It was... Interesting at the beginning. But I slowly got bored with it at around the second era, after Bao Ching Tin. So... I dropped it. Ooops. But I think I heard quite some positive response to this drama....

Sniper Standoff - WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! Kathy Chow was terrible! Sheesh... The first few episodes totally wasted my life. I'm sorry to those who liked it, but I found little did. 

(Note: Seargent Tabloid was warehoused in Hong Kong but broadcasted in other countries last year (if I'm not mistaken) and I, not living in Hong Konf, watched it. Therefore, I did not re-watch it when TVB broadcasted it, because I find not worth re-watching it)

What are your responses to the dramas of 2013? Please make use of the Post A Comment and inform me! Thanks for reading! :D

Review: Bounty Lady (My盛Lady) [4/5]

(EDITED AND COMPLETED VERSION)

I shall start my first official TVB drama review with a review of the recently completed romantic comedy, Bounty Lady, starring Dayo Wong, Kate Tsui, Louis Yuen, Sharon Chan, Benz Hui, Elena Kong, etc. 

Before I start though, I'd like to give a fair warning. I am a big fan of Dayo, to the extent where I am already working on a post entitled 'All About Dayo Wong' or something similar, but you get my point. Therefore, I might be a little bias. I'll try my best not to be so obvious. 

Reason to watch: Hilarious moments, witty dialogue that makes sense yet remains hilarious, Dayo Wong screen times, Dayo Wong's "golden phrases", Kate Tsui's minor tantrums, Grace Wong's case in Ep 6-7. 

Highly recommended if you are in a mood for a comedy that is logical and meaningful. 

(Everything below are filled with spoilers, so if you do not want to be spoiled, please read this after you watch the series)

Official Synopsis:

"Leading Public Affairs Expert HEUNG KWONG-NAM (Dayo Wong), a renowned savior of the bachelorettes in town, often helps his single female clients have a happy marriage by using unexpected methods, yet he himself remains single and is satisfied with short-term relationships.

Newly joined Account Officer SING FA-LUI (Kate Tsui) misconceives that KWONG-NAM, his elder brother HEUNG SIN-NAM (Benz Hui ), co-worker TUNG TIN-KIU (Louis Yuen) and BUT FAN-KEUNG (Jazz Lam), who are also known as super senior, indulge themselves in having fun and partying all night.  Despising what KWONG-NAM has done, she expressly reprimands him for being such a bad guy and courting women by taking advantage of his job.  Meanwhile, seeing that KWONG-NAM makes his subordinate YUEN HUEN (Sharon Chan) popular as an internet singer so as to pursue her.   YUEN HUEN’s aunt YUEN SUM (Elena Kong) also hates his guts, frequently criticizing KWONG-NAM in her column.  However, KWONG-NAM makes light of it and continues in his own way until his ex-girlfriend emerges.  As such, the relationship between them turns upside down dramatically, triggering a fierce battle between the Hong Kong Guys and Girls that is never seen before……"

So basically, it's about Dayo starring as Heung Kwong Nam (a pun for Hong Kong men), a talented PR who helps the single ladies find their Prince Charming, but he himself remains single. Might I also add that Dayo has the 'artist' attitude: rejects job, dresses uniquely, and not the forget, his office and house's design is VERY unique. His office doesn't even have a decent table! (I think there's a small coffee table, though). And not to forget the spiraling board.... thing at his house. You know, the one where Dayo always fall into after getting thrown? Yes, that one. I am absolutely in love with it. 

Anyway, Dayo and Kate (starring as Sing Fa Lui, pun for single 'decent' lady) meets when attending their friend's wedding, and got drunk and ends up sleeping in a hotel. No, not that type of sleeping, just plain sleeping. But before they slept, they did some embarrassing stuff. Like singing (drunkenly, of course), drawing their faces with markers etc.. Of course when they woke up they were in shock, and Kate was in a bath robe, which contributes even more to the reason why she started freaking out. Dayo tries to point out that he was still dressed, but Kate points out that he was wearing a skirt, and Dayo was all like "IT'S A PANTS!". Then Dayo was being all analytical and observed that since he could not see a single clothing sprawled on the ground, he had a reason to believe that Kate's 'clothing are still under her clothing (bathrobe)'. 

I feel like I'm doing a recap instead, but I had to state that part out because I HAVE NOT LAUGHED THAT HARD FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. 

