Gameboys (2020)

It's good, but...

This was something special at first - Gavreel actually acted like a hot young gay man, instead of a like a 12-year old virgin like all the characters in Thai BL dramas (not complaining, I love Thai BLs). I was really excited after the first episode. Unfortuantely, it didn't live up to that promise.

On the one hand, it's interesting to see COVID brought into the drama, but I didn't care for the manipulative way it was used - it's a bit distasteful. COVID is overwhelmingly caused by lots of people being in a closed space with poor air circulation, and then bringning it home to your household, not going outside to look for someone.

The issue for me with this show is that it's all fluff and fanservice, or as much as it can be when the two leads have no physical interaction - although they finally meet almost at the end of the series, but I couldn't get past wondering why the authorities let Gav put that [you know what I'm talking about] there or how the wind didn't blow it to China.

None of the drama is organic to the two main characters - it's all manufactured external factors - ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, COVID, car breaking down, fujoshi inexplicably not pointing out communication failures to her friends, fujoshi deliberately causing communication failures between her friends (more than once), and failures of communication that are so contrived and unbelievable that I lose sympathy for the characters. There is no organic progress in the relationship - Gavreel acts cute and pouty, which loses its appeal eventually and Cairo acts irritated and disgusted with it. Suddenly out of nowhere he says he's Gavreel's "baby", which is so out of character and unmotivated that it feels like the producers realized they were running out of time and had to "level up". I think it was perhaps a mistake was to extend the series too much past the planned run, because it made the show repetitive and character development oddly halting and slow. If it had been 8 episodes, I suspect it would have been much stronger and a lot of the repetitiveness avoided.

The show isn't bad, but I honestly don't see why everyone loves it so much - I guess if you need a happy diversion and want tons of cuteness, this will be for you - but to me something isn't cute when it's too self-consciously cute like Gav's pouty mugging and calling Cairo bayBEEE every 10 seconds. When I compare it to the far-more complex and multi-layered Hello Stranger, I can't believe almost everyone prefers this series - but then HS is a bit heavy and I'm not sure it's really a BL. The COVID-mandated social media structure of Gameboys is interesting, timely, and well-executed, but there are lots of series doing this, albeit not quite as well.

The acting is fine. I thought Cairo was awful at first, but when called upon to act, he can seriously act, so I guess the problem is the writing. Gav is sexy, but not entirely convincing. The fujoshi is irrelevant to the plot and just takes up time.

I did appreciate the social consciousness of the show - and I suspect this is an important element in the high ratings this series is getting. I also appreciated avoidance of the disturbing obsession in most of BL with Top and Bottom and forcing them into heteronormative gender roles.

I Initially gave up on this, but everyone pressured me into continuing - and if anything I like it less than before, although I upped a couple of the scores I gave, like for the acting. Ep 10 felt like a conclusion, so that's where I'm stopping. Eventually I will come back to this show and watch it all the way through - maybe my reaction to it will be different.

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OMG I am really loving this drama and I am only 3 episodes !!!!
the concept for this one is freaking awesome - online gaming - online chat - pandemic - and 2 people finding each other. it is cute, funny , some sad parts, people you love and people you like not much. it is all about Cairo and Gav - both really cute and sweet, playing and online game Cairo ( live stream ) - and Angel2000 -winning against him and then Angel2000 connects to Cairo and they start talking and Gav is very upfront with his feelings - Cairo however is kind of not ... ep 1 is sweet and the meeting - ep. 2 has the BEST phrase --yes choke me daddy !!! Pearl ( Gav's Ex girlfriend ) looks like she is trouble -- but you find out she is on their side and OMG when Cairo finds out Gav is on his way to meet him ... It is soooo cute and funny - I so cannot wait for EP 4
Also they use Philippino language and English intermixed and it is so awesome . I was a HUGE fan after Ep. one !!! this is a MUST see !!!! You will not be disappointed

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Story Taking a Hit as Series Keeps Getting Extended...

First heard about this series on Reddit and was excited to watch a Filipino BL! I really love how innovative the story is depicted, especially in this social distancing times. It reminded me of the film Searching that was set entirely on computer screens and smartphones. Such a great idea that is also topical! I do feel like the story is way too rushed though, especially since it’s only been one episode and the characters are already full on flirting and setting up a second ‘date.’ And it didn’t seem realistic how quickly Cairo accepted a video call from Gavreel, a literal stranger, but I cannot really say much since I am not a gamer and don’t know anything about the social etiquette of gaming.

In terms of acting, Kokoy’s acting as a flirty playboy was great! He’s got charm and charisma. Newcomer Elijah’s acting pales in comparison as all he did was just stare wide-eyed. Hopefully, we’ll see more range from him in the upcoming episodes.

