PennyReviews Reviews

Bodkin (2024– )

Good Enough

[6/10 · 27 May 2024]

'' Bodkin '' is a crime solving series that resebles other hit dramas like '' Only Murders in the Building '', but only because one of the main characters is trying to make a podcast out of a mystery taking place in Ireland.

The rest, is a dark comedy, intense mystery about a small town well kept secret. The so called mystery is well presented, but the ending episodes were less enjoyable comapred to the rest of the series. Also, it was nice that the series included the stories of the main leads. The ending, finally, was rushed.

In addition, the performances were all great by everyone in the cast.

Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (2024– )

Good Enough

[7/10 · 20 May 2024]

'' Maxton Hall - The world between us '' is a tv series from Germany, based on a book series.

The series has a more or less predictable plot, using many cliche plot twists, as the storyline narrates the relationship between a rich arrogant boy and a clever but poor girl. And sure, the plot is unoriginal, but the series handled it nicely as to give out older romantic comedy vibes.

The performances were, in addition, pretty great, especially by the leading lady who was exeptional. The side characters were nicely handled as well.

The first season (this is a review for the first season), left out a lot to be explored in the second season, so let's see how it goes from there on.

Wonderful World (2024– )

Good Enough

[8/10 · 17 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Wonderful World '' is a melodrama-thriller.

The drama has quite a tragic story and it easily gets emotional and bittersweet when it deals with those matters. With an intense start, the drama slowly unfolds into a political thriller, with the main couple (not a romantic one though, fortunately!!!) having lots of chemistry and enhancing the intensity of the story.

Also, the performances were all great by every actor and actress of the cast. The characters were interesting as well and had depth. In addition, the family drama had many layers.

Finally, the ending was nicely handled, though the final episodes seemed like they were losing momentum.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

Under the Gun (2024)

Good Enough

[4/10 · 17 May 2024]

Korean mini series '' Under The Gun '' is a school romance - melodrama.

The drama has a strong start, with introducing the characters and establishing the romantic relationship and the love triangle. Those characters were, actually, quite interesting and the actors and actresses did a good job handling them and giving us solid performances.

Unfortunately, the drama suffered from its length. Hence, everything happened fast and the development was unsteady. Especially when it came to the romance, it felt like the main girl was forcing the relationship on the guy, as she was following him around like a puppy. Also, the whole rivalry could have been handled better.

So, overall, four out of ten.

Midnight Photo Studio (2024– )

Good Enough

[7/10 · 17 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Midnight Photo Studio '' is a fantasy romantic comedy.

The drama has many funny moments, with the side characters adding their special flair to the mix. The ghost stories were also quite emotional and bittersweet, and, fortunately, plenty.

The romance was also enjoyable, with many sweet moments between the leads, though the final episode had a cheesy twist, but, still, the couple was adorable. The side couple was a bit awkwardly handled.

The performances were, in addition, pretty enjoyable by every actor and actress in the cast.

So, overall, six and a half out of ten for Midnight Studio.

The Impossible Heir (2024– )

Not Good Enough

[5/10 · 17 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' The Impossible Heir '' is a melodrama about the relationship between two young men.

On paper, the storyline sounds fantastic, however, the first part of the drama is quite a let down. The drama actually takes a bit to settle down and find its way. With the family drama being lukewarm and the weak romance trying to take the main place in the plot, the series was quite boring for that part.

The second part, on the other hand, was quite intense and enjoyable. With the main lead taking a turn and embracing his dark side, the thriller got better and more action scenes were added.

Finally, the performances varied from good to wooden.

So, overall, five out of ten.

Queen of Tears (2024– )

Good Enough

[7/10 · 17 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Queen of Tears '' is a dark comedy melodrama.