After that, it turns out Kate is a new employee at Dayo's working place, and while Dayo continues to be reject works and help single ladies, situations demand that Dayo and Kate work together. Thus, a rivalry sparked into romance, with a lot of comedies ensured. 

Casts:

•Dayo Wong as Heung Kwong Nam

What can I say...? Irreplaceable. Hilarious. And hey, he has good acting skills too! And as always, his lines are legendary. Just the right amount of sarcasm, and that always seems to be his forte, doesn't it? Basically, my favorite style of comedy is sarcasm, so whoever does it well without overexaggarating, I'll give points. Overall, extremely in love with his character. I don't really have much to say, to tell the truth. And I must add, I absolutely love his reaction with Laura. His 'I want to help her, but I'm too terribly afraid of her' was sooo hilarious. His chemistry with the other actors and actress were also great, as expected. Also, Dayo really does seem to give off the 'guru' and Commander aura in this show, doesn't he? 

•Kate Tsui as Sing Fa Lui

I heard they were complains on how little screen time she had. I don't think so. Yes, she had little screen time at the starting where they focused on the 'single lady' that Dayo was working on, but she had her screen time later on. I mean, it makes sense doesn't it? Would you believe it if Kate were to work with Dayo so quickly in the starting?

I thought Kate was good, and it was refreshing to see her in a slightly more childish character compared to her usual highly matured and serious character. Her tantrums and all were quite cute and fun to watch, in fact. I was pretty afraid for her (and for my poor heart, beause this is a rare Dayo Wong drama and I didn't want it to flop because of the female leas), because I did not expect her to handle her first comedy role this well. But then it turns out, I did not have to worry. Because seriously, Kate is quite good for her first time in a comedy role, despite what other people say. 

Overall, I think that, yes, she wasn't exceptionally great, but she was not bad. Unfortunately, she did not shine out much, but I felt she certainly deserves the Top 5 Best Actress placing. 

•Louis Yuen as Tung Tin Kiu

Nothing special, just plain ol' Louis. Though, they were many hilarious part with him in the drama. Like the whole 'I'm not gay but I have to act gay in front of the girl I'm starting to like' thing. And also when he was jealous of Dayo and thought that he took advantage of her (and I must add that I loved the running style, because that was the original 'comedy running around style'), and both of them got locked up in the freezer? And their source of warmth was the... Pig skin! Or was it skinned pig?

So overall, I thought that he wasn't bad, but not impressive or anything special at all. 

•Sharon Chan as Yuen Huen

I liked her... All the way until her makeover. Then I was just like, 'whatever'. I really really enjoyed watching the awkward, naive yet kind hearted Yuen Huen, and basically after the makeover she was just plain old Sharon. I will not mention her song here, because it will be mentioned later on. 

•Benz Hui as Heung Sin Nam

Applauses to Benz for another marvelous portrayal. Maybe a little exaggerated, but that was what made me laugh. The whole young model obsession and his collections of young model products (pillow, pajamas, etc.) was hilarious. And I always love Benz's and Dayo's chemistry. And I just noticed this but, Benz also starred in Men Don't Cry and You're Hired with Dayo, didn't he?

•Elena Kong as Yuen Sam

This is my second favorite character in the series. Basically I thought Elena was better as the 'San Diu' here than in Triump in the Skies II. She was so hilarious as the feminist author and her arguments with Dayo and her relationship with Benz was so enjoyable. I must say, she did a pretty dang good job here. 

•Jazz Lam as Bat Fan Keung

Once again, nothing impressive. He's great, though. His love story didn't really appeal to me, but I do feel sad for him, being like a slave. His character as the naive on in the Super Senior is believable, though. 

•Toby Leung as Paula

Not good, not bad. Plain old Toby with (finally!) a new hairstyle. 

Cases:

Ep1-4: May Chan and James Ng as Judy and Ka Chun

It started of really hilarious, with May's exaggerated English that many people who tries to pretend to be high class uses. Then after a while, I started to feel a little bored, I don't know why! Probably because of her 'I wanna lose weight, but then I really want to eat' and 'oh whatever, I give up' attitude, which actually dragged her case longer when I thought 3 episodes would be sufficient. Not my favorite case, but definitely hilarious. 

Ep6-7: Grace Wong and Quinn Ho as Yam Mo Lin (Madam) and Wong Lung

From all the reviews I've read, it seems everybody has the same opinion as me. This is my favorite case in Bounty Lady. Grace Wong did a really good job here as the tomboyish Madam, proving her ability as a versatile actress. Really, I thought she deserved the Most Improved Actress award more than Eliza Sam. Highlights of this case are: "Dim gai geh (why is it so)?", "Tsan hai ga (really)?", "Le hou lek ah (you're very smart)!" and the legendary "So dek ma (extremely refine way of saying 'are you stupid')?". Also, this case, unlike May Chan's, just lasted two episode and wasn't dragged at all, which only adds to the reasons why this is my favorite of them all. 

