Review: Everything Sucks!
By Alexander Glover | Mar 16 2018
Directors: Michael Mohan and Ry Russo-YoungCreators: Ben York Jones and Michael MohanStarring: Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Peyton Kennedy, Patch Darragh, Claudine Mboligikpelani NakoRelease Date: Available now on NetflixThis coming-of-age Netflix comedy is set in 1996 in Boring, Oregon where tourists come to photograph the sign but never actually visit the town. Viewers are regularly made aware of how the town lives up to its name and how difficult it is to find creative inspiration in such a place.However, creativity takes centre stage throughout the series as the audience follows Boring High School’s A/V Club and their run-ins with the older and ‘cooler’ Drama Club. Freshmen Luke (Di’Allo Winston), Tyler (Quinn Liebling) and McQuaid (Rio Mangini) join A/V Club eager to get involved in high school life and avoid interactions with the opposite sex. The latter part proving to be more difficult.The series leans heavily on nostalgic cues and with the 90s back en vogue it couldn’t come at a better time.
The series leans heavily on nostalgic cues and with the 90s back en vogue it couldn’t come at a better time. It wouldn’t surprise me if took its inspiration for this show from the popularity of Freaks & Geeks.Like Freaks & Geeks, this show focuses on two groups of high school outsiders. Similarly, it also deals with social issues such as coming to terms with your sexuality, coping with familial issues, and accepting who you are. Principal Messner (Darragh) and Luke’s mom (Mboligikpelani Nako) provide relatability to older audiences.The series is entirely character-driven. There are some standout performances, in particular from Di’Allo Winston whose range is incredible. One moment he’s an adorable, charming young man, and the next he’s an aggressive film director. At all times, however, he wears his heart on his sleeve as Luke.Luke’s ten-episode-arc brings with it changes to the teenager archetype, in what seems to the viewer as no time at all. By the end of the series, you’ll probably be craving a simpler time without smartphones, social networks and...er...DVDs. The VHS is very important in this show.In a Nutshell: An awkward, cringe-inducing, but ultimately, heart-warming series that’s worth the watch for some LOLs.