Entertainment

GadgetMatch Reacts: Netflix’s Start-Up

Not your usual K-drama?

Published

December 18, 2020

GadgetMatch and Vincenz

Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen Start-Up, please read with caution.

Start-Up has been the talk of the town for quite some time. And there’s a reason why people are enamored with the K-Drama and its cast. It showcases the struggles of starting a business and discusses the technology we have now and about to have in the future.

But more importantly, people are giggling over Seo Dal-mi (Bae Suzy) and her chemistry with Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-Hyuk) and Han Ji-Pyeong (Kim Seon-Ho).

Of course, everyone has their own opinions and thoughts about the show. Such is the case for the GadgetMatch team. Find out what their thoughts are about Start-Up in this GadgetMatch Reacts episode.

“A generally feel-good watch.”

Instagram: @rodneil

Why did you watch Start-Up?

Suzy. Bae.

Which character is the most relatable for you?

In a way I kinda related to both the male leads. With Do San, I remember my younger years being indecisive and mostly unsure of myself. But overall, it’s really Ji Pyeong that I saw myself in the most.

My role at work now requires me to think fast, be knowledgeable, and make quick, smart decisions all on the fly. I also take a while to make a move on women I like. Lol. Although, unlike Good Boy, my tongue isn’t as sharp and I look absolutely nothing like him — which is pretty tragic.

Your honest thoughts about the series?

I just thought it was a really fun, lighthearted watch. I didn’t really put too much thought into how accurate the portrayals of running a start-up and what not. I’m already too busy and too stressed running a team to put myself through all that trouble.

For me, it was a reward every weekend. The dynamic between the characters was fantastic and just a joy to watch.

If I had to point something out, it was how the smartphones/gadgets they were using didn’t really reflect the three-year time skip. But this, along with the other potential inconsistencies didn’t really takeaway from my overall experience of the drama.

Which love team are you rooting for?

#TeamGoodBoy only because I saw myself acting the way he did more.

Would you recommend Start-Up?

100%. As I kept mentioning, this is a thoroughly enjoyable drama and one I would likely rewatch over the holidays, assuming I’m able to squeeze in a break.

“Could’ve explored more about business and technology”

Instagram: @marcusjaie

Why did you watch Start-Up?

I was on the verge of quitting my plans to set up the passion project I planned five years ago. As a show about business and technology, Start-Up piqued my curiosity.

Which character is the most relatable for you?

I was leaning towards between Seo Dal-mi, Jung Sa-ha, and Won In-Jae. In terms of aspirations, I’m as ambitious and idealistic as Seo Dal-mi, and I like taking risks in my career and other opportunities. Won In-Jae’s commanding persona is what I also wear on most days.

Although, my friends and I claim I’m more of a Jung Sa-ha — Looks presentable, composed, unbothered, and has high self-esteem and self-worth. Like her, I’m also a designer.

Your honest thoughts about the series?

Start-Up, for the most part, gave the average people a sneak peek on how start-ups, the business world, and technology industry work. I liked it when the show presented the female leads as technology entrepreneurs, as opposed to the usual male CEOs.

However, the show focused more on the usual K-drama tropes — emotional moments and romantic scenes — instead of exploring character developments and showcasing teamwork and other ingredients needed to succeed in work and life.

Frankly, we could’ve at least watched Morning Group’s downfall, Won Sang-Su and the twin developers suffering the consequences, the Seo sister’s eomma standing up for herself, and more.

Which love team were you rooting for?

Jung Sa-ha and Lee Chul-san. Their development was more exciting than Seo Dal-mi’s relationships. Also, their love team showcased a proper example of setting boundaries and appreciating someone’s efforts.

Would you recommend Start-Up?

Absolutely. It’s full of lessons, kilig moments, and has a lot of episodes that left me awestruck with its cinematography, lovely music, and heartbreaking lines that will make you realize a lot of things that you can apply in your life.

“Should’ve been 21 episodes, not just 16.”

Instagram: @vincenzlee

Why did you watch Start-Up?

Although I’m very much aware that (my) Bae Suzy is one of the prominent K-actresses around, I honestly didn’t even know she’s part of the cast at first as I was really interested seeing the drama’s synopsis revolving around tech and start-ups more than the cast themselves.

Which character is the most relatable for you?

