Who says fakeness can't create genuine laughter? Tootsies & The Fake, a 2019 Thai comedy, takes us into the world of chaotic impersonation when the Tootsies gang must find a fake to pose as a top superstar in a coma. But the story gets more complicated when a sharp-tongued food vendor with a similar face must transform her personality and mannerisms to resemble the sweet leading lady. It's a mission that's both fake and flawed at the same time.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Golf (Thongchai Thongkantom), a giant ladyboy, causes Katy (Araya A. Hargate), a top superstar, to have an accident that leaves her in a coma. Golf must cover 50 million baht in damages because Katy can't shoot a commercial. Luckily, Golf meets Jae Nam (Araya A. Hargate), a food vendor who has had surgery to look exactly like Katy. But Jae Nam is sharp-tongued and crude, the opposite of the sweet Katy. The Tootsies gang must work together to transform Jae Nam into Katy—her personality, voice, mannerisms, and even her flared ears that must be hidden. Along the way, each character deals with their own chaotic issues.
Acting and Characters
The highlight of the film is the performance of Araya A. Hargate, who plays dual roles as Katy and Jae Nam. She clearly distinguishes the personalities: Katy is sweet, while Jae Nam is wild and loud, creating a hilarious contrast. Thongchai Thongkantom as Golf is charming and endearing. The rest of the Tootsies gang—Pae Produkchok (as Gus), Rattanaphan Chantrachiarain (as Kim), and Patsaraya Kris Suwannasri (as Nattie)—also contribute well with their chemistry, even if some scenes are over-the-top, fitting the comedy genre.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The film is directed by Piyachart Nimnual, who tries to create fun through fast-paced editing and surreal humor. The cinematography is beautiful, especially in the luxury condo and commercial studio scenes, though some camera angles feel repetitive. The soundtrack uses upbeat pop songs that enhance the comedic mood, but sometimes the music overpowers the dialogue. Overall, the technical aspects meet the standard for Thai comedies.
Editorial Analysis
Although the film focuses on comedy, it also touches on themes of friendship and self-acceptance. Each Tootsies character has personal issues, such as family relationships or love, which are handled lightly without dragging. An interesting point is the satire of celebrity culture and the entertainment industry through the exposure of fakeness. However, the comedic energy drops in the second half when the plot leans slightly into drama. Some pacing feels stretched, but most jokes still land, especially those involving Jae Nam's over-the-top antics.
Verdict
Tootsies & The Fake is a fun comedy if you don't take realism too seriously. Araya's performance and the Tootsies gang hold the film together well. Suitable for those looking for lighthearted entertainment without overthinking, and who enjoy Thai-style humor. Though the ending drags a bit, overall it's worth watching.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Araya A. Hargate's dual-role performance with clear distinction
- +Varied comedy, especially from Jae Nam and the Tootsies gang
- +Subtle messages about friendship and self-acceptance without being preachy
👎 Cons
- −Second half drags, comedic energy decreases
- −Some jokes repetitive or over-the-top, may not appeal to everyone
- −Pacing sometimes slow, lacking conciseness
Top Cast
FAQ
The film was released in theaters in 2019. Currently, it is available on streaming platforms like Netflix and others, depending on rights.
Yes, there is a sequel titled 'Tootsies & The Fake 2' released in 2022, with the same main cast.
For those who like chaotic Thai comedies that don't take themselves too seriously, this film delivers fun and laughter, especially for fans of the Tootsies gang.
The film follows Golf, who causes superstar Katy to fall into a coma, so he must find a lookalike food vendor to impersonate her in a commercial. But the vendor's personality is the opposite of Katy's, leading to chaos.
