Stranger Things (Netflix Show)

[CalPolyTechnique]

Keep in mind that it's essentially an 8 hour movie, but with a smaller budget than many films. Personally, I thought the effects were pretty good. Compare it to made for TV movies like "V" or some Star Trek Episodes in the 90's, and this blows it away (IMO). Maybe I need to see it again to see if the effects came up short, but I didn't have a problem.

You're right in that they weren't necessarily reflecting the filmmaking limitations, but they were trying to mimic the "look" of things like "Alien" and the like when it came to the monster and that environment.

Out of curiosity, how old are you (roughly)? I'm in my mid 40's so this was aimed DIRECTLY at my demographic. I would have been the exact age of those kids. If you are younger or older, it wouldn't hit you the same way. I fully admit that the nostalgic feel of the series probably smoothed out any bumps that might be there.

I'm about to turn 40, so the 80s nostalgia is right in my wheelhouse too. I just thought the monster looked a little Clash of the Titans stop-motion'esque.

 

[Kevinicus]

I don't think it was. The setting of the series was harkening back to the 80s, but not the filmmaking limitations of the time.

I think you might want to rewatch some 90's TV series and get a better idea of the fx they would have.

A late 90's/early 2000's film and you may have a point, but a 90's TV show wouldn't come close.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I think you might want to rewatch some 90's TV series and get a better idea of the fx they would have.

A late 90's/early 2000's film and you may have a point, but a 90's TV show wouldn't come close.

We're talking about two different things here.

The series itself was harkening back to the 80s time period. I think we all can agree on that.

That has ZERO to do with the special FX that were used in the actual production of the series. The actual film production and techniques involved had nothing to do with the storytelling of the series.

 

[Kevinicus]

We're talking about two different things here.

The series itself was harkening back to the 80s time period. I think we all can agree on that.

That has ZERO to do with the special FX that were used in the actual production of the series. The actual film production and techniques involved had nothing to do with the storytelling of the series.

You said the fx would be something from a made for tv movie in the 90's. I don't think that is remotely the case. Maybe some movies in the late 90's or early 2000's (some movies today even), but the fx in Stranger Things far exceed those you'd find in a 90's TV show.

 

[Leadbelly]

I liked it okay. Never felt compelled to watch more than 1-2 episodes at a time. Maybe C+/B- show.

Acting was just alright. Casting Ryder and Modine really helped set the story in a particular time. Reminded me of Goonies a little, ET a little, Firestarter a little, Nightmare on Elm Street a little, Gremlins a little, Lost Boys a little, Akira a little, Explorers a little, and probably 30 other things from that period. It's like the whole thing was an 8 hour nostalgia project.

Most of the fun was picking out all the old stuff that my family also had. It's like they raided my mother's attic. They did the 80's better than Freaks and Geeks, which was pretty spot on itself. Stranger Things took it to...eleven. **AHEM AHEM

Fun fact -- the baby sister is played by the same twins who play (or played) Judith in The Walking Dead.

Poor Barb and her middle aged lady haircut and wardrobe. Permanent virgin. lol

 

[nobody]

I really enjoyed it and found it worth the time.

 

[Nova]

I can't say enough good things about the show.

Some of you have already nailed it-- it's very Stephen Spielberg/Steven King-Esque. ET meets "It".

That's probably why I like it so much.

I wish this had've been written as a mini-series with a finite ending though. Story lines like these don't survive well over multiple seasons.

 

[PBCCowboy]

It was ok.They are going to have a hard time topping "Daredevil" and "Marco Polo"...those two series were awesome.

 

[Sarek]

I just got a 4k TV, first one, 2016 Sony 55, like 10 days ago. I been trying to watch this show Stranger Things cause it's in 4k and what not. So far i haven't made i through a full episode in one sitting. I'm on episode 4 somewhere but i always give up like 20 minutes through. Not a good sign, i hope it picks up sometime very soon.