Swashbuckling guilty pleasures strike again!

Allow me to shamelessly give in to guilty pleasures!

This isn't the movie to watch if you desire a high quality, high fantasy, Peter Jackson-esque pic. While we can all agree that the plot is pretty basic, the writing isn't perfect, and there were no Baeksang-worthy performances, NONE OF US watched this movie for that. Nope, we were looking for a GOOD TIME, for some fun adventures, for some thrilling action and for fabulous visuals. AND HELL IF THIS MOVIE DIDN'T DELIVER EXACTLY THAT.

The most tragic thing about Pirates 2, or any pirate movie ever, is that we'll unconsciously and involuntarily compare it to The Pirates of the Caribbean. Nearly everyone and their mom love that series (especially the first installment, The Curse of the Black Pearl). It's the most popular and the best-done movie (series) of the genre, after all. And every time we're ever gonna watch another pirate movie, we're actually attempting to recreate the joy of watching and loving tPotC for the first time. It's the same thing like when you're reading about a magic school and try very hard not to compare it to Hogwarts, but eventually that's exactly what you do. Because we all want to experience certain things again like it's the first time, so we can experience at maximum potential the joys and the shocks and the surprises that came with it. Pirates 2 is a really good pirate movie or, rather, would be a very good pirate movie if tPotC wasn't there to set up such huge standards for swashbuckling flicks.

Now, let's take it punctually: plot-wise, I couldn't give a damn if there were plot holes. Stories of this genre are developed around a very clear formula, which they hold on to very tightly. Basically, my expectations were met, considering they weren't like such huge expectations... My problem regarding the plot were some smaller scenes that had been added there for the sake of shock value and this is actually one of my pet peeves. If it doesn't help the plot or the development of the characters, DON'T FREAKING ADD THAT SCENE! (I'm looking at you 'whale' scene).

In terms of visuals, OH MY GOD this is one of the most beautiful movies, with the best cinematographies I've ever seen. If you're looking for something with beautiful colors, well-placed contrasts, superb games of hue and saturation, PLEASE watch this movie. It's so pretty!

The music was also really good. The score complimented the scenes so very well. I don't know how to better describe how I feel about the soundtrack, but I want you to know that it was stellar and, if not for the visuals, at least for the music, this movies deserves awards. MANY OF THEM.

Regarding the cast and their performances, I think I've already said my opinion above. The actors and actresses were good, well-immersed in their characters, but no particular performance was Baeksang-worthy. Sehun seems to be type-cast into quiet, strong, body-guard sort-of characters. But he does it well enough that I don't really mind. Chae Soo Bin was very endearing (though a bit 2D at times) and I love how her character created a nice balance with Han Hyo Joo's character. Kang Haneul was the star of the show and it was deservedly. It's my first time watching anything with this actor (I think), but he certainly caught my eye. He was so very good in his role, certainly the best one in the main cast. He embodied his character so darn well.

Overall, I'm absolutely recommending you this movie IF YOU DESIRE A VERY FUN EXPERIENCE, but not if you're looking for the nect tPotC or the next Peter Jackson-esque high fantasy.

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Fun

I initially promised myself I wouldn't watch this, but I feel great now that I did.

My problem with movies or TV series that involve such controversial topics is that they are almost always bad-written and involve gratuitous sex. What was great about "Love and Leashes" was that the film cares more about the psychological journey of these characters than the rest of its genre. The dynamics are important. The characters discover stuff and discover themselves. Jiwoo may not be the most proactive heroine in the first 15 minutes, but once she decides to experiment with her newly-discovered interest, she's actually pretty cool to watch. And Jihoo, well if that ain't some good internal conflict, I don't know what it is. It was cute how he tries to balance the different sides of himself.

If there is one thing that bothered me, it was the fact that the plot was pretty basic. I could tell things ahead. The ending at the office didn't seem earned, but I can overlook that. My experience watching this wasn't affected.

I do believe there are some errors in the writing of the movie, but I am a slut for fun and enjoyable stuff, be it a movie or a K-drama or a book. Not the mot professional review I guess. Anyway, do I recommend this movie? Only to those that aren't prejudiced against the subject. Would I rewatch this movie? Maybe. I wouldn't rule out the possibility. I can see myself bored one evening and deciding to go for this one again, knowing it's gonna entertain me.

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Entertaining!

I don't write reviews that often, but I really wanted to this time. I know some people are mad that there are so many high profile athletes who came here for 'stupid' quests (their word, not mine) like carrying sand bags. I am not bothered by that at all.

So far, every quest seemed balanced enough for me and advantageous enough for both men and women. During the 1 on 1 battles, it was their choice, even if it man versus female. And sometimes men won, sometimes women won. When holding onto the bar or holding the rope, things were balanced. Everyone held onto their own weight. There wasn't any disadvantage and I liked that.

Now, with the third quest, it's a bit bothersome, cause it does seem like something bulky men would get done faster. Yet, it's not the first time the underdogs turned the game upside down. And that's just so great to see happening!

I like the production and the editing is good. It might only be me (cause I do tend to watch game shows a lot), but by the editing I can always tell who is gonna win and who is gonna lose (I literally predicted every winning team by that during the sand bag task).

The cast is entertaining, even though sometimes the men can be irritating, especially the way they look down on whoever is not as bulky or doesn't have thighs as thick as them. It's a bit tiring and really makes you wanna root for the underdogs and not for the top stars and favorites. I honestly hope a woman or an underdog wins. I really hope that the ending will show that not brute strength means being the best, but having a combo of strength, balance, endurance and agility. And some brains along the way.

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