The story is pretty unexpected, especially at the start of the drama, which was more on the comedy side. Slowly, they introduced the dramatic scheme involving the villain and the family, as they go through unexpected changes. Then, the series turns towards the romantic side, with many moments between the couple. The plot gets darker towards the end, with the final episode being quite dramatic. However, it must be noted that the last episodes, especially the fourteenth, were rather boring and felt more or less like fillers.

Another perk for this drama was the excellent side characters that were interesting and helped the story a lot.

Also, the performances were excellent.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

Mother of the Bride (2024)

Not Good Enough

[1/10 · 13 May 2024]

'' Moster of the Bride '' is a romantic comedy with Brooke Shields.

The movie has a typical story to share, which is more or less predictable and doesn't go deeper than the surface.

Thus, the romance was not convincing and the relationship between the mother and the daughter was weak. Also, it was not well explored the whole social media compaign that the bride tried to pull off and the impact of that on her own wedding and her family.

Other than that, the performances were enjoyable, and Brooke Shields was excellent. The setting was also pretty beautiful and help a lot to cover up many misfortunes that the story had.

Back to Black (2024)

Good Enough

[5/10 · 13 May 2024]

'' Back to Black '' is a biography film for the singer-songwritter Amy Winehouse.

The film has a killer cinematography, with sharp shots and moody atmosphere, which fitted perfectly with the story and the songs. The songs were also all there, at least the hits, and they enhanced the experience.

Marisa Abela, in addition, did a great job with her performance and her singing was enjoyable.

That said, the movie was just okay. To be honest, the Amy Winehouse documentaries were more engaging than the movie, that focused on her relationship and less on her carreer and her progress as an artist...

Palm Royale (2024– )

Not Good Enough

[4/10 · 13 May 2024]

'' Palm Royale '' is a period drama about a woman who tries to fit in with the ''royalty'' of Palm Beach.

The start of the drama is a bit awkward, but the series settles in after the first two episodes, when it is clear who Max is and what she is looking for. It also starts getting engaging and the drama and scandals were enjoyable.

However, as it progressed, the story added some rediculous twists that felt too unrelealistic to be believable. It also made the series look messy and all over the place. The ending, however, (of the first season) left things with a bang.

The performances, finally, were all enjoyable.

Sugar Sugar Honey (2024– )

Good Enough

[5/10 · 6 May 2024]

Japanese Drama '' Sugar Sugar Honey '' is a short drama.

The story is cute and it has it all: food (delicious desserts), sports, old rivalries, office drama, cute romance, comedy, family drama, etc. And it does a good job blending them, though each episode focuses on one of those genres, as the drama's length doesn't allow it to get more in depth.

Also, the romance, though adorable at first, got unnecessarily dramatic with an eye rolling twist in the end.

Finally, the performances were enjoyable by every actor and actress in the cast, especially the main leads.

So, overall, five out of ten.

Wedding Impossible (2024– )

Not Good Enough

[2/10 · 6 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Wedding Impossible '' is a romantic comedy about a contracted marriage.

The drama starts out nicely, introducing the main characters and their situations. However, as the story progresses, the main plot is ditched and the drama becomes something completely different. And boring to boot.

The romance, therefore, which was cute at first, got overdramatic for no reason and the second male lead was pushed aside, as the drama mainly focused on the main couple.

Also, the family drama was predictable and unoriginal.

At least, the performances were enjoyable for everyone in the cast.

So, overall, two out of ten.

Ice Adonis (2012– )

Good Enough

[8/10 · 6 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Yellow Boots '' is a melodrama with a revenge plot.

Though the drama starts a bit awkward, introducing the characters and their relationship between them, things get better and better as the drama progresses. Without unnecessary overdramatic scenes and outbursts, the story truly gives a satisfying result in the end, which is quite dramatic. However, the final episodes were roughly chopped and edited, which made the drama look like a low-budget one, which was not the case, as the rest of it was smooth and the pace was just perfect.

