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Stop! That! Train!

Coming out of the same studio that gave us RuPaul's Drag Race, and stacked with a whole crew of former contestants, Stop! That! Train! plays like RuPaul basically taking a bow for the entire franchise she's built. It's not really a gay film in the traditional sense, but with so many drag stars from Ru's shows popping up alongside a few cameos from well known out gay actors, I figured it earns a spot on this blog anyway. The whole thing is completely over the top, packed with GenZ slang, loud flashy visuals, and humor that's constantly winking at you knowing how ridiculous it is. Going in you'd assume it's meant to be a laugh riot, and a lot of critics online seem to be eating it up, but I just couldn't get into it at all. I've never really been someone who vibes with campy silly stuff like this, so honestly my reaction doesn't surprise me one bit. The setup follows Tess and DeeDee, two low level stewardesses who sneak onto the fancy Glamazonian E...

I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama (Japanese Series)

The story of this Japanese BL is nothing new. We have seen this plenty of  times in many shows, where both the leads are into each other but neither is able to express their feelings leading to all kinds of situations, sometimes funny sometimes awkward and then eventually the truth and love prevails. The setting is of course different here. And the other great thing about this show is that it is only 3 episodes of about 45-50 minutes each, so you can easily binge watch it.

Aoyagi has just been offered the lead role in a BL show. He got famous thanks to an orange juice commercial when he was a kid but since then he hasn't done much substantial. He lacks confidence and doesn't believe his career is notable. Turns out his co-actor on the show is one of the most famous and upcoming BL actor Akafuji. Although Aoyagi tries to introduce himself to his costar, Akafuji seems standoffish around him. Aoyagi worries they may not get along in the long term. The crew suggests that the two actors should start to live together so thatchy will have more chemistry. Despite agreeing to this living arrangement, both feel awkward once they become roommates. Aoyagi thinks his costar doesn't like him. However, that isn't the case. On the contrary, Akafuji has a secret crush on him. Before becoming a celebrity, Akafuji had been one of Aoyagi's fans and followed his career closely. But he is also super nervous and hesitant share his true feelings for Aoyagi. As they live and perform together, the pair's relationship improves. Eventually, as you would expect some misunderstandings (mostly funny and humorous) happen and eventually Akafuji finds the courage himself to confess his love to Aoyagi who is more than happy to reciprocate.

If you are used to the slightly OTT Japanese comedy, where actors react a lot and their thoughts speak out Lous, you will find this show funny as well. Fans of this genre will recognize many familiar archetypes and situations. From the outside the show feels like full on comedy but it in own subtle way, it shows us why both these individuals have issues regarding insecurity for one and the other's inability to confess his love. You can feel the helplessness of Akafuji on how desperately he wants to be with his crush and he has the opportunity but he doesn't have the nerve. The two actors do a wonderful job around their characters and the show interestingly takes minor digs here and there on how the actual functioning of the BL world and shows happen. Actor playing Aoyagi was particularly very charming and engaging. The two actors playing there managers were also funny in their parts. Having said that, for me the show offered nothing new from a story perspective. I have seen the same thing many a times now and when I watch shows, I expect to see something new. So despite that the show made me smile and occasionally laugh, it still fell short of being great. I would recommend this to people looking for a fluffy, cute and fun BL and something simple and non-complicated quick watch. (6.5/10)

Comments

Sailor Maan said…
I had a great time on this quick little one. Of course the japanese OTT reactions being my thing, I couldn't not love it. I could so much picture the manga vibes, it's almost if I round read it. It was indeed really funny and I laughed on more than one occasion. The end is less funny, more touching though, and I liked that fact too.
Somehow it reminded me of teenage years, when you (or both) have a crush and don't know how to act, until you finally find the courage. Because here the guys are 25 and should be a little bit more bold. Hook up first, ask for a date after lol. This is where you see BL are really for teenage girls (... and us ^^)
Golu said…
Hook up first, ask for a date after lol. For sure. thats my mantra too..
The Japanese OTT reactions are my fav too and they really know how to do it

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