From “Office” writer Mindy Kaling comes the only level of drama most of us can handle right about now. It’s high school’s hilarious punch up starring a swash of underdogs who finally take the leads.
One part Tina Fey’s Mean Girls pop plot meets two parts Freaks and Geeks nostalgia. Add the zest of some Bring It On-style iconic vocab and the full-speed-ahead dialogue almost Gilmore-pace (almost). Sprinkle a bit of High School Musical-esque cheese with the added touch of plenty of PG-13 dialogue (aka swearing and overt discussions about sex). Toss in heavy doses gorgeous cultural heritage. And you have the newest Netflix binge-worthy series. I laughed hard through it all, mostly because of the narration by John McEnroe and for a moment Andy Samburg.
The lead, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is excellent. Kaling proves that she can offer true heart through believable, triumphant, flawed characters in a well-paced story that feels kind of just right for right now.
Some of the appeal in making art must be the gamble as all shows run the risk of falling flat. This Super 8 style kids V monsters series made the smart and unique decision to slowly but steadily build the show on the backs of an oddly memorable ensemble cast. They are relatable, flawed, likable humans with skills and potential for future-changing.
In their retro, rugged, primary colored world, four middle school aged boys play Dungeons and Dragons while their older siblings flirt and spy and kiss and lie – the usual plot fodder until a faceless predator kidnaps one of the small boys the same day that a little girl with strange powers arrives in town. The attacks continue and only one down-and-drunk sheriff is willing to help Winona Rider and pursue the truth at any cost.
This series of frightening events is a short 8 episode commitment, each one ending on a cliffhanger cleverly breadcrumbing the audience with clues that lead to answers.
It may seem like a common, re-run romantic comedy on the outset, but the script is lovely, refreshingly honest, and well acted. I also found the film work unique and thoughtful. It helps that I love New York City. I enjoyed the detail and the color choices, and the ability to continue hearing a conversation while watching the outcome and next steps. We see Eve hang up the phone, dig through her purse for change, hail a cab, etc, all while listening to the end of her phone conversation. Brilliant use of movement and timing on Evans’s part.
It’s feels a bit like Before Sunrise (’95) in that it’s the journey of two strangers learning about one another and helping each other conquer their greatest hurdles in just one night in New York City.
It reminds us of the bravery it takes to have and build relationships with anyone, to be honest, to be kind. It shows the potential reward for small good deeds because we never know what one bravely kind good deed could lead to.
Splatter: on FILM 