I'm working my way through every EarthMix title, and I wasn't so sure about this one going in! The plot sounded a little slapdash and I wasn't quite interested in the realities of body-swapping... so I'd been avoiding it. While most of my concerns were at least a *little* valid, I generally found this series to be a much stronger work than I anticipated. The characters are charming, the actors shine, the plot is compelling and fun, and the pacing wallows much less than some of their heavier series. I found myself watching this much faster than I intended and laughing a lot along the way.

-The Full Review-

STORY:
Unfortunately, the story is the weakest aspect of this series (a rather unusual circumstance for EarthMix, who tend to deliver complex, realistic plots and characters). There is, honestly, almost no real thought put into the circumstances of the body-swap, leading to some slightly stilted and unsatisfyingly flat conflict around the edges. I wish that there had been a bit more care in developing a conflict that would drive such close friends so far apart. That said, the emotional connection between these characters was strong as ever, and Win and Korn's struggle to communicate once they were on their journey was plenty compelling enough to make up the difference.
My only other gripe with the story is that it didn't quite take it's magical premise far enough. Despite incredibly able actors, most of the utility of the body-swap fell to surface level gender jokes. While these are done very well, it is disappointing to see the swapping mechanic fall to the wayside in more emotional scenes, despite being central to the miscommunication. I would have liked to see them explore this more to truly live up to the full potential.

ACTING:
Wow. I am already a fan of Earth and Mix (obviously) and had enjoyed Jan a lot in Cherry Magic TH... but this was truly something else. I have to commend Mix and Jan for their success in building two characters together--it is not an easy task to do and they performed it so well. I have already complained at length, but I wish I would have gotten to see *more.* Jan does such a phenomenal job in matching Mix's high energy and crass body language for Win, meanwhile Mix does an excellent job of holding himself and his voice softly for the scant few minutes he's allowed to play Lin. I am never confused about who is who, and the emotions of these characters travel easily between actors and swaps.

PRODUCTION:
I really have to hand it to the costumes department here. The colors and fabrics are perfectly chosen, creating a bright and slightly unreal world, while still grounding the characters in their professions and personality. As pieces, Korn's jacket and Win's bag easily became recognizable touch stones. Korn's car, the Katin plush, and the bottles of holy water also brought a similar fun stylized-realism that worked with the fantasy plot. It was really a beautiful and bright show to watch.

In all, I really enjoyed this work and would recommend it! It isn't my top title from these actors, but it is a beloved edition to their filmography and one that I know I will reach for again when I need a smile.