People sure have been quick to crap on this version of a 90s classic but I think they did a great job with this adaptation. It's creepier than the original, but captures some of the same feeling, minus the cheesy aspects. There are individual stories each episode, based on the Goosebumps novels, but they are all tied together by a seasonal story arc. It works and the acting is decent. I'm not sure how many of those reviewing this version have watched the original show, but I think expecting this one to be exactly the same isn't realistic. And frankly the differences only add to the allure of this new 2020s instalment.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Heartbreak High
(2022–2025)
Grew Up Watching the OG & Loved This
2 October 2022
I watched the OG Heartbreak high as a kid and always enjoyed it; I wasn't sure this reboot would be any good but was hooked within the first ten minutes. They captured the original vibe and somehow characters, while creating completely new ones.
If you're not Aussie but you're a fan of Sex Ed, you should definitely watch this. While innately and unapologetically Australian, this new generation of HH holds similarities in character quirks and humour to Sex Ed.
Within the first five minutes you'll be wanting to know what happened to Harper and you'll probably think you have it figured out, but it was not what I expected. Highly recommend this and there had better be a second season coming!
If you're not Aussie but you're a fan of Sex Ed, you should definitely watch this. While innately and unapologetically Australian, this new generation of HH holds similarities in character quirks and humour to Sex Ed.
Within the first five minutes you'll be wanting to know what happened to Harper and you'll probably think you have it figured out, but it was not what I expected. Highly recommend this and there had better be a second season coming!
The Woman in the House
(2022)
A Genre Busting SATIRE, filled with plot twists
30 January 2022
I think the only way you could give this show a poor review is by failing to understand what a parody is. This is a satire based on The Woman in the Window and The Girl on the Train. It holds some dramatic content, but crosses back to dark comedy in the blink of an eye. The plot twists alone will keep you engaged and binge watching this one from start to finish. Make no mistake, this is clever writing and Kristen Bell was the right actress for the job. If you don't grasp satire or dark comedy, you probably won't enjoy it. If you do, you'll be hooked.
Wolf Like Me
(2022– )
Unexpectedly Delightful
13 January 2022
I saw trailers for this show for weeks and was intrigued. I started the first episode, realised pretty quickly it was not what I had expected at all, but in an entirely good way.
This show put a new spin on an old paranormal narrative and despite a couple of predictable parts, there are many, many unpredictable moments.
The relationships are interesting, fraught with complex dynamics and past trauma. The accents surprised me. It was strange to hear Isla Fisher doing an American accent, to play an American living in Australia, when she is Australian!
The humour also deserves a mention: I saw another review say that this show is all drama and no comedy. Definitely not the case; there is good old dry Aussie humour throughout (not always discernible to those outside of Aus).
Only bummer as an Adelaidean was the fact that it was filmed in and around Sydney, yet set in Adelaide. A shame really - there's plenty of beautiful Adelaide scenery that would have done it justice. Or, why not just set it in Sydney where it was filmed? It would have made no difference to the story, but okay.
Overall this miniseries was highly enjoyable and there had better be a second season, as many questions remain unanswered when the final credits roll.
This show put a new spin on an old paranormal narrative and despite a couple of predictable parts, there are many, many unpredictable moments.
The relationships are interesting, fraught with complex dynamics and past trauma. The accents surprised me. It was strange to hear Isla Fisher doing an American accent, to play an American living in Australia, when she is Australian!
The humour also deserves a mention: I saw another review say that this show is all drama and no comedy. Definitely not the case; there is good old dry Aussie humour throughout (not always discernible to those outside of Aus).
Only bummer as an Adelaidean was the fact that it was filmed in and around Sydney, yet set in Adelaide. A shame really - there's plenty of beautiful Adelaide scenery that would have done it justice. Or, why not just set it in Sydney where it was filmed? It would have made no difference to the story, but okay.
Overall this miniseries was highly enjoyable and there had better be a second season, as many questions remain unanswered when the final credits roll.
Cruella
(2021)
Don't Expect 101 Dalmatians or Meaningless Cruelty From Cruella
4 June 2021
I don't usually take the time to review films or shows, but after scrolling through many of the reviews here, I couldn't help myself.
Firstly, one recurring complaint that has come up: why can't she just be evil without a sad story? I don't know, maybe because in life abuse and trauma usually begets abuse and trauma? There's a reason that sociopaths throughout history have sad origin stories: because people don't become that twisted without going through some serious loss/trauma/abuse. Movies like this are about showing a different perspective - the villain's - which is obvious from the trailer alone. So if you don't want to see that and you just want a one dimensional villain with no story, no life experiences and no personality, why would you even watch it?
Secondly, complaints that it strays away from the 101 Dalmations story. Well yeah, this story isn't about the 101 dalmations or the protagonists of that film - it's about the villain. Again, pretty obvious from the title and trailer.
Frankly, this is Disney's best villain origin story yet - by far. Thompson is always brilliant and I can't recall seeing Stone in anything I didn't enjoy, but I was very dubious of her ability to play Cruella before seeing this. I was, however, pleasantly surprised and the on screen chemistry between the two Emmas was electrifying. The film is longer than Disney's standard instalments but it didn't feel long as it was well paced. The writing was good, the stark differences between Cruella and Estella were unsettling. The overall use of colour, largely black and red, worked well to set the right tone for the story. I have no doubt I'll be rewatching this many times in years to come.
Firstly, one recurring complaint that has come up: why can't she just be evil without a sad story? I don't know, maybe because in life abuse and trauma usually begets abuse and trauma? There's a reason that sociopaths throughout history have sad origin stories: because people don't become that twisted without going through some serious loss/trauma/abuse. Movies like this are about showing a different perspective - the villain's - which is obvious from the trailer alone. So if you don't want to see that and you just want a one dimensional villain with no story, no life experiences and no personality, why would you even watch it?
Secondly, complaints that it strays away from the 101 Dalmations story. Well yeah, this story isn't about the 101 dalmations or the protagonists of that film - it's about the villain. Again, pretty obvious from the title and trailer.
Frankly, this is Disney's best villain origin story yet - by far. Thompson is always brilliant and I can't recall seeing Stone in anything I didn't enjoy, but I was very dubious of her ability to play Cruella before seeing this. I was, however, pleasantly surprised and the on screen chemistry between the two Emmas was electrifying. The film is longer than Disney's standard instalments but it didn't feel long as it was well paced. The writing was good, the stark differences between Cruella and Estella were unsettling. The overall use of colour, largely black and red, worked well to set the right tone for the story. I have no doubt I'll be rewatching this many times in years to come.
My First Summer
(2020)
Unexpectedly wonderful
7 March 2021
I'm an Aussie who often does not enjoy Aussie films, despite my constant attempts to. This movie was a wonderful surprise - the setting was perfect for the story, and the young actors were so natural and authentic. The story is a beautiful coming of age tale, an innocent navigation of loss, human connection and sexuality. The music is lovely and the chemistry between the leads fills the screen. Nothing is over or under delivered - it all feels perfectly balanced. I'm hoping this film gets dvd release soon as I want to send it to friends overseas!
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