Upon watching the second episode, I really enjoyed how the story progressed and expanded as the budding love between Cairo and Gavreel grows, a storyline about a family member dealing with COVID 19 is introduced and Gavreel’s girlfriend is introduced to spark some future conflict! The production and editing continues to be top-notch with excellent usage of social media. The scene where Gavreel places his phone under him when doing the pushups was comedic gold! It was great seeing Cairo getting flustered. However, it feels like their relationship is bit too fast in my opinion. I expected Gavreel to initiate the calls more and Cairo to not initiate any calls based on his reluctant feelings in the first episode. Still though, I was completely engaged with the story! This series is getting better with each episode! I’m hyped for the next one!

Episode 3 was a bit much in my opinion. It felt too forced. Like the story was too rushed and that Kai's jealousy was a bit too much and Gav's gestures to win Kai back a bit too grand for their current relationship. It felt like he was trying to win back a boyfriend, rather than a friend/crush. And the communication could have been better. And why did Gav's friend post that Facebook post, pretending that Gav was her boyfriend? It didn't make sense. And Kokoy's acting, although good. I felt like he was over acting in this episode with his teary eyes when talking to Kai and when professing his love for Kai on his IG stories. Or it was the script or director asking him to be teary-eyed, which was a bit much. And Gav singing an original song that he wrote for Kai was cringey. Kai accepting a call from Pearl and they acting as if they've talked before was random. Kai video-calling Pearl when he was in the bathroom getting ready (as if they are best friends) made no sense. I found Episode 3 to be a step back in terms of storytelling and quality. I was actually a bit bored watching it unfortunately. Hopefully, Episode 4 will be better...

Upon watching Episode 4 , I felt that the series was losing steam. There wasn't any progression in the story. Just fluff. Just Gav constantly making Cai flustered, just with Pearl this time. I do have to admit though that the split-screen kiss was very cute and adorable. And the ending, with the introduction of an ex brought a much needed dose of suspense into the show. It is interesting how this series always ends episodes with a cliffhangers: the introduction of Peal, the car outside Cai's place and now, Gav's ex. On a side note, I feel like GameBoys is the most popular BL currently airing at the moment (Where Your Eyes Linger was more popular but it finished airing). Although I find it good, I prefer Tien Bromance and Stage of Love (though I may be biased as I am Viet lol). Anyways, I wonder how the introduction of Terence wil play out.

Episode 5 with the introduction of an ex was barely interesting for me either. I was actually quite bored with all the video calling between the characters. Cai is still being evasive. Gav still hitting on Cai hard. Terrence was hardly an interesting character, just a bitter ex trying to ruin Gav's future relationship. Cai should have known better or at least, communicated better to Gav. I must commend GameBoys for being the most popular BL that is currently-airing at the moment. Good for them!

Episode 6 was quite dull as the story dragged when Cai tries to apologize to Gav by making him go on an online scavenger hunt where Cai makes a cringey puppet apology video. There's only so much you can do with this virtual format and it's showing with this series. And not sure why Terrence invited Cai to his video call with Gav. I doubt any person would want to beg for their ex back in front of another love interest. To be honest, I'm liking Hello Stranger better than GameBoys at the moment as I find it to be more natural and engaging. Hopefully, GameBoys will become good again.

Episode 7 was also a disappointment. They are dragging this series out way too much. I was so completely bored watching this episode. The online dance party was awkward. The brother blaming Cairo for their father's illness because the father chose to find Cairo after he ran away doesn't make sense. Covid has a 2 week incubation period. How did they know that it was due to that incident? And even if it was, the father chose to try to find Cairo. He didn't have to. No one asked him to. Maybe I'm being a bit mean and harsh, but being manipulative by having a lead's parent die is also a bit cheap. Elijah's acting though was impressive in this episodes. His crying was quite realistic.

Episode 8 was also quite dull though there were some touching moments like when Cairo's mother told him that it wasn't his fault and when Cairo read his father's email. It is clear that they are dragging the series out way too much in my opinion. Supposedly, this series was supposed to only be 8 episodes, but due to its huge popularity, the producers decided to extend it to 10. They should've kept it at 8 episodes to be honest...

Another disappointing, dull episode where there's nothing of any significance until the end where we are once again left on a cliffhanger. I also just learned that the production company extended the series to now have 13 episodes. It began with 6 episodes, then got extended to 8, then 10 and now, 13. Not surprising as the series has been doing quite well around the world, but the story is really taking a big hit. Do we really need to watch Cai, Pearl and Gav have more random, unnecessary exercise/meditation Zoom sessions or Gav hitting on Cai who rebukes him while blushing? The story is already so thin as it is. They should really stop...

