Hana Yori Dango Final

Starring:
Original main cast from first two seasons
Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi
Matsumoto Jun as Domyoji Tsukasa
Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui
Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Sojiro
Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira

Prelude
Hana Yori Dango (HYD) 1 & 2 were both a joyride, however HYD Final has lost its charm. Despite same cast, it's not the cast that sucked, it was the story. It lacked originality, like the script writers borrowed from America and has turned a 180 and attempted to make an action chick flick.

Review
Matsumoto Jun is getting too comfortable in Tsukasa's shoes. Tsukasa for me was a breath of fresh air, great delivery of personality by Matsumoto in season 1 and 2. Simply put, he played the part of a child. His sweet but easily angered heart was absent in almost all scenes. I blame the script for sacrificng the love story.

Inoue Mao is still consistent as Makino Tsukushi, however the scenes between her and Matsumoto is what makes her memorable but unfortunately the love scenes were minimum.

"There are no small roles, only small actors." Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui has a fairly small part, pity, but within reason of course. The love triangle was already done in season 2. Matsuda Shota is once again shoved in the dark. Although the little playful thing he has with Makino's best friend is a highlight to his character. Abe Tsuyoshi returns as Mimasaka Akira, out of all of F4, he has the least number of lines I'm assuming. He never he got to flex those acting muscles! Even though these three are supporting roles, I still applaud their efforts.

There is no way to simplify an already predictable story, make that a 90 minute story. I'm overall disappointed in the direction HYD writers took the production. One redeeming factor is the ending. The two lovebirds finally end up together, but how and exactly when? I won't tell you hahaha go watch it for yourself!

In conclusion:
I may be a lot biased, as I had a lot of expectations for the movie. All cast have unanimously agreed to this movie being the last, and I thought they would go out with a bang.

Overall if you've seen the first two, not seeing the last chapter - HYD Final - would be in all honesty a waste.