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Chained To My Bully Stepbrother (AI Vertical BL Drama)

By Golu
This is the second vertical AI BL drama I've sat through, and honestly I went in knowing better. I had it on while I was doing cardio at the gym, and what struck me was just how much the plot echoed the last one I watched. Same step brother romance angle, same mystery girlfriend showing up near the end, same extra guy pining after one of the leads. Genuinely the only thing going for it was the runtime, the whole thing wrapped up in forty five minutes flat.  The setup kicks off with Finn moving schools because his mom just married into money. He finds out his new step brother Aiden goes to the same place, and he's warned to keep his distance from him. Their first run in at school is rocky, just like you'd expect, but there's this odd pull between them neither can shake off. Finn keeps telling himself not to read into it because Aiden's straight and openly homophobic. Things shift when some kids start bullying Finn and the student council president, Ryan, steps in to ...
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My Fake Boyfriend

By Golu
I was really really enjoying this film till about mid way and then somehow somewhere things just started going haywire and a bit confused, which left the overall taste in my mouth of that of disappointment, because this could have been a nice gay rom-com. The plot goes clunky and certain things get just too convenient to everyone. But nonetheless, it does take an interesting look at the perils of social media fascination and its impact.

Our protagonist here is stunt co-ordinator Andrew. He is in a toxic relationship with soap opera star Nico, who is a self obsessed guy and constantly cheats on Andrew. Andrew is best friends with Jake since forever and Jake and his girlfriend decide that they need to do something to get Andrew out of this toxic mishmash. Jake, who happens to be a graphic designer, creates this fake online profile of the most gorgeous looking hot guy who also happens to be influencer, activist, philanthropist and what not. Overnight, the duo becomes popular and you can see jealousy in Nico. As Andrew tries and enjoys Nico's jealousy towards this fake boyfriend, things change when he meets the most adorable chef Rafi. Not sure about Rafi's sexuality, there is instant spark and connection between two guys, but how can he pursue a guy when the entire world thinks he’s in a relationship with an impossibly good-looking and well-meaning influencer who keeps gaining followers by the minute?  Of course, after a set of misunderstanding and clarifications, the story of fake boyfriend is revealed and Andrew and Rafi are able to start a new relationship thanks to Jake and his girlfriend.

The film tries and question some very pertinent issues: pitfalls of making oneself vulnerable while dating as a young gay man and being taken advantage of or the influence of social media and how suddenly Andrew becomes more desirable just because he has a hot global sensation 'fake' boyfriend. Or the simple fact that how Jake now can't let go of the fake man, even though things for Andrew can be moved on. Jake's character goes very quickly from of the best friends one can ask for to a obsessed man and he also comes back to reality pretty quick. It all seems pretty fake borderline annoying rather than title your funny bone. The film could have continued top be funny, had the script not faltered. I think to give actors their due, they all did an amazing job. Andrew as the confused gay man looking fo love in wrong places. He did share some amazing chemistry with the very hot chef Rafi and they made a good pair. I wish we saw more of their love and relationship. Nico's role added some good laughs especially when he is jealous. Overall the movie is actually not bad, but when it started off so well making me very excited, I was just unhappy that it went downhill after a promising start. It’s nice to see a rom-com featuring gay rather than straight characters and for once, they don’t all fall into simple stereotypes. The film could have been a sharper insight about complexities around modern day gay dating , celebrity and social media obsession keeping the fun and sass intact. Sadly, it ends up being just average film, which despite its flaws, mind you, is still very very watchable. (6/10)
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