Also, the performances were great, and, the characters' development was nicely handled. The characters were interesting to boot.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

Inventing Anna (2022)

Good Enough

[6/10 · 6 May 2024]

'' Inventing Anna '' is a drama based on a true story about an impostor.

The series relies heavily on the mystery around Anna and whether she was the rich heiress she claimed to be. Anna Clumsky's character enhanced that experience, as she chased down the lead and started bonding with the Anna. However, that transision felt fake, as she kept obsessing over the girl who, she knew, was playing her.

Also, I found Julia Garner's accent forced and didn't flow nicely with the rest of her performance, which was pretty enjoyable as a whole.

In addition, there were some episodes that kept things thrilling, however, the begining of the series and the end was awkward and boring.

Queen of Divorce (2024)

Not Good Enough

[3/10 · 1 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Queen of Divorce '' is a dramatic law comedy.

The drama, first of all, focuses mostly on the female lead's story and her efforts to redeem herself and bring those who hurt her to justice. Therefore, there weren't a lot, or even any, legal cases other than the main one, which was a letdown, as the main lead was supposed to be the queen of divorce, even though she couldn't be a lawyer.

The romance, in addition, felt forced and it was boring, especially since they were trying to base it on a past that the viewer had never watched.

Finally, the performances were enjoyable.

So, overall, three out of ten.

Shōgun (2024–2026)

Good Enough

[8/10 · 1 May 2024]

Japanese Drama '' Shogun '' is a historical drama based on the same-titled novel.

The series has an optimal atmosphere, with costumes and settings being excellent! The lighting and the camera filters also aided in creating the right mood.

In addition, the drama had killer performances by everyone in the cast but, especially, the leads and the female lead more precisely. She was a storm indeed and she carried the drama even when things got a bit blunt.

As for the story, it was a political thriller with nice twists and an interesting ending.

So, overall, eight out of ten for this historical political thriller.

Living no Matsunaga-san (2024)

Not Good Enough

[3/10 · 1 May 2024]

Japanese Drama '' Living No Matsunaga-san '' is a romantic comedy drama.

The start of the series is smooth and enjoyable, as we get to know the characters and their situation. The dynamics are there and the mood is light and fluff.

But, as the drama progresses, things get a bit on the odd side. The main couple was somehow off, and not just because of their age difference, but due to the fact that he was acting as a father figure and she was way too young to be making important life decisions, hence, that twist in the end was a bit off. Also, the most frustrating part was the ex subplot, that was way too weird, as she was the girl's teacher and the guy's ex, thus, it was bizarre for her to be hyping up the relationship as she did.

Finally, the second couple was cute, but they hardly had any moments together.

As for the performances, they were okay.

So, overall, three out of ten.

Halation Love (2023)

Good Enough

[7/10 · 1 May 2024]

Japanese Drama '' Halation Love '' is a mystery thriller with a dark and moody atmosphere.

First of all, the drama offers indeed a twisty mystery that isn't easy to predict, at least, until the final episodes, as all the characters seem suspicious.

Also, the pace was quick and, therefore, the thriller was intense and breathtaking.

The characters were also interesting, though some of them did make some controversial choices.

The performances were, in addition, enjoyable by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, seven out of ten for this mystery - thriller drama, which, fortunatelly, didn't focus on the romance.

Flex x Cop (2024)

Good Enough

[9/10 · 1 May 2024]

Korean Drama '' Flex x Cop '' is a remake of the Russian series '' Silver Spoon '', with a Korean twist of course.

The drama offers a lot of cases that the investigation team is called to solve, in their delightfully whimsical way. That way the main plot doesn't get stuffy, and the drama does indeed focus on the police enforcement, and doesn't simply give a few at the start only to excite the audience and then try to keep things interesting with unnecessary melodrama for the second half.

The main mystery case was also interesting and twisty and enhanced the drama of the characters more.

The characters, moreover, where all interesting and had smooth chemistry.

The performances, therefore, were all great and everyone did a great job with their characters.

