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.
The majority of the issues that arise over the course of 10 episodes are commonplace. Trying to get customers to visit a store in person, as opposed to shopping online, is a dilemma most small businesses face – even ones that were just recently a part of a larger whole. The seasoned employee who struggles with anything app-related being accosted by a teenage coworker is a familiar occurrence. Tough decisions surrounding layoffs. The mishandling of funds. Even the “office” romance, where unrequited love leads to awkward exchanges and noticeable favoritism, is expected. That, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily a problem…at least, not beyond the fact that none of these dilemmas have much to do with specifically managing a Blockbuster.
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.
Though Randall Park does a decent job in the role, his charm as an actor only goes so far.
The same can be said of Timmy’s efforts to keep himself and his friends employed. It’s easy to get behind his various plans and such as a response to his predicament. And though Randall Park does a decent job in the role, his charm as an actor only goes so far. Melissa Fumero fares better at times, thanks to her engaging and sometimes passionate portrayal of Eliza. Madeleine Arthur and Olga Merediz often steal the show with their odd behavior/strange outbursts as of coworkers Hannah and Connie respectively. Sadly, the occasional smile they’d produce was always a short-lived occurrence.
Blockbuster is at its best when the focus is on the cast in relation to their unique dilemma. Late night inventory checks, the fumbling of a display placement, a washed-up movie star ruining an event – these are the segments that shine as the cast is forced to contend with the reality of their situation in chaotic ways. The problem is that Blockbuster is rarely ever at its best and at its worst, the show fails to justify its own existence.
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