Ep8-10: Samantha Ko and Sammy Shum as Mika S. and Pak Kin, with the addition of Bob Lam as Ma Ming

This was my second most enjoyable case. Why? Not really because of Mika S or Pak Kin, but because of Ma Ming (cheap Ma, cheap Ma...). Fair warning though, most of this case's jokes are unsuitable for minors (like me). But seriously... It was so very hilarious! The couple here was actually very sweet, and I thought it was the best since the other couple's male partner are less exposed while Sammy here was given enough screen time. Also, Samantha Ko did an amazing good job as the innocent Mika S. 

Ep (I don't remember): Sharon Chan and Louis Yuen as Yuen Huen and Tung Tin Kiu

Just.... No. I mean, it's not that I don't like it, but... This was the part where my preferable version of Yuen Huen (the innocent an naive one) was turned into plain ol' Sharon. It was hilarious though, my personal highlights being the part where Dayo and Kate were trying to get  Sharon to notice them together (Dayo was pretending to be Sharon's boyfriend after she confesses but he knows that Sharon actually likes Louis without really realizing, but was upset with him after Louis' lie to her and so Dayo had Kate to pretend to be his girlfriend so that he could 'hurt' Sharon) but kept failing because of the waiter who kept Sharon's attention away from them, a van who blocked them as they were across the street etc. to the point where they had to reverse because she couldn't notice them. Finally, Sharon noticed them after a marvellous performance of a 'ballroom dancing to the taxi' by Dayo and Kate. 

Ep18-20: Laura (Harriet Yeung)

This case had mixed reaction, some thinking that it was draggy and pointless or just too sickening, while others thinking that Laura just did an excellent performance, and me being the latter group. Because seriously, as an anime fan myself, my reaction to Laura was "a yandere come to life!". Well, not exactly 'life', but it's not an animation. My views to meat patties are forever changed after watching this. So while this isn't my favorite case, I have to say that in my opinion, I thought that the biggest breakthrough of the show was Laura, who I have never seen before prior to this series. I was extremely in love (or creeped out, in a good way) with the way she says "Jenniferrrr~" with the slur there. And when she dressed up like Kate... Gosh she was like a chubbier version of Kate! Kudos to the way she pouted her lips, that was so Kate. 

Theme Song (My盛Lady by Dayo Wong):

I liked it! It has a catchy tune and somehow, Dayo sings it like... Very casual and free? Yup, I think that's the description. 

Sub theme (想一天 by Sharon Chan): 

It wasn't bad... It was okay, in fact. The tune was bland but okay... The lyrics were great. And the singing... Hey, she's great for an inexperienced not-a-singer actress! So don't flame... 

2nd Subtheme (My Song by Sharon Chan):

If you didn't know which song this is, it's the one where Sharon had to film a music video. You know, the music video that was a poor excuse of an imitation to K-Pop music videos? The one that hurts your eyes so much with the amount of pink and terrible dancing? Yes, that one. The music video was so terrible I forgot whether the song was okay or bad. 

Overall, this series was great to watch, and extremely enjoyable. Expect great laughters as you watch it, slowly developing into more serious but still manage to remain funny. However, I felt that like always, nobody seems to outshine Dayo. I mean, I somehow felt that everybody was a supporting cast (with the difference of being major or minor), and the main character is Dayo and Dayo only. Kate was there, not really shining although she did pretty good (seriously, if you've watched most of Dayo's dramas, you'll notice that once it's a decent actor/actress who can act - it does not matter whether they are okay or good - they do pretty well. If Dayo is on screen together with them. Set them by themselves, and it somehow loses the 'comedic' feeling of the drama. Fortunately, this drama had a strong cast in the form of Benz Hui and Elena Kong, which was why I enjoyed their moments even without Dayo on screen). Also, Dayo seems to have this... I don't know, ability to have chemistry between all the actors and actress he is working with? I mean, you can never see an awkward moment between any characters with Dayo, unless of course if the awkward moment was intentional. 

I rate this series a 4 out of 5. 

PS, I think I overused the word 'hilarious' here. Also, is my review too long? I think I got caught up in the moment.