Movie Monday: Netflix’s “Stranger Things”

Have you had a chance to watch any of Netflix’s newest original, “Stranger Things,” yet?

If not, don’t feel bad. It was just released this past Friday, July 15, 2016.

However, brace yourself. You’re likely to start hearing about it now that some viewers have had the weekend to binge watch it.

And it’s very bingeable indeed. It caught my eye during my lunch break today. If I didn’t have a zillion things I had to do, I’d still be planted on the couch absorbed. (For once, my To Do list is composed of things I’m excited to get done so I was motivated to uproot myself. But I may be up late tonight watching this…)

Nostalgic Blast from the Past

Anyway, if you watched horror movies in the 1980s, Stranger Things is going to blow your mind. It perfectly captures the styles, expressions, dress, mannerisms, and atmosphere of the 80s.

I was so confused at first. I thought it was something I’d missed back then that Netflix was re-releasing. The music, the show’s title card, heck even its poster (above)…all of it is such a throwback.

And then there are some of the actors…

Big Names in Another Netflix Original

Do you recognize the actress in the above still?

If not, here’s a hint: She got her start in some big 80s movies. One of them was more fantasy than horror, but it did involve a ghost of sorts.

Do you know her now? If not, try for Hint #2: Small part in Lucas. Supporting part in Beetlejuice. (a.k.a. the ghost movie mentioned in Hint #1.) Huge part in Heathers.

If you said, Winona Ryder, BINGO! (If not, well, it’s okay. Now you know the answer!)

Another well-known star who appears in the series is Matthew Modine. There’s a couple of other recognizable faces, but also some fresh new ones.

Like the kids. (Can’t have an 80s horror-thriller movie that pays homage to the greats like Stephen King and Steven Spielberg without kids in it, can you?)

Speaking of King

Here’s what he thought about Stranger Things:

STRANGER THINGS is pure fun. A+. Don't miss it. Winona Ryder shines.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 18, 2016

As you’d expect, lots of people responded. Some to say which of his movies it reminded them of. (Firestarter, It, even Stand By Me.)

I can see all those. It really reminded of King’s Silver Bullet and one that’s not King-affiliated but still fun nonetheless and an 80s icon, Lost Boys.

But one of my fave replies to King’s Tweet is the one that mentions the Shining’s font:

they've used "your" font!

— Rebecca Vnuk? (@rebeccavnuk) July 18, 2016

Trailer

Have a look at the trailer. But be warned: if it entices you to watch, just know there’s likely going to be some binging in your future…

Thoughts?

Have you already watched Stranger Things? What did you think? Answer here or in the Forums where we set up a Stranger Things discussion topic.