Episode 10 was decent as there was actually some progression in the story as Cai and Gav finally met one another. The social distanced kiss and hug were hilarious though also quite charming and cute. I'm interested in seeing how the last three episodes will play out now that they have met...

Episode 11 was boring as another love interest is introduced. It's like the writers don't have anything important to say so they just bring in another love interest to amp up the stakes. And why is Gav being so b*tchy all of a sudden? He was never this mean when Terrence was actively pursing Cai. Wesley was just a childhood friend. Not even actively pursuing Cai and yet Gav mocked his appearance and his social media videos. Like Gav post the same kind of content. What a hypocrite. I'm so done with this overrated series. Hello Stranger is leagues better.

Episode 12 was another boring slog where literally nothing happens. And Cai and Gav fighting over literally nothing. What they are fighting over does not make any sense logically and they were both acting out of their characters, making decisions and saying things that they wouldn't normally say just for the sake of undeserved drama. I'm so happy that this series is ending next week. I'm over it...

Overall, the series started off strong. It was compelling and exciting. However, it quickly took a dip in quality as the series kept on getting extended, making there be a lot of filler, unnecessary scenes. Both Gav and Cairo quickly gets annoying with their antics and the story drags. It is full of fanservice and lacks any real substance. I must admit that their kiss in the finale was quite nice though. All in all, this series is completely over-rated. Hello Stranger is a much better pinoy BL that also uses video-calling as its main format.

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UNIQUE, BUBBLY, REFRESHING

First, As it was written, I have given it perfect 10 in all aspect. Because I super love this series.
It is simple, yet very creative. It is the only series that I invested so much of my time and effort, even writing this review. I don't do review. Only for this one because sharing is caring. And this series need to be watch by everyone, because in this timesf pandemic, it simply gives us that love, friendship , happiness and colorful experiences are still possible.
2 STORY: The genry is BL, but it is not the typical campus love settings, the connections between leads are virtual, that makes it more interesting. Also expect alot of pakilig moments as what BL genre main purpose is. But makes no mistakes, prepare to cry too.
3 CAST: PERFECT, as a filipino , I can't think of any actors that could replaced the casts. They did their role very well. And I am shicked because they are not the popular main stars in the philippines. Elijah is an indie film actors, but he is so good and very smart and well spoken.
Kokoy is very charming, no one could resist him.
Pearl, she is Yiwha, Manaow and Sandy of PL BL. If your a fan of BL you alrrady know what it means.
4 MUSIC. As a filipino, the ost is so connected to the story, very refreshing, and it makes the story super exciting, pIus the other music effects are awesome. LSS for weeks now on their 2ost. I hope they new songs atleast 10 songs char.
5 REWATCH VALUE, Have I already said that I already watch the episodes 1 to 5 the nth times. I can't keep on counting. Although as warning, prepare you mind , heart and soul for episode 5.

6. OVERALL 10/10, it does not mean perfect in technical. But the series caught my heart so I give them 10/10 of my love and support. Kudos to the Ideafirst. I hope they produce more BL series.

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I've just binge-watched the first four episodes of Gameboys, and OH MY FREAKING GOSH! I couldn't help smiling out from ear to ear all throughout every episode.

Apparently, this series is inspired by ALDUB, the phenomenal love team accidentally created on Philippine TV. Dang it! I must say this series is far better than these Thai series I've recently seen, KODUS to these behind-the-camera geniuses, who were able to come up with this timely and relevant yet light and bubbly storyline. The video editing is superb. I'm just at a loss for words. What's more, I love Pearl too, and to my mind, she represents every Filipino and foreign BL fanatic. She acts effortlessly and giggles naturally. The soundtrack is catchy too. As a Filipino, I must admit that the lines are super duper ultra mega cheesy, and it gives me goosebumps once in a while, but who cares? I'm so looking forward to how Terrence meddles in Cairo and Gavreel on the next episode.

No wonder Gameboys has paved the way for other Filipino BL series, it's such a masterpiece.

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Un BL filipino que vale la pena ver!

Soy fan de SOTUS y de las series bl tailandesas y aunque había leido diversas buenas críticas sobre esta serie, me daba pereza empezarla. Eso de que la historia que cuenta fuera una relación a distancia en época de confinamiento por el coronavirus...bufff! Estoy tan harta del teletrabajo y todo este tipo de comunicación online que era reticente a verla. Pero ahora veo que estaba equivocada.
La empecé hace dos días y no puedo parar. La historia es original, los actores son buenísimos, el sonido perfecto (comparada por ejemplo con Roommate the series) y la relación a distancia gracias a facebook y otras aplicaciones pues no cansa ni se hace pesada. Es una historia de amor tierna, dulce y encantadora (con gran química entre los dos protagonistas!!) Una serie que te hace llorar y reir. Que emociona. Pero que además te acerca a problemas reales de los jóvenes protagonistas. El desarrollo de la historia, el guión está muy bien trabajado.