So, overall, nine out of ten.

Eye Love You (2024)

Good Enough

[6/10 · 1 May 2024]

Japanese Drama '' Eye Love You '' is a fantasy-office romance with a cute couple, but a messy fantasy story.

First of all, the love story was enjoyable. The couple had chemistry, which aided the drama a lot, and the comical misunderstandings were cute. The second couple was entertaining as well.

The office drama was also nice and the relationship between father and daughter was so sweet!

However, the fantasy element was all over the place. The drama seemed to forget about it for most of the series' length, and then, they tried to add some melodrama to it towards the ending, but they only ended up mishandling the whole affair.

Finally, the performances were great by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, six out of ten.

Girls5eva (2021– )

Good Enough

[6/10 · 22 April 2024]

*** This review is for the first three seasons ***

'' Girls5eva '' is a comedy about a girlgroup who want to make a comeback after their 90s career.

The first two seasons were enjoyable, with funny scenes and interesting characters. The mood was light and fun and the progress smooth. The flashbacks were nice as well.

The third season, on the other hand, felt all over the place and everything moved way too quickly, even for a sitcom.

Finally, the performances were great by all the girls of Girls5eva. The actors and actresses playing the side characters did a good job as well.

So, overall, six out of ten.

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

Not Good Enough

[1/10 · 22 April 2024]

'' Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver '' is the second part of the Rebel Moon movies and it's even worse than the first one. Long scenes with no actual purpose, boring action scenes, eye rolling romance, and idiotic characters craft a really boring movie.

First of all, there were a lot of long scenes that were just laughable, like those scenes of the farmers...farming for like the whole first half of the movie while a scottish wannabe antheme was playing on the background and slow motion movements of them drinking water spiced up the scene!

And then there is the romance, which was unconvincing and the two of them had no chemistry...

The whole battle plotline, in addition, was way too predictable, with boring action scenes, and even more boring villains.

At least, the princess part looked promising, but that was left for another movie, so...

Overall, one out of ten.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

Not Good Enough

[2/10 · 22 April 2024]

'' Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire '' is a sci fi action movie that makes it obvious right from the start that it was originally ment to be a Star Wars movie. And that's because, if it was under the Star Wars universe, the plot holes that this one has would not have been plot holes. Alas, this is a new series of its own that fails to make an impact.

First of all, the story is too predictable. It feels like the script was written by choosing a handfull of space tropes and utilizes all of them. However, as the movie focuses more on the action scenes, which feel old and overused, there is no growth, no time for the audience to get to know the characters or even care for them, hence the twists had no impact.

So, overall, two out of ten, for the performances mainly.

Pyramid Game (2024– )

Good Enough

[6/10 · 15 April 2024]

Korean Drama '' Pyramid Game '' is a drama about school bullying and social classes.

The drama has a strong start, with the viewer being introduced to the characters and to the pyramid system. It was interesting to follow the main lead, as she was trying to understand her new position and how to change things. It was also nice that she wasn't all good and innocent, rather, she was a grey character who was selfish and manipulative. Hence, her character development was enjoyable to follow.

On the other hand, the drama had a weak second half. It felt anticlimactic and the ending was a let down.

At least, the performances were all strong by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, six out of ten.

Doctor Slump (2024)

Good Enough

[6/10 · 15 April 2024]

Korean Drama '' Doctor Slump '' is a slice of life melodrama with some medical drama hints.

The drama has a healing story, with the romance being well paced and starting from academic rivals, to friends, to lovers, which shifted the story from the love story to the difficulties the characters had to face and overcome. Hence, the slow pace helped the mood of the drama a lot.

Unfortunately, the second half of the drama felt more like a filler. There were only a few things left to be resolved and a few new things to be added to the story. At this point, the side couple was the one who kept things interesting and offered a lot of adorable moments.

Finally, the performances were all enjoyable by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, six out of ten.