it was ok, but not great. throughout all the episodes i was constantly wondering if the shapeless plot, cardboard characters and constantly boiling melodrama were a deliberate homage to terrible 80s films. i couldn't work out if winona ryder was overacting terribly, or giving a masterful straight-faced pastiche of a certain kind of 80s horror movie mum, mainly achieved by widening her eyes and raising her voice an octave. so either she was really good or really bad - i can't make my mind up.
it looked great, and had a nice atmosphere to it, but i just found myself thinking - great homage, but couldn't they have done something
good with the story rather than just hitting all the 80s notes?
the only consistently good aspect was the kids - great performances across the board. i can imagine how they would resonate even more with those who were 11-12 around that era.
the teenagers i could take or leave (and yes, my first thought was jean-ralphio and then i couldn't unsee it
). the whole conspiracy story with the adults and the upside-down was really dull. the monster looked like something even
doctor who fans would complain about - woeful. and despite the effects, the scariest and most effective scenes were in the house with the lights.
can't really see the point of a second season - this was three episodes of story stretched out over eight episodes - but i'd watch it just for the kids anyway.
also, stupid title...
