When a top superstar falls into a coma, who would have thought her replacement would be a food vendor who looks exactly like her? Tootsies & The Fake, a 2019 Thai comedy, assembles a wild gang of ladyboys to transform an ordinary person into a national celebrity. It's both funny and touching, showcasing Araya A. Hargate's acting in multiple roles like never before.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Golf (Thongchai Thongkantom), a giant ladyboy, causes an accident that leaves Katie (Araya A. Hargate), a superstar, in a coma after a fall. Unable to film her commercial, Golf must cover damages of 50 million baht! Hope arises when Golf meets Jae Nam (Araya A. Hargate), a food vendor whose plastic surgery makes her look exactly like Katie. Jae Nam is the only one who can save Golf from debt, but her sharp tongue and rough manners are worlds apart from Katie's grace. Golf's Tootsies gang must train Jae Nam in speech, walk, and demeanor to fool the crew and media amidst escalating chaos.
Acting and Characters
The heart of this film lies in Araya A. Hargate's performance, playing four characters: sweet superstar Katie, sharp-tongued Jae Nam, a masseuse, and a toll booth attendant. She clearly distinguishes each personality, especially Jae Nam with her crude yet funny jokes. Though sometimes overacting, it's in a good way. Thongchai Thongkantom as Golf is endearing and easy to root for. The rest of the Tootsies gang, including Paopetch Charoensuk and Rattanant Jantajiraporn, add color and humor.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Tootsies & The Fake is directed by Poj Arnon, a skilled comedy director. The storytelling is fast-paced, cutting between events entertainingly. The visuals are beautiful, especially the lavish commercial set. The soundtrack uses upbeat songs that match the mood, though sometimes the music overpowers dialogue. Overall, the pacing is good and not boring.
Editorial Analysis
This film is a disguise comedy with a classic plot, filled with the Tootsies gang's unique and accessible jokes. Its strength is not being afraid to play with simple humor while subtly conveying messages about friendship and accepting differences. However, the drama in the middle drags a bit, and some jokes are repetitive and predictable. Still, it's an enjoyable comedy for those who like Thai-style craziness and want to see Araya in multiple roles.
Verdict
Tootsies & The Fake is a fun and entertaining comedy, especially for Araya's fans who can see her versatile acting. Despite some weaknesses, it delivers laughter and enjoyment throughout. Suitable for light-hearted viewing or family entertainment for all ages.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Araya's multi-role performance is outstanding
- +Well-timed and funny jokes
- +The Tootsies gang has great chemistry
👎 Cons
- −Mid-section drags
- −Some jokes are repetitive and predictable
Top Cast
FAQ
Only one, released in 2019.
It's available on Netflix or on DVD at general stores.
Araya plays four roles: Katie, Jae Nam, a masseuse, and a toll booth attendant.
