Starring: Scandal Makers (See cast list here) and Scandal Maker (See cast list here)
Rating: PG-13, subject matter
Running Time: 108 min
Twinkies: 4 stars
Synopsis: Basis of both movies is Nam Hyeon-su (Cha Tae-Hyun) and He Zhiwu (Tong Dawei) are popular radio DJs and entertainers (even more popular in their younger days as a teen idols). One day, a young lady appears at his apartment door claiming that he is her father and the little boy with her is his grandson. She threatens to go to the media unless he allows her and her son to stay in his apartment. Complications arise when they are spotted outside together and people assume they are romantically involved! That’s when the fun really starts!
Musings: The Chinese movie makers are really good at remakes. They infuse their culture into the scenes. Every single situation from one to the other are nearly identical. They even pick actors that actually work! Both stories are pretty fun to watch as the men learn that the woman at their door actually is their daughter. Their interactions with their grandsons start off as stranger/child to caring grandfather/grandson by the end.
The little boys in both movies are just cute as a button! The back and forth between grandfather and grandson was fun to watch. Both male characters had no idea how to handle or interact with a child as they were pretty immature themselves; however, I love that in both movies it took the grandson’s pretty kindergarten teachers to help reform them. Surprisingly, the little Chinese actor playing the grandson role was a little bit more expanded. But I admit that the little afro wearing Chinese boy make me laugh more! Why did they do that to that child’s hair?!
When it came to the Chinese daughter, it was a surprise that they went with a much older actress in the guise of Michelle Chen. The age difference between her and Tony Da Wei is only 4 years! However, Michelle managed to pull it off with her seriously youthful face at 33 versus Cha Tae Hyun and Park Bo Young with 14 years! It was also nice to hear Michelle’s real voice; however, like Park Bo Young, I’m not sure if either were really singing.
Lastly, the grandpas! I enjoyed both actors as Nam Hyeon Soo (Cha Tae Hyun) and He Zhiwu (Tong Da wei). They both were able to convince you as DJs, fathers, and grandfathers. The scene at the contest finals, both men were able to pull at your heartstrings as they begged and pleaded for information on their missing grandchild and basically admitted for all to hear that they indeed had a child out of wedlock. Another thing is the fact that both men are musically talented. I already knew Cha Tae Hyun can sing from Highway Stars and has a wonderful voice but Tony Da Wei was a nice surprise. Yes, you can bet I was closely watching those lips to see if he too could sing. Overall, either movies are fun to watch and truly puts you in the mood to laugh, cry and to celebrate family.
Trailers is available on YouTube Website here and here. The movies are available on various streaming websites.
I’m available on Twitter. Thanks to all of you Twinkles out here who are taking the time to read! If you have a suggestion for a future review, just leave me a comment! I’m always happy to have movie suggestions.
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