I remember nights spent roaming the aisles of the local video store. Checking out the new releases, averting my eyes from the horror titles (Child’s Play was the worst). My friends and I planning to grab food, drinks, and movies for the night. I still drive past the spot where the New Hartford Blockbuster once stood and think about it fondly.
Netflix covered a documentary about the last standing blockbuster. They have now released the ten episode series “Blockbuster,” created by Vanessa Ramos. Ramos was a writer on the hit series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. The show “Blockbuster” is a fun watch that can easily be binged in a single weekend.
What works is the cast.
It’s an ensemble of comedic talent and all are excellent at being funny. Randall Park plays Timmy Yoon. Timmy is the owner/manager of the last standing Blockbuster store. He’s the type of manager you love. Passionate about his job and loved by his employees. Park is hysterical in a nerdy, pushover sort of way.
Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) plays Eliza Walker. Eliza is the crush of Timmy and the defacto assistant manager. Equally funny and immensely beautiful, Fumero delivers on all fronts.
The store staff is concluded with Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, Madeleine Arthur, and Kamaia Fairburn. J. B. Smoove plays Timmy’s best friend.
Each episode is simple and fast paced. There are sub-plots that are resolved while longer arcs continue throughout.
“Blockbuster” is a nostalgia junkies dream come true. And that’s me. First it was a trip back to the mall, and now this. It’s a funny show that I’ll definitely be revisiting.
Bring it back for season 2!
“Blockbuster” is currently available to stream on Netflix.
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