Stranger Things Review

     I am aware this is a Netflix exclusive and would fall more into the television spectrum. With that being said though, this episodic story feels like an eight hour movie. With all the talk around it and the great bundle of 1980 references, it was really difficult for me to turn down the opportunity to review this show. So let's get into it!
     When 12 year old Will Byers mysteriously disappears one night, the city of Hawkins, Indiana is not quite what it seems. An unpleasant government agency, a supernatural creature, and a psychokinetic girl all mysteriously stumble into this harmonious, midwestern town. With the help of a desperate mother, a rugged cop, and a group of kids, they'll soon discover that there is something more sinister at hand.

     Where to even begin with the positives of this show? The whole writing of this show is freaking superb. Never have I watched a show with only eight, one hour episodes that developed all of its characters so beautifully. There are so many moving parts to this story that writers, Matt and Ross Duffer, executed it in spectacular fashion. I read an article that stated its a Steven King script meets a Stephen Spielberg movie and that is very much evident. There are so many unique nods to the 80's that it feels like The Goonies, Star Wars, Poltergeist, The Thing, and much more bundled up into one epic story. A lot of shows/movies have tried to replicate the 80's but I am not sure any brought you there quite like this show. Plus there are some rad 80's tunes involved.
     The characters are written so magnificently. However, they are really brought to life by the performances of the show. While there are so many great performances in the show I am only going to highlight on a couple that really stood out to me.
     David Harbour plays the rough, police chief named Jim Hopper and I would be very surprised if studios are not lining up to land this guy in an upcoming film. He is very much the Han Solo like character of this series but we get this very heartbreaking backstory that helps to understand why he is so engulfed in searching for Will. Another sensational performances comes from Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin. Matarazzo's character is very much the comedic relief of this show but man does the kid hit it out of the park. His timing not only great but he can also be very intelligent when it is called upon the character. All the kids actors elevate this show to the next level but he is the one that really resonated with me.
     The soundtrack for this show is something that is very much in the forefront and very much should be. The creative choice by the Duffers to use synthesizers to add suspense gives it an unnerving feel very much resembling Jaws or the original Halloween score. We are also given awesome 80's jam that include The Clash, Toto, and Modern English that will make you want to go out to buy this soundtrack.
     I can honestly say there are hardly any negatives to this gorgeously crafted show. There is one nitpick and that comes from Winona Ryder who plays Will's mother, Joyce Byers. The first two or so episodes it feels like she is overacting at times. However, once her story gets into motion, she is phenomenal. So I wouldn't even consider her much of complaint.
     I can not highly recommend this show enough. I promise you that you will binge watch this show and it won't bore you for a second. It's a love letter to 80's cinema but it never feels overbearing. Please go watch this when you get the chance!

Rating: 10 out of 10