OT: TV and Movies (with spoilers)

[Bucksfan28]

I'm All. ****. In. on evil Billy. A great S3 probably makes this show one of my all-timers.

A little disconnected at first w/ characters split from e/o. Definitely contrived. I loved it.

Spoiler:

I'm glad the show continues to embrace what it is and go full-throttle. Father/sexually frustrated Hop is awesome and Harbour -killed- it. Because of how he was written that had the potential to become a caricature, and I've read a couple reviews where people took serious issue with his role this season, i.e. asserting that he was manipulative of Joyce among other things. I couldn't disagree more, I think those undermine the wholesome balance and range he provided. Like the "I want you to feel safe" scene, c'mon.

Also, I'll admit the 'they keep closing the gate but somehow a creature survives on the outside' storyline could have gone stale really quick, and I was concerned about it during E1. But the army idea was fresh, giving the Flayer a more specific purpose of recruiting hosts and hunting for El rather than just highlighting the possession angle which we've had plenty of. The Duffers are also good at giving enough explanation of the supernatural stuff w/o treading into overdone, boring expository dialogue.

Billy. That loss hurts man, he was right up there for my favorite character. It had to happen and he went out like a badass hero but damn... next season is going to have a void that can't be filled. El channeling his memories and then using those to turn him hit hard . (Good for Mrs. Wheeler for restraining herself btw)

But otherwise, the kids all rocked. Steve is a treasure whose failures are an integral part of the show. Too many feels-y scenes to count; the Bob Newby flashback got me and that was like 20 minutes in...

Can't wait for S4. It's been a rough stretch for the Soviets on American television..

overall it was pretty good, but there were some things that annoyed the **** out of me. For example how does Town Sheriff Hopper not only fight well against elite Russian KGB agents, but actually gets the better of them on a consistent basis.

I'm almost certain that he's ex-military. And he got his ass handed to him at first by young Terminator. Of all the stuff w/ the Russians this was the least concerning

[Licensed to Il]

glitchy double post, sorry

[Bucksfan28]

Petty Stranger Things Thoughts:

Spoiler:

The actor that plays Jonathan is so creepy looking, that I find it impossible to think about anything but how corpsey he looks any time he is on the screen

I thought Billy stole the show in the first 6 episodes or so. Great casting, writing, and acting there

Similarly, I think the casting is one of the things that makes this show work. Hopper is a believable brute, heroic but also slovenly and gross. Erica was an awesome character. Millie Bobby Brown is great. Sean Astin and Cary Elwes both brought a fun wink and nostalgia callback without getting in the way. Best of all, as this show hearkens back to Spielberg-esque teen ensembles their chemistry and energy is absolutely parallel with those "Goonies" type flicks.

"Mr Clarke" belongs in the dorky teachers who think they are cool hall of fame along with the guidance counselors from "Freaks and Geeks" and "Bob's Burgers." I love how all three have an enthusiasm that they think is endearing, which actually makes them irritating.

I love everything about this show except for Winona Ryder. Three seasons in, I still can't decide if its the character I don't like, or the acting. Just a lack of warmth, and too much whining. She did act the conclusion scene/move well.

I think Millie Bobby Brown has a chance to have a good enough career where the first thing everyone thinks of when they see her is not necessarily ego waffles and Stranger Things. I was 30 minutes in to Godzilla before I realized she was the daughter. She really is great in this show.

Many fans are saying this is the best season. I'm not sure I agree (season 1 came out of nowhere, was a riveting slow burn of fun and fantasy, set an incredible tone, introduced some memorable characters, etc). What I do agree with is that season 3 was awesome, and a great example of how a show should grow and progress season by season. There was no way this would have been beloved if this (3) was the first season. It took two seasons to get the plot, characters, etc to this point.

The three best surprises/stars of season three were: Erica, the Russians, and the Mall as featured characters.

Agree 100% w/ all of this, esp. the bolded

RE: best season. One thought I had when comparing them is that it's fair to say S1 is objectively better, but S3 is effectively more entertaining.

EDIT: I'm fine w/ Winona, she's just so far down the character ranking list that being a serviceable role player suffices.

