Full House Take 2

3 out of 5 - Full House Lite!

Recommendation: This is a fun drama that offers up more laughs than tears. There's not much that connects it to the original Full House and, if viewed solely on its own merits, it is equivalent to a drama like Pretty Man. If you need something to fill the time between currently airing dramas - this is it.

Plot:  Full House Take 2 follows the trials and tribulations of  the internationally successful pop duo Take One. Lee Tae Ik (No Min Woo) is the tall, dark, and handsome leader known for his prickly personality. Won Kang Hwi (Park Ki Woong) is the latter half of the team and best described as bubbly. By fate or coincidence, both members of the group connect with Jang Man Ok (Hwang Jung Eum), who inadvertently brings great change and success to their lives. How does it relate to the original Full House? There is a house also named "Full House" that was built by Lee Tae Ik's father.

What did I think?

Not too shabby. It was a great way to escape the polar vortex.

I was reluctant to give this drama a go because I'm such a fan of the original. But, really, Full House Take 2 could have been named Full House Lite because the sequel had all the trademark comedy of the original but without the same level of heartache and drama. I distinctly remember balling my eyes out when Han Ji Eun begged Lee Young Jae for the break-up because it was so painful for her to be in love with him. There was never a moment in Full House Take 2 where I felt that emotionally engaged.

Blondes do have more fun!

The real gem of this production, though, was Park Ki Woong. He played the second half of the pop duo, Won Kang Hwi. First, I want to say that I loved the blonde locks. I'm usually not a fan of it on Korean men but he wore the look well and it suited his character. There was just something about him that exuded charm and he stole the scene every time he smiled. His character should have come off as vapid but I found him totally lovable.

Hwang Jung Eum, as Jang Man Ok, really wasn't pushed to her full potential. If you've seen Secret, you will understand what I'm saying. She's an amazing dramatic actress and this felt like a role that only required about 50% of her full range.

The only real detractor from the drama was the music. Take One only has one song that they perform over and over again in different costumes. They save all the other songs for the second to last episode.