Let's dive into the world of Stranger Things and its animated spinoff, Tales From '85'. This review will take you on a journey, exploring the good, the bad, and the meh of this Netflix venture.
The Hook: A Tale of Two Audiences
Stranger Things: Tales From '85' seems to have been crafted with a very specific audience in mind. On the one hand, it caters to the young ones who've heard the hype but are deemed too young for the main show. On the other, it's a treat for the die-hard fans who crave every last morsel of Stranger Things content.
The Bright Spot: Odessa A'zion's Nikki
One of the standout elements is the character Nikki, played by Odessa A'zion. She's a breath of fresh air with her bold personality and unique look. It's a shame the original series didn't introduce her earlier, as she could have brought a similar charm to the live-action world.
A Safe Bet: Playing by the Rulebook
Tales From '85' seems to be a cautious venture, not wanting to rock the boat in any way. The shift to animation feels more like a nostalgic nod to the early seasons than an attempt at innovation. The story and characters feel like a safe continuation, almost a carbon copy, with a few new twists.
The Monster Mash
The new monsters, while visually interesting, are a blend of old and new. They're a cross between the iconic Demogorgons and Audrey II, suggesting a lack of truly fresh ideas. The battles against these creatures follow a familiar pattern, with the gang almost becoming dinner before being saved by El's telekinetic powers.
Character Imitations
The voice cast for Tales From '85' faces a challenging task: replicating the performances of the original actors. While some, like Braxton Quinney as Dustin and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, nail the soundalike aspect, others struggle to bring the same level of nuance and naturalism.
This is especially evident with the main characters, who feel like pale imitations of their live-action counterparts. The script, which often relies on familiar jokes and declarations, doesn't help, and the lack of depth in these performances becomes more noticeable as the series progresses.
The Power of Nikki
Nikki, as a new character, is free from these constraints. She can evolve and develop relationships without worrying about breaking established canon. This freedom allows her to shine, offering a glimpse of what Tales From '85' could have been if it had taken more creative risks.
A Diet Version of Stranger Things
In the end, Tales From '85' feels like a watered-down version of the original. It's a safe bet for those who want a milder Stranger Things experience, but it lacks the spark that made the original series so captivating. While it might satisfy the curious and the fanatical, it's unlikely to win over many new fans.
Final Thoughts
While Tales From '85' has its moments, particularly with Odessa A'zion's Nikki, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. It plays it too safe, relying on familiar tropes and characters, and fails to capture the magic that made Stranger Things a phenomenon. Personally, I think it's a reminder that sometimes less is more, and that creative risks can pay off in unexpected ways.