[HaroldinGMinor]

Petty Stranger Things Thoughts:

Spoiler:

Many fans are saying this is the best season. I'm not sure I agree (season 1 came out of nowhere, was a riveting slow burn of fun and fantasy, set an incredible tone, introduced some memorable characters, etc). What I do agree with is that season 3 was awesome, and a great example of how a show should grow and progress season by season. There was no way this would have been beloved if this (3) was the first season. It took two seasons to get the plot, characters, etc to this point.

Agreed on this point...

Spoiler:

I was thinking about this as I watched the finale. One of the great things about season 1, IMO, was the reveal about Hopper's daughter. What I like about the writing on this show is that you get some depth and background on most of the main characters to give them some motivation for what they do. You can only go back to that well so many times per character though so enter new characters that we need to get to know and who hold secrets (e.g. Robin, Billy)

[Bucksfan28]

A couple other random ST thoughts:
(1) When I got done w/ E7 I thought to myself, "that was the best ep of the whole series." Curious if I still feel that way after a rewatch (which I will not be doing until I get back home in the fall to my nice TV. Having to watch on a 32-inch connected to my laptop was very painful)
(2) They do a great job of balancing tone. The cuts between super-intense scenes and more subdued ones are like perfectly timed.

[HaroldinGMinor]

I love the attention to detail on Stranger Things. Having grown up in that era (think I was the exact same age as the main group of kids) I constantly look for stuff that's out of place and they have knocked it out of the park. From the now defunct stores at the mall, to clothing styles/trends, to music it's all seemingly spot on. I mean they had Mr. T cereal on the shelf of the grocery store for God's sake!

[ReasonablySober]

I thought at the end where two of the characters took jobs at Family Video was especially hilarious because the Family Video in my town just closed down last month.

[tydett]

Guess I'll venture off from everyone else - I don't think the show is anything special.

Spoiler:

The bad guys are incredibly recycled - I was not stunned one iota that the **** monster from season 1 was back at the end of the credits because they seem unable to come up with new threats from a literal demon hellscape.

The characters, with a few notable exceptions, are mostly unlikable. Will might as well be a meme that says "Hey guys, let's play D&D" while grasping the back of his neck since he fulfills no other purpose aside from 3 minutes of realizing his childhood is over. Mike borders between whiny and clingy. Dustin and Lucas are insufferable like most early teenagers (although maybe that's a credit about the writing). But nothing compares to the trite, obnoxious Erica, who is a walking example of "we need a kid who can point out how smart we are because we've read an 12th grade economics textbook" - she vacillates between offering hare-brained capitalistic ideals and denigrating everyone else as nerds. She added nothing to this, and every scene she was in just made me tune out. The only characters worth anything in this season were 11, Robin (who was the true MVP this season), Steve, Billy, Nancy, and to a lesser extent, Hopper and Bauman.

The product placement was ridiculous, it may as well have been a big, long Coca-Cola commercial.

They made a character so unbelievable in the first season (11) that they had to sideline her for an entire second season (except for one weird one-off episode that might as well not even exist, since it added nothing to the show overall), and then nerf her in this last season even though it became apparent that the demons can be stronger than she is.

Against the grain, I know. I actually really liked the first season. Just have not recaptured the same interest in it since.

[HaroldinGMinor]

Guess I'll venture off from everyone else - I don't think the show is anything special.

Spoiler:

The bad guys are incredibly recycled - I was not stunned one iota that the **** monster from season 1 was back at the end of the credits because they seem unable to come up with new threats from a literal demon hellscape.

The characters, with a few notable exceptions, are mostly unlikable. Will might as well be a meme that says "Hey guys, let's play D&D" while grasping the back of his neck since he fulfills no other purpose aside from 3 minutes of realizing his childhood is over. Mike borders between whiny and clingy. Dustin and Lucas are insufferable like most early teenagers (although maybe that's a credit about the writing). But nothing compares to the trite, obnoxious Erica, who is a walking example of "we need a kid who can point out how smart we are because we've read an 12th grade economics textbook" - she vacillates between offering hare-brained capitalistic ideals and denigrating everyone else as nerds. She added nothing to this, and every scene she was in just made me tune out. The only characters worth anything in this season were 11, Robin (who was the true MVP this season), Steve, Billy, Nancy, and to a lesser extent, Hopper and Bauman.

The product placement was ridiculous, it may as well have been a big, long Coca-Cola commercial.

