Stranger Things (TV Series Season 1 - 2016)
5 Stars out of 5
Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY
It's a no-brainer that I would like Stranger Things. Everything you've heard about it holds true. I get why this was / is a must-talked about series. On the surface, it's clearly a throwback and homage to all things 80's, which is when the series is set in. But it's also owes a huge debt to Steven Spielberg because it was filmed as if he himself did this. There are so many Easter eggs throughout with regards to what film they are taking a huge page from. The most obvious of course is E.T. and Poltergeist. But there are plenty of other things any fan of the 80's will recognize, be it The Goonies and Stand By Me (not a Spielberg flick if that's what you're thinking). Stephen King also has his metaphoric fingerprints on Stranger Things as well.
As for what's at its core, the story isn't new....but they do a great job of giving it a spin that makes it feel fresh, even if you know where everything will end up at by the end. The actors were all great and it was a nice touch with Winona Ryder as the Mom, a true by-product of her run in the 80's. But it's the kids that carry this series from start to finish and play well off each other. I don't want to dive too much into the plot in case you haven't seen it yet. All I will say is that you definitely need to give this a Rent. Already looking forward to Season 2. Not sure how long it's gonna take before it's on DVD though.