NekoHomey
Purely Joyful Movie!
Phonearl
Good start, but then it gets ruined
ChanFamous
I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.
Phillipa
Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
ct780
Considering what DEAD OF SUMMER set out to do -- recreate the 1980s horror movie feeling with a fun summer show that's not meant to be taken too seriously --, I have to say the second half of Season 1 managed to do that, but the first half fell completely flat.The problem is that the show is set up such that each season focuses on one particular summer and one group of characters. However, each of the main characters gets one episode of flashbacks dedicated to them (think in terms of LOST's first season). There are about 9 such characters and only 10 episodes. You can do the math. It basically means, as soon as you get to know some of the characters, they get killed off. (Not all of them die, but I don't want to spoil too much.) So for me, the question was: Why should I care? What's the point? Why should I get invested in any of the characters (and hence, the story) when I only see their backstory but not much about how they act and make decisions NOW? The reason a show introduces a character's backstory is so we can understand how the characters tick and why they act the way they do and what lessons they learn over time -- but if you kill them off right after spending a lot of time showing their backstory, there won't be much growth. No lessons learned. Nothing memorable for the audience. Furthermore, the first season suffers from some pretty glaring logic flaws. For example, they have all these young children in this summer camp -- but when the killings begin, they just keep going as if nothing happened? What about traumatizing these kids for life? What about their parents -- they're okay with leaving their kids in a camp tainted by death and mysterious events? I'm not buying it.The second half of the season does much better with regard to the above mentioned problems. For example, when they finally want to evacuate the kids, the evil spirits in the camp try to stop the bus. Or when some of the main characters try to run away from camp, there's some sort of force field preventing them from getting out (I think it's similar to ONCE UPON A TIME -- apparently Kitsis/Horowitz love to borrow from other shows they've been involved with). While these are, of course, supernatural things that require you to suspend your disbelief, they make it much easier to accept that the main characters and all these children are stuck in that camp and have to fight for their lives. Similarly, the pacing of the last few episodes is much better. There's more at stake; the main characters can't trust each other anymore; there's more urgency; and some of the flashbacks reveal some new twists that put everything into a new light.So, for me, it's 5/10 stars. I watched the first season as it unfolded week after week, and there was too much time in between episodes to ignore all these flaws. If you binge-watch the whole season and don't really think about its (lack of) logic, it might leave a better impression. The last few episodes really showed what the show could have been.
TheDeadGodfather
One of the Best Show in Years, I Can't Wait for New Episodes to Come Back. The Cast are Incredible. The Casting, The Acting & The Writing are Amazing. Perfect Next to Pretty Little Liars, Great Combo. Everybody Should be Watching This. They Should Make More Shows Just Like This on TV. Killing Off the Main Character Almost Every Week is Wonderful. Elizabeth Lail & Amber Coney are Great Newcomers Plus Very Pretty to Look At. You Have to Watch Almost the Whole Season Before You Can Review a Show. I Gave Guilt an Entire Season & I Did Not Like It Plus It Was Also on the FreeForm Channel. But Dead of Summer You Won't Regret Giving it a Chance, It's Worth Your Time, Trust Me. FreeForm Please Keep This Winner of a Show. Thank You.
gonzo_don
The most "politically correct over-the-top" TV show I've ever seen in my life. They've got it all: the slut, the gay guy, the transgender, the drug dealer, the deputy sheriff, the inter-racial relationship, the young guy and old woman relationship, the summer camp, the devil- worshippers... What more could you ask for. It's easily the worst show on television. Easily. The writers are either juvenile fatheads in a room full of dope smoke or geniuses who know exactly what appeals to these hipster-millenials who don't have a clue what the world is about. I watch it for all the wrong reasons, I guess. But it really is a joy to watch. Sort of like watching "Plan 9 From Outer Space."
wildsparrow16
I was expecting some Camp Crystal Lake Gorefest and I am glad I gave it a watch because it's not like that at all. Sure, it's the same type of theme, but it's very well done. There is actually little gore and there is a lot of character development, especially when we learn the pasts of Alex and Drew - very well-played out. I will continue to watch this show and have not yet missed any episodes. It's also kind of neat that it takes place in the 80's, with Bowie music and all. Give this a chance - it's not worthy of an Emmy, but it is pretty creepy and atmospheric with good character development. But the girls need bigger hair - it's the 80's!