They made a character so unbelievable in the first season (11) that they had to sideline her for an entire second season (except for one weird one-off episode that might as well not even exist, since it added nothing to the show overall), and then nerf her in this last season even though it became apparent that the demons can be stronger than she is.

Against the grain, I know. I actually really liked the first season. Just have not recaptured the same interest in it since.

I think some of that criticism is legit but in terms of the product placement I mean come on. They were so self-aware and over the top with that Coke bit that it was obvious they were having fun with it. I think they do that with other tropes of the era as well.

[jakecronus8]

My thoughts on Stranger Things are, why not just move out of the town? Roll credits.

[DingleJerry]

Stranger Things

Spoiler:

I was entertained by the season and was pleasantly surprised overall. I expected it to be very blah going into it but I actually burned through it and liked it.

The Hopper death, I know time was of the essence and all but I think all he had to do was run up the stairs and into the room. He probably could've been in there in like 20 seconds rather than dying.

Nitpick, the 3 in the mall have clear cut clothes on making them stand out. Maybe make an attempt to change that, or at least take the Camp Know Where hat off that stands out.

Another nitpick, why does no one else in town notice this monster roaming around and destroying stuff. That's just TV though, have to look the other way on it.

Most other nitpicks mentioned here I agree with, mostly the Winona/Hopper characters just constantly arguing got old, especially since I binged it. Erica, I thought was too overdone or cliche.

Besides everyone pointing out how great Robin was, I also think Max is a pretty solid actress and did a great job, she should have a future in the industry.

Still, overall I think it was good and worth watching. I give them props that it seemed like a difficult task to keep such a show going multiple seasons and so far they've done it fairly well.

[Bucksfan28]

Spoiler:

even though it became apparent that the demons can be stronger than she is.

Spoiler:

I'm glad you brought that up. That was actually one of my favorite things about the season, that the demons/Flayer appeared as strong, if not stronger, than El at multiple turns. It was a legitimate threat in that regard, and even though she "won" there's now the issue w/ her powers (I'm guessing she will get them back by finding Hop).

If they had balls they would have let the Flayer win this round but that's obviously not a realistic expectation.

[ReasonablySober]

Guess I'll venture off from everyone else - I don't think the show is anything special.

Spoiler:

The bad guys are incredibly recycled - I was not stunned one iota that the **** monster from season 1 was back at the end of the credits because they seem unable to come up with new threats from a literal demon hellscape.

The characters, with a few notable exceptions, are mostly unlikable. Will might as well be a meme that says "Hey guys, let's play D&D" while grasping the back of his neck since he fulfills no other purpose aside from 3 minutes of realizing his childhood is over. Mike borders between whiny and clingy. Dustin and Lucas are insufferable like most early teenagers (although maybe that's a credit about the writing). But nothing compares to the trite, obnoxious Erica, who is a walking example of "we need a kid who can point out how smart we are because we've read an 12th grade economics textbook" - she vacillates between offering hare-brained capitalistic ideals and denigrating everyone else as nerds. She added nothing to this, and every scene she was in just made me tune out. The only characters worth anything in this season were 11, Robin (who was the true MVP this season), Steve, Billy, Nancy, and to a lesser extent, Hopper and Bauman.

The product placement was ridiculous, it may as well have been a big, long Coca-Cola commercial.

They made a character so unbelievable in the first season (11) that they had to sideline her for an entire second season (except for one weird one-off episode that might as well not even exist, since it added nothing to the show overall), and then nerf her in this last season even though it became apparent that the demons can be stronger than she is.

Against the grain, I know. I actually really liked the first season. Just have not recaptured the same interest in it since.

Spoiler:

I guess I have these thoughts on the characters.

Mike: the worst. Just the absolute worst.
Dustin: I love the kid, but when he and Steve are together they form this Gobot kinda thing where they're totally the best.
Lucas: Fine. He's fine.
Will: See Mike.
Max: She's cool.
El: Obviously great. "I dump your ass" was awesome.
Billy: Liked him more last season and I don't really get the praise he's getting. He had a couple good moments.
Erica: Hated her for most of the season with the ice cream samples, got better the last couple episodes, but was somehow the least believable character on a show with a kid with super powers. She's a little kid acting 100% not like a kid.
Hopper: He ruled, even as he was a mess.
Nancy: Wish she would have spilled coffee on those dicks.
Nancy's boyfriend: I don't remember his name because he might as well not have been in the show.
Winona Ryder:

Still weird.
Robin: The best.

