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- Netflix’s Blockbuster is interesting in theory, with a sound concept about a dying video rental store and a cast that can be charming at times. Unfortunately, it fails at delivering on its unique premise, often settling on derivative storytelling.
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Nov 3, 2022 · Blockbuster is a pure workplace comedy, along the lines of The Office, Superstore, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It’s created by Vanessa Ramos, who has written for the latter two series.
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Watch Blockbuster — Season 1 with a subscription on Netflix. Blockbuster tries to leverage nostalgia for the defunct brand, but this contrived workplace comedy is fatally unfunny -- be kind ...
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- November 3, 2022
- Randall Park
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- Verdict
By Kenneth Seward Jr.
Posted: Nov 3, 2022 1:00 pm
Blockbuster is now streaming on Netflix.
Netflix’s Blockbuster series was poised to deliver a modern look into a self-sustaining relic of a bygone era. A comedic, yet heartfelt show where the emphasis is equally placed on the machinations of the cast and the juxtaposition of opposing forms of media consumption. The premise is as sound as the question it proposes: what would it be like to work at the last Blockbuster on Earth? Apparently, it’s the same as working at any other brick and mortar store, if you believe Netflix’s interpretation of it.
The show depicts the plight of Timmy Yoon (Randall Park), the manager of a local Blockbuster who struggles to keep the lights on after learning that his store is the last one in America. Modern trappings like streaming services and the absence of a corporate backing place a financial strain on the business. Plans are made to garner new customers, but few pan out. Others lead to embarrassing predicaments and potential lawsuits. It’s a sad state for sure, considering Timmy’s sole passion in life seems to be tied to this job. His love of movies is only ever overshadowed by his feelings for Eliza (Melissa Fumero), a long-time crush who recently returned to the store as an employee.
Blockbuster’s setup is initially promising. Inspired by the franchise’s actual last remaining video rental store, the sentiments expressed here could act as a perpetual time capsule – a collective reminder of the past that operates in the present. Essentially, the depiction of a crew trying to keep this antiquated store alive in our streaming-based world is intriguing and, given how the show is written and produced by Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Vanessa Ramos, potentially humorous. Unfortunately, Blockbuster fails to showcase the nuanced perspective that one would derive from such a predicament.
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Instead of leaning on the unique situation that the cast has found themselves in, the show focuses on their (sometimes) turbulent relationships. The interesting aspects of their collective job is eschewed for stuff that can and does happen elsewhere. There are moments where characters may mention wanting to watch a streamed show over renting something or how the store can physically bring people together as a beacon of the community. But the cast rarely deals with the notion of late fees, missing movies, shelving issues, how a lot of people don’t have DVD players that aren’t gaming consoles, or much of anything relating to the rental service in today’s market. Outside of random movie quotes and the design of the set, it’s easy to forget that Blockbuster is supposed to be about a dying video rental store.
That’s not to say that the communal aspects of Blockbuster aren’t important. Viewers need to care about the characters in order to become invested. Write them well enough and most will get over the derivative story beats. This group of characters, as eccentric as some of them are, aren’t able to carry the show alone though. For one, there isn’t much in the way of humor. It’s evident that the cast is trying but none of their jokes land as intended. The heartfelt moments, meanwhile, don’t feel earned. J.B. Smoove in particular as Percy (Timmy’s best friend) struggles in this regard; his dealings with his estranged daughter Kayla (Kamaia Fairburn) evoke emotional responses because of the sad nature of their relationship, not because of strong performances.
Netflix’s Blockbuster is interesting in theory, with a sound concept about a dying video rental store and a cast that can be charming at times. Unfortunately, it fails at delivering on its unique premise, often settling on derivative storytelling. Nearly void of humor, with emotional moments that feel unearned, the show can’t rely on its cast eithe...
Nov 3, 2022 · Netflix's Blockbuster is a Cute, Forgettable Sitcom. Netflix got one of its biggest ha-has (read in Nelson Muntz's voice) when it started hosting last year a little-seen documentary called “The Last Blockbuster,” about its title subject store and the people behind it.
Nov 3, 2022 · ‘Blockbuster’ Review: Netflix’s Unmemorable New Nostalgia-Com. Randall Park and Melissa Fumero lead a workplace comedy set in the very last location of the video rental chain, from 'Superstore'...
- Angie Han
Nov 3, 2022 · Netflix's 'Blockbuster' can't escape the irony of its situation, despite Randall Park and Melissa Fumero's best efforts.
Nov 3, 2022 · It streams, in a film-worthy twist, on Netflix. Blockbuster is a classic ensemble sitcom, similar in spirit to Superstore, Abbott Elementary, Parks and Recreation, and other shows that find...