There’s something quite magical about a musical. It brings you into a fantasy world where your troubles are fixed by breaking out into song. I don’t think I’m the only thespian that has wanted to be in a musical despite not being able to sing for the life of me because it looked like fun.
Musicals have been a thing following the success of high school musical. Of course, they go back as far as the seventies, but the HSM series is more well known in the younger generation and so this show I had no doubt would be reminiscent of that.
Lately, with the sadness of what the world is today, I’ve been scouring Netflix for my next binge watch and honestly have been trying to get out of my rabbit hole that is The Untamed. That’s when I came across Julie and the Phantoms. Based off of the Brazilian show by the same name, Julie and the Phantoms tells the story of a young teen, who after losing her mother loses her passion for music and it takes a supernatural group of friends to help her sees the importance of following your dreams.
Of course, when it comes to making a series you must take the good with the bad. And that list goes hand in hand when it comes to Julie and the Phantoms. Here are my takes on the worst and best of Julie and the Phantoms.
8. Worst: Stereotypical old friend turned mean girl.
It seems that this character is in every teen show, the best friend turned bully and mean girl. I know series need an antagonist. I know a character’s growth is reliant on the antagonist, but give me an evil teacher, give me a two-faced parent—biological, not step who claims to want you to succeed, but stands in the way of your goals. Please, please stop the mean girl trend. It makes it seem like girls are too petty that they can’t effectively communicate and forgive to mend their friendship. As females our main purpose should be to pump each other up, not tear others down.
7. Best: Solo Numbers
Music is the main premise of this show. It’s the bones that keeps the body together. if you’re in it, you’ve got a pair of vocal cords that would make any coach jealous. This show was full of great musical numbers, mainly songs coming from the band. All carry their own message and feeling, but I have to say the Solo Numbers killed it. They’re fun, emotional and have killer dance moves. It’s exactly what you expect from a musical series. I have to say I enjoyed the solo acts and would have enjoyed to see more of them.
6. Worst: The Overbearing Aunt
By the third episode I was screaming at their aunt to get the Fuck off my screen. One thing I can’t stand is when other people, family or not, tell someone how to raise their children. Ray’s wife died that did not mean he was incapable of parenting. His main drawback is having trust in his children. He believed Julie to be an outstanding and honest young adult and so he never questioned when she said something to be true. And every time he tried to parent, here came their Tia to step her shoes all over his. Ray did miss a little bit of a backbone, but what he needed more from his sister-in-law was support in his decisions not to force his hand. Throughout the whole thing, I was hoping he told her that he had it. He didn’t need her being the devil on his shoulder. He didn’t, but I think it was more due to his respect. Maybe next time.
5. Best: Cheyenne Jackson as our villain
From his past works or I should say work, we all know Cheyenne Jackson can play a villain. There’s just something about his look that screams evil in a good way. Here he plays a character that mildly reminds me of Dr, facilier from the princess and the frog. He’s a ghost looking to turn the boys into eternal headliners in his club. He’ll do anything to make them his, even if that includes murder. Yes, the boys are dead, but when you cause them to existence to cease isn’t it the same as murdering their spirit? I say YES! He’s definitely not a ghost to mess with and I’m looking forward to how dark they can actually take his character next season while still carrying its G rating.
4. Worst: The Gig at the Orpheum Theater
So, throughout this series there was a heavy plot surrounding the Orpheum theater what was meant to be the first big performance of the Boys’ lives. It was meant to shoot them into superstar status. Sadly, it never happened. So, when it came time for their unfinished business, a performance at the Orpheum was it. Unfortunately, it left something to be savored. The way they described playing at the Orpheum was like playing a stadium, but when the scene came into play, it looked more like they were playing a jive bar instead of a well-known venue. It saddens me to say I was slightly disappointed. I’m sure with the budget it was the best they could do, but there’s so much movie tricks they could have used to make the place feel and look like a place Panic at the Disco would be playing.
3. Best: Willie and Alex
Watching the first few episodes of Julie and the Phantoms I just knew there was no way Netflix wouldn’t make one of our Boys gay. From the first episode my money was on Reggie as he gave me those vibes with his interaction with Alex following their Orpheum rehearsal. My inner BL fangirl screamed out. But no, it’s in fact our sensitive and caring Alex that is gay and develops a crush on fellow ghost Willie. You can imagine my surprise when BooBoo Stewart popped up on my screen with his luscious hair and amazing screen presence. I think the whole world, including myself had that freeze moment that Alex had when he laid eyes on him. Both actors had chemistry. It would have been nice to see further development but given that we had 10 episode and barely forty minutes each, it was difficult when the main romance was meant to be Luke and Julie. It still made for a good story. It begs the question if love can transcend time and death. I can’t wait to see what they do with them in season 2 should we get one.
2. Worst: The school scenes
Take them out! That’s all I have to say. It felt that these scenes were in to remind us that our main character was a student and to bring some conflict within the family dynamic, but I don’t think they brought any value to the show other than that. It supplied us with all the stereotypical high school dramas and characters. The popular jock, the mean girl, the overly sensitive best friends, and bullying that I’m just over. Someone give me an American high school representation that’s different. A girl that’s confident and when people talk trash, she just pays no mind.
1 Best: The Boys
The number one thing that made this series what it was must be the Boys. Luke, Alex, and Reggie are a class act. Although Reggie is a stereotype himself, playing the “blonde” one of the group, if you could say, there are parts of him that make up for it. The boys have a special bond due to their music. Luke is the front man, who’s their glue when doubt starts to creep into their minds, he’ll make sure they keep things positive. Alex is the one who’s in tune with his emotions and the timing is right and when to give someone their space. Reggie, Reggie, Reggie. Like it was said before, he sometimes comes across as not entirely intelligent, but I think it’s a front. He’s very empathetic and enjoys the company of others. Even in death he wants to be surrounded by the living. The phantoms brought humor, passion and heart to the show.
Although this series was far from perfect, seeing that it is geared toward the younger teen viewers, no one should be expecting anything racy or people dying. It was enjoyable. Like all works of art there are areas to be improved, but that doesn’t make it any less a good piece of entertainment. I’m really hoping Netflix decides to renew this series for a second season considering the cliff hanger we received in the last episode.