As much as I want to be as successful and charismatic as Han Ji-pyeong, I can say I can relate to Nam Do-san more especially with his lack of self-esteem and worth, plus the struggles in finding his dreams and not being able to move forward because of that baggage he carried for so long.

Your honest thoughts about the series?

It’s hard to sum it up in one sentence but it’s really a must-watch K-drama not just because I’m a Hallyu fan and a tech junkie, but mainly because we can learn from each character’s struggles that most of us encounter in our mid-20s.

Which love team were you rooting for?

Spoiler Alert: Although I barely believe in the saying “first love never dies”, I honestly rooted for Dal-mi and Ji-pyeong more but the drama made their relationship awkward when the real “Do-san” got discovered — but of course, I expected the ending to be that way because I clearly know the writer loves Second Lead Syndrome and I have no hard feelings with Start-Up’s ending (unlike what I felt in Reply 1988) because Do-san is also a decent guy.

Would you recommend Start-Up?

I’m neither from IMDb nor Rotten Tomatoes but it’s definitely one of the best (if not the best) K-Dramas I’ve watched this 2020 especially for the life lessons — and this series also proves that technology is rapidly shaping the future.

“Escapism while brushing up on your tech jargon.”

Instagram: @almostdiplomatic

Why did you watch Start-Up?

The plot was interesting and I thought I’d learn a bit more about start-ups in general. I did. A bit.

Which character is the most relatable for you?

In-Jae for her drive and ambition. Ji-Pyeong for how direct he can be even if it hurts. Honesty all the way, baby. There were also days when I also wanted to high-five Sa-Ha while going ‘yaaas sis!’.

Your honest thoughts about the series?

I really enjoyed the series and would even stay up late just to see what happens next right away. I started out as a card-bearing member of Team Good Boy but found Dal-Mi’s character annoying mid-way in the series. Admittedly, I was staying on for Ji-Pyeong and Do-San who’s also really likeable.

I think Start-Up ended in the best possible way. Spoiler alert: I love that they didn’t force pairings for the second leads just to tie up loose ends in the finale, showing that while romantic love is great and all, there are other ways to find fulfillment in life.

Which love team were you rooting for?

Dal-Mi can have Do-San because it’s Carol and Ji-Pyeong all the way for me. He reminds me of my husband sometimes. *giggles like a school girl*

Would you recommend Start-Up?

Totally. It’s one of my favorites this year and there have been a lot of good ones so far. It’s light and something that would really make you feel good after a long, stressful day.

GadgetMatch Reacts is a series where the GadgetMatch team from all over the world pool together to share their love, hate, and other commentaries about the show they’re currently raving.

Entertainment

May 2024 movie checklist: Back to Black, The Fall Guy, IF, more

Plan your next movie trip

Published

April 24, 2024

Levi Verora Jr

Summer season has been nothing short of scorching hot so far. One of the best ways to cool down? Sit comfortably inside a cozy cinema and enjoy watching a movie. To help you plan your next movie trip with friends, family, your loved ones, or even just alone, here are May 2024’s upcoming titles.

There are lots of movies to choose from, covering different genres like action thriller, comedy, horror, and drama. from family-friendly comedies to nerve-wracking horrors, from an Amy Winehouse biopic to the latest installment in a popular franchise, May 2024’s lineup has it all.

Feel free to chow down on popcorn and flush it with ice-cold soda if you want to.

The Fall Guy (May 1)

Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke, and Stephanie Hsu team up for an action comedy film loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name.

Gosling plays protagonist Colt Seavers, a seasoned stuntman who has endured a near career-ending accident. Colt’s ex-girlfriend, Jody Moreno, is played by Blunt. Moreno is working with Taylor-Johnson’s character Tom Ryder for her directorial debut. However, Tom goes missing, and that’s where Colt volunteers to find the actor whom he apparently had also doubled a long time ago.

Tarot (May 1)

Filipino-American Jacob Batalon returns to the big screen, this time headlining a supernatural horror film. His character is part of a college group of friends, including Avantika, Harriet Slater, and Adain Bradley.

Like how most horror film stories develop, the group commits a reckless mistake when they violate the sacred rule of Tarot readings. Unknowingly, they unleash unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

IF (May 15)

Real-life couple John Krasinski (writer, director) and Emily Blunt are back, this time exchanging thriller for a family-friendly live-action comedy. They are joined by a star-studded ensemble that includes Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, George Cloonney, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, and Blake Lively.