[tydett]

Guess I'll venture off from everyone else - I don't think the show is anything special.

Spoiler:

The bad guys are incredibly recycled - I was not stunned one iota that the **** monster from season 1 was back at the end of the credits because they seem unable to come up with new threats from a literal demon hellscape.

The characters, with a few notable exceptions, are mostly unlikable. Will might as well be a meme that says "Hey guys, let's play D&D" while grasping the back of his neck since he fulfills no other purpose aside from 3 minutes of realizing his childhood is over. Mike borders between whiny and clingy. Dustin and Lucas are insufferable like most early teenagers (although maybe that's a credit about the writing). But nothing compares to the trite, obnoxious Erica, who is a walking example of "we need a kid who can point out how smart we are because we've read an 12th grade economics textbook" - she vacillates between offering hare-brained capitalistic ideals and denigrating everyone else as nerds. She added nothing to this, and every scene she was in just made me tune out. The only characters worth anything in this season were 11, Robin (who was the true MVP this season), Steve, Billy, Nancy, and to a lesser extent, Hopper and Bauman.

The product placement was ridiculous, it may as well have been a big, long Coca-Cola commercial.

They made a character so unbelievable in the first season (11) that they had to sideline her for an entire second season (except for one weird one-off episode that might as well not even exist, since it added nothing to the show overall), and then nerf her in this last season even though it became apparent that the demons can be stronger than she is.

Against the grain, I know. I actually really liked the first season. Just have not recaptured the same interest in it since.

I think some of that criticism is legit but in terms of the product placement I mean come on. They were so self-aware and over the top with that Coke bit that it was obvious they were having fun with it. I think they do that with other tropes of the era as well.

If Coke wouldn't have "re-released" New Coke with Netflix to advertise the new season of Stranger Things, I'd agree. Instead, it seems like a "we're advertising to you while making you think we're making fun of ourselves."

Reminds of that Grant Hill commercial with Sprite and the "Ka-Ching!"

[ReasonablySober]

Wait they re-released new coke? LOL my god Netflix is shameless.

[glenn]

It was pretty funny when Hopper got out of the car, stuck a bag of Burger King in his mouth with the logo facing the camera, and held for a beat. Anyway, enjoy the Upside Down Whopper, available now for a limited time.

[Bucksfan28]

I think Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and Hopper (David Harbour) bring a depth to their characters that isn't necessarily written in. Love those two. MBB is great also, and Lucas might be the best out of the kids. Can't really knock any of em honestly. The one I'm not getting the over-praise for is Robin. No denying she's good and has some acting chops, but she's basically there to be Steve's antagonist. Steve himself outshined her in like all of their scenes save for her reveal.

And put me on the side of not caring for the walking cliche Erica. Just dreadful listening to her unfunny one-liners. On the flipside Murray Bauman went from meh in S2 to very enjoyable here. I think he worked better across from two adults instead of Jon & Nancy.

[Licensed to Il]

I think Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and Hopper (David Harbour) bring a depth to their characters that isn't necessarily written in. Love those two. MBB is great also, and Lucas might be the best out of the kids. Can't really knock any of em honestly. The one I'm not getting the over-praise for is Robin. No denying she's good and has some acting chops, but she's basically there to be Steve's antagonist. Steve himself outshined her in like all of their scenes save for her reveal.

And put me on the side of not caring for the walking cliche Erica. Just dreadful listening to her unfunny one-liners. On the flipside Murray Bauman went from meh in S2 to very enjoyable here. I think he worked better across from two adults instead of Jon & Nancy.

I agree on everything.

Ill walk back my comment on loving Erica. It wasn’t really the kid or the dialogue that I loved, it was that the show was willing to interject some new main characters, which I think they did seamlessly with Erica and Robin.

[Mags FTW]

I've watched Episodes 1 and 2 of Stranger Things Season 3. Tell me it gets better. It reminds me of that 90's soap opera on Nickelodeon.

Watch on YouTube

[Bucksfan28]

Anyone here watch Snowfall? Thinking about jumping in.