La recomiendo muchísimo!!!

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Only the first series rated:
The character of Gavreel was played very nicely. A smile accompanied this series during the pandemic for a considerable part, although there were also sadder moments. This part is definitely one of the best, above average, the creators handled the time of the first wave of covid very well, it is original in its processing and it is interesting that not only nice and handsome actors played there, but also actresses (not a single twisted creature). We had to wait until the last episode for the kiss, and it was a beautiful conclusion to this successful series.

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bad production

I think many pinoy fan answer not the same,someone told cause of Covid,someone told cause of government,someone told cause of storyline.and...someone told starting new PH BL(it should take time),someone told cultural,They try to accuse many thing, but they have never accept truth that their series are bad production forever,I have watched PH BL or PH gay series since 5 years ago,That's why I said it still bad production

The Series don't teach people how to live together and be safe in this situation more than talking on webcam(we should put mask or distancing 6 feet),because In real life we can not stay home all the time, we must go to supermarket, we must go to another place

It's just only ep 10 that actor come out But still fake kissing,fake touching,fake everything in this series, and the actor and staff don't brave

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DA VOMITARE, ho messo 1 solo perchè non c'è 0

Ho iniziato questa serie perchè tutte le recensioni erano da 10, a quanto pare era piaciuta un botto a tutti e ciò la rendeva qualcosa di promettente.
Ma già dal primo episodio mi è letteralmente scoppiata in faccia un’ondata di CRINGE, stavo per vomitare, gli atteggiamenti con cui ci provava con l’altro, la parola “baby” ripetuta trentamila volte, era tutto così dannatamente cringe.
Sono riuscita a esistere soltanto 3 episodi poi veramente mi ero sfracassata le palle dal cringe e dalla noia, sembrava una storia senza senso.
Per non parlare degli atteggiamenti di quella Pearl, mamma mia che cringe.
Data sta situazione sono andata di nuovo nelle recensioni per capire cosa ci fosse di bello in questa serie e ho trovato scritto che poi si sarebbero incontrati quasi alla fine della serie, lì allora mi è venuto il dubbio di cosa potesse mai succedere fino a quel momento e così mi sono messa a guardare giusto velocemente, quindi senza sapere cosa succedesse, gli episodi seguenti; ne ho skippati tanti e sono arrivata a scoprire che si sarebbero incontrati al 10° episodio allora lì ho guardato solo loro che si incontravano e cazzo che cringe.
Ho visto sti due che si guardavano con un sottofondo di una ballad e praticamente era una parodia di una di quelle scene da k-drama, peccato che faceva a dir poco schifo. Si so messi a piangere così alla bho, sono passata avanti senza neanche vedere cosa si dicevano e poi sono morta, letteralmente il tizio ha portato l'altro davanti un coso di plastica per abbracciarsi senza toccarsi e poi si sono baciati attraverso la plastica, lì sono scoppiata, mi sono messa a ridere come se non ci fosse stato un domani, stavo per piangere dal ridere. Non ci credevo che avessero fatto na cosa del genere, capisco il sottofondo del covid ma cazzo certo che questo era cringe, dannatamente assurdo. Sono morta.
Sono passata così alla seconda stagione (tutto questo dal terzo episodio in poi nel giro di una mezz'oretta, giusto per farvi capire come abbia skippato il tutto senza pietà) e la situazione sinceramente l’ho trovata leggermente migliorata, erano lo stesso così cringe e ho skippato molto ma vi giuro a una certa non ce l’ho fatta più perchè stesso al primo episodio entra un tizio a me sconosciuto nella videochiamata e pronuncia una delle frasi che cazzo non mi sarei mai aspettata…."baby boy”.......non ho parole, appena l’ha detto mi sono soffermata a pensare e ho chiuso tutto. Veramente lì non ce l’ho fatta per l’ultima volta perchè dio mio che cringe, non è normale ma poi il tono di voce. Da non parlare poi Pearl durante la serie che quando ho skippato l’ho trovata due volte ad urlare in videochiamata a quelli di riprendersi il loro baby, poi per non parlare di come fra di loro si chiamassero baby.
MI VIENE DA VOMITARE
È LA COSA PIÙ BRUTTA CHE ABBIA MAI VISTO
IL FATTO CHE ABBIA RESISTITO 3 EPISODI È GIÀ ASSURDO.

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