HOT HUNKS DROWN IN LUKEWARM SCRIPT

I WAS tempted to watch this movie simply because I’m attracted to its two main leads. Kang Ha-neul and Park Seo-joon are the stars of my favourite K-dramas and (respectively); they gave such amazing performances. So I thought a movie with the two of them together would be certainly engaging.

sadly turned out to be a slight disappointment but it is the storyline that is at fault.

The action comedy starts off promisingly, with Kang and Park playing two police university students Hee-yeol (Kang) and Gijun. In the first act, we are introduced to the two who quickly become best friends. Their brotherhood and camaraderie are touching.

Here is where their chemistry works well for the camera. Even though they have different personalities — Hee-yeol is a shy bookworm while Gi-jun is a dumb jock. I like how the film doesn’t allow one to overshadow the other in terms of appeal. The winning element here is the comedy, which makes this a light-hearted story about two normal guys. I have only seen Kang and Park portray dramatic roles before so

is a refreshing change.

The second act is where the action element kicks in. Hee-yeol and Gi-jun are out late at night when they witness the abduction of a young woman. Turning to the police for help is no use since the latter is involved with a high-profile case. This results in the two taking matters into their own hands and putting what they’ve learnt in class into practice.

I like the fact that the director didn’t make Hee-yeol and Gi-jun exceptionally skilled or superhuman even. Instead, the two characters are very flawed and relatable. They inevitably come across several roadblocks in their quest and don’t necessarily succeed every time.

The annoying part, however, is that the second act is too long-winded. The action sequences are nothing too fantastic or revolutionary either, so as a whole, the film turns out rather lacklustre.

There are undoubtedly some cringeworthy and unnecessary scenes such as when the boys go to a nightclub to hook up with women and enter an illegal sex parlour in search of clues for their case. Still, I applaud the director’s efforts in highlighting a new type (at least for me it’s new) of black market activity, which is the backbone of the storyline.

I was impressed as I didn’t see it coming but it is so sickening. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised anymore these days about how far people would go for money. Here, the matter is explained thoroughly so that viewers are able to relate to it. There are also some nail-biting scenes that add a nice touch to the action sequences.

also highlights the reality behind the lives of those in the police force. Gi-jun and Hee-yeol ask themselves why they wanted to become policemen. However, the film doesn’t dive too deep into the drama so that the humour element remains elevated.

I guess the comedy is fun but for me, there wasn’t really a laugh-out-loud moment. Park and Kang acted out their roles pretty convincingly and nailed the comedic element. That’s why they are two of the top actors in South Korea.

But I would pass if given a chance to watch the film again. Just once — to look at Kang’s handsomeness and adorable portrayal — is enough.