Heavenly Palace on the Clouds (2021)

Went a little below expectation...

I had high expectation since I've been waiting for this for years and simply because its prequel with Neo Hou is one of my fave among all the adaptations. All in all I must say that I started it with the mindset "I'm used to them changing Wu Xie and Zhang Qilin so lemme just enjoy it" so I watched it with my usual clean slate adoration and expectation.

I basically LOVE the idea that this sequel finally happened and even when the plot changed a bit compared to how we were left with the cliffhanger on The Lost Tomb 2; I was still able to pick up the pieces after several episodes and allowed me to enjoy it like how I always do. But my most OUTSTANDING SCENE is on EP.18, probably the most GAY-ISH SKINSHIP we've ever get between WX & ZQL throughout the entire series'. I died with so much flatter and joy with the camera focused during those moments and also I love how WX addressed some annoying issues about WPZ (I like him and got used to his character all this time and I love the Iron Triangle but WPZs behaviour has been bothering me since then and finally it was addressed and highlighted this time).

Things I dislike are mostly the underwhelming production and story/plot. I feel like they could've done better in terms of plot twist and some effects but it simply never happened. As always I got used to JUMPY scenarios with The Lost Tomb Series but something just didn't sit properly with me while watching it. It also felt rushed at the end and a little bit too dragging at the middle part of the story. I feel like they could've done better. This is probably my 2nd least favorite installment right after Lost Tomb 1 with Li YiFeng.

Story - 8.0, As i mentioned It felt dragging and rushed and they seriously could have done better to make it WORK!

Acting/Cast - 9.5, I never got issue with WX & ZQL character changes but they felt a little distant in this series. I felt like they went a little less closer but the skinship made up for that— In terms of acting Bai Shu did his best and I LOVE that he has some expressions/views that look exactly like Neo Hou and he look like him countless of times as well same thing with ZQL since he reminded me of Arata Mackenyu and Suho of EXO so I was satisfied watching them the entire time. Their acting itself felt a little different but is still pass-able!

Music - 9.0, Like what I always say on my reviews 'We can never go wrong with music' (that often lol) It has decent set of music that fits the scenes and it never bothered me. I gave it a 9 since I'm just not a big fan of suspense, creepy type of music and i usually prefer ballad and pop. Nonetheless I enjoy the music accompaniment on this series.

Rewatch Value - 7.5, I probably won't rewatch it unless i have decided to watch the entirety of The Lost Tomb Series when everything has been completely adapted. But till then nope, I won't rewatch. But hey!! this series is decent.

Overall - 8.5, I really wanted to give it a higher Mark but the most important factor for me is Plot && Production and I felt like they lack so much in that area. Nonetheless this is a decent adaptation; probably not the best but certainly not the worst as well.

IF you find my Review helpful please let me know.

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