Joshua M. Hayes Documentary

Film Review: One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5

★★★★ There may be no convincing way to sell the largeness of the Stranger Things phenomena to an outsider. Having followed the show since day one, I still remember needing to special-order custom merchandise due to the Netflix breakout itself having zero out at the time. Wearing it to a convention was akin to having … Continue reading Film Review: One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5

Joshua M. Hayes Family, Fantasy, Festival

NYICFF 2025: The Legend of Ochi

★★★ Falling in tone somewhere between Wes Anderson and 80s Jim Henson, A24’s fantasy-themed curiosity, The Legend of Ochi, has all the ingredients for an instant classic. A whimsical score that evokes nostalgia and timeless charm, stellar creature design that utilizes only practical effects, stunning cinematography that transports viewers to the faraway island of Carpathia … Continue reading NYICFF 2025: The Legend of Ochi

Joshua M. Hayes Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Television, Thriller

TV Review: Stranger Things 4, Volume 1

I remain in awe of the massive, ever-growing fanbase for Netflix’s Stranger Things—from a sleeper hit in 2016 to emerging as one of the streamer’s finest offerings, this a horror/sci-fi success story unlike any other. The third season was my favorite so far, evolving into a campier, large-scale 80s horror extravaganza. Thanks to the worldwide … Continue reading TV Review: Stranger Things 4, Volume 1

Joshua M. Hayes Fantasy, Horror, Pit Stop, Sci-Fi, Television, Thriller

Pit Stop: Stranger Things: The Experience New York

It's crazy to think just how big a juggernaut that Netflix's excellent horror series, Stranger Things, has become. I remember shortly after the first season debuted, when it was so new and beloved that they were yet to even produce merchandise. I ordered a custom-made Stranger Things tee online at the time and wore it … Continue reading Pit Stop: Stranger Things: The Experience New York