IF is about Blunt’s character who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends. She embarks on a magical adventure with that power to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

Monkey Man (May 15)

Dev Patel, who played Jamal in the revered Slumdog Millionaire film, makes his directorial debut in this action thriller. Monkey Man is about a man’s quest for vengeance against corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and victimize the poor and powerless.

Also the main protagonist Kid, Patel takes on the role of a vengeful monkey mask-wearing grown up who wants to exact revenge on Baba Shakti. As Monkey Man is also co-produced by Patel, it features a predominantly Indian cast in key roles in a story set in the South Asian country.

Back to Black (May 15, Ayala exclusive)

Back to Black is a celebration of the most iconic homegrown star of the 21st century. The film chronicles the life and music of the late Amy Winehouse. Viewers will get to know more about Winehouse’s family background, her path to success, as well as her demons. Marisa Abela stars as Winehouse in the powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 22)

The fifth installment of the Mad Max franchise takes viewers back in time with a spin-off and prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. The film puts focus on a young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy). She is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). Furiosa needs to survive many trials as she plots a way back home through the Wasteland.

The Garfield Movie (May 29)

Lastly, everyone’s favorite Monday-hating, lasagna-loving cat is back for another outdoor adventure. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield has a new journey to undergo in this animated film. This, after an unexpected reunion with his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson). The fresh new story puts more focus on Garfield, Odie, and Vic, instead of him with Jon and Liz.

Entertainment

Transformers One trailer: Get to know Optimus Prime, Megatron’s origin stories

In cinemas September 18

Published

April 19, 2024

GadgetMatch

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Transformers One, the upcoming latest installment of the Transformers film franchise.

Before fans get excited for the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, this animated film focuses first on Optimus Prime’s relationship with his adversary, Megatron.

The origin story is set in Cybertron, long before the transformers land on earth in the chronological timeline.

The trailer reveals Optimus Prime’s previous name, Orion Pax. On the other hand, Megatron was previously known by D-16.

Joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, the two main protagonists journey to Cybertron’s surface, which hasn’t been explored beforehand due to the dangers it is said to have.

On the surface, the crew realizes that right away, but are bestowed the power to transform. After some figuring, they manage to utilize this ability to defend Cybertron from intruders.

Overall, the three-minute trailer gives a lighter and funnier vibe. That’s in contrast to the previous iterations where the story is more serious from the get-go.

The transformers’ appearance also looks simpler and more toned down, giving an old school feel which is appropriate, considering this movie is set an earlier time when Cybertron was more intact.

Transformers One is showing on Philippine cinemas on September 18. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson.

Entertainment

Joker: Folie à Deux 1st trailer finally released

The world is a stage

Published

April 13, 2024

GadgetMatch

Warner Bros. Pictures has finally released the first trailer for upcoming musical thriller Joker: Folie à Deux. The two-and-a-half minute trailer debuted at CinemaCon. The Todd Phillips masterpiece will hit the big screens in the Philippines on October 2.

Phillips’ own take on a story loosely based from famed characters from DC, Joker: Folie à Deux was originally intended to be standalone film given that it is a musical. However, it eventually became a sequel to the Academy Award-winning Joker movie from 2019. The short clip shows titular lead actor Joaquin Phoenix and, for the first time, Lady Gaga.

The trailer aptly starts with Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck character in solitary confinement inside Arkham. If you can recall, the end of the 2019 movie showed the Joker walking with bloodied footprints. This means he presumably killed the therapist he was trying to tell a joke to.

Inside the asylum, Joker meets Gaga’s character Harley Quinn. This is one of the obvious changes to the iconic DC character’s origin story. The movie depicts Quinn as Joker’s fellow patient, instead of being a psychiatrist in the asylum who eventually falls in love and helps her partner in crime escape. The clip eventually transitions to the two protagonists dancing in the streets. Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” plays along.

Towards the end, Gaga then dons a red blazer with black-and-white diamond checkered top inside. It’s nowhere near the classic Harley Quinn jester costume that Margot Robbie once put on in the first Suicide Squad installment, but it’s obvious that the getup somehow takes some of those elements.

The trailer concludes with Harley Quinn telling Joker, “I wanna see the real you” as she draws the latter’s signature red lips on a glass divider separating the two. It can definitely mean that Fleck is incarcerated for that particular scene, and it could be the scene that jumpstarts the escape from Arkham. Who knows? We can only wait until October to find out.