starring: MEG BUSH & CAMERON PORRAS
Emma Parker is a new transfer to Maple Elite Academy - and she’s picked a fight with The Big Four, on her very first day. Four rich heirs who rule the academy, they’ve decided she’s public enemy number one. But maybe there’s more than meets the eye. Rowan Calloway acts like a tyrant, but is he really a ruthless bully?
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key thing you need to know is that this is a remake of a massive CDrama / KDrama storyline - Meteor Garden / Boya Over Flowers
So interesting to finally see an American remake of it, and a lot of key details are kept. The bullying is actually toned down compared to some of the versions I have seen
And the Rowan character is always fascinating, as a truly complex male lead. We first see him attacking Noah but don't know the full story. He can be kind and compassionate but also has a temper, can't handle his emotions and desperately needs attention / acknowledgement
@itscamsworld Rowan is a suitable mix of angst, explosive temper and little boy lost.
@luke__dodge brings the good hair and noble aura that is required for August
And @megbush_ has the necessary gumption and determination for heroine Emma
There are some great fun moments, the screaming girlies for the Big Four, Rowan with August on the dart board, Emma's kung fu kick.
And I think this will do really well as the story is compelling. There is a reason it has been remade so many times. Who will Emma choose?
Now there are issues here
- we have a few too many rescues of Emma from bad situations, and goop being thrown over people. Think it would have been better to condense this part of the story more, and either have less episodes or tell more of the story
- what happened to the fencing? That all gets forgotten once it becomes the August vs Rowan drama
- the Shein adverts. I have seen advertising in Chinese dramas. It can be done without being so hideously clunky and awkward. The brand choice makes no sense especially after Rowan's declaration that he only wears designer brands
- I hate saying this but some of the acting was all over the place.
Honest review, the original Asian versions are better but this is a decent addition to the canon, and I suspect it will be a huge hit for @reelshortapp with both an audience who haven't seen it before, and people like me intrigued to watch a new version.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
Rowan gets his artisans to remake the brooch, but August does a sketch… It is quite fun watching poor Rowan’s brain explode when someone doesn’t instantly fall for him, and isn’t impressed just because he is ‘rich and hot’.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
I’m rather fond of the VCA, self appointed fan club of the Top 4. And big fan of Chelsea - Celine Planata’s - faints. And the comedy moment where Rowan’s bodyguards chase them all around the gym with the fire extinguishers.
😂 Comedy gold:
THE SHEIN ADVERTS. Cue Hazel telling Emma ‘My family went bankrupt but here are some clothes I bought you from Miss Guided’. I’m not against advertising per se, but it is sooooo clunky and cringeworthy here.
🎺 Unsung hero:
Karl and Liam, the other members of the Big 4, and bestie Hazel who have to put up with the drama, drama, drama of Emma, Rowan and August.
Oh and Jeremy for throwing those rose petals for Rowan’s big declaration.
✍🏼 DETAILS
Director: 2025
Available on Reelshort
