Minha Nova Garota Atrevida (2016)

Weak script. Actors who tried their best, but couldn't save a bad script.

I didn't watch the prequel as I've heard that it's amazing and most people who saw the sequel were severely disappointed. I decided to go in with fresh eyes. No idea what happened in the first one other than the ML likes to be physically put in his place? After watching this, the huge glaring problem in this entire film is the plot. We're going to get to the actors later, but the plot...oh my...I mean, there was essentially no plot? Or at least one that wasn't completely fleshed out anyway. It's like they brainstormed the story's skeleton, the bare minimum, and kinda left it at that. The script doesn't flesh out any of the characters and we only find out little bits of their personality along the way. Almost like if they're acting and suddenly a crew member held out a cue card that read "dance machine", a few mins later "act like a puppy", 30 mins later "get mad about your wife who's trying to protect you." I felt like the plot was throwing them every which way and I couldn't exactly get a sense of who they actually were by the end, just 2D versions of them.

Before I talk about the ML and FL, I'm prefacing this with: I like both actors! I have nothing against them, I just have something against the script. They both tried their best, but ultimately couldn't save a bad script.
I was a little uncomfortable in certain parts because of Cha Taehyun - an actor in his 40s who acts like a lovesick teenage boy...which I guess some people could become if they're in love (no judgement). Don't get me wrong, he's a good actor but maybe it's because of his character that puts me off.
Victoria was quite good. Yeah, she might've exaggerated a scene or two, but most Korean idol dramas are so maybe it's because of the training she received? The only inconsistent thing was that she was portrayed as this strong-won't-take-any-bullshit wife throughout and she suddenly became a whining teenage girl when her husband flipped his shit at her. That gave me a whiplash. Again, maybe some people do become like that in those situations (no judgement).

As some people have pointed out, the comedy does feel forced at parts, although some are quite funny. Lots of random moments. Literally. For example, when Cha Taehyun is heading out for his business trip and Victoria randomly appears outside the door in a cheerleader uniform (with pom poms) cheering him on. Full on dance. Seemingly out of nowhere. What, exactly, was the purpose of that?

All in all, I think that the actors all did well within their roles, but the plot screwed them over. There weren't really any smooth transitions from one scene to another, just jumping here and there, so it felt like things were occurring suddenly. There didn't seem to be any substance to the plot. It just felt like a result of some executives deciding to capitalize on an already successful film. It seemed like it was all about the money and not the quality. So... the rewatch value is low on this one.

That being said, I will watch the prequel to see what the hype is all about.

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My New Sassy Girl is like My Sassy Girl minus the comedy

My Sassy Girl is really a classic Korean movie and has been adapted and dubbed into different languages. Even the OST has it's own versions so this sequel is kinda lacking. It doesn't leave much impression compared to its predecessor. But don't get me wrong, this is a great movie but it's hard not to compare it to first one since this is a sequel.

The plot is simple and pretty comprehensible and to be honest it's a good life lesson pretty much in reality. This sequel felt independent because you don't really have to watch the first one to really appreciate it. It's just good to know the back story about "the ex." It's a pretty good story concept overall but I kinda miss the comedy part. This is more of serious than the first one.

Cha TaeHyun is still an awesome actor. He's always like the familiar Ahjussi of the neighborhood. He's very natural and he really looks like he doesn't even have to put much effort because he is the character itself (I know this can be confusing but what I mean to say is everytime I watch him I felt like I'm watching Cha TaeHyun's life and not the life of just a fictional character that he's trying to portray. ) The female lead also didn't disappoint. She's pretty sassy and bad ass just like her character requires although I can't compare her to Jun JiHyun (since I'm really biased towards JiHyun Eonnie.)

All in all this is a great movie still and I really enjoyed watching it. There's also good life lessons you can learn or be reminded about. This is recommended if you just want a feel-good movie after a long tiring day.

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