Crazy Fun Park (TV Series 2023– ) Poster

(2023– )

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9/10
If you liked The Lost Boys...
aardvarktheape4 October 2023
After Mapplethorpe dies in a feat of stupidity at an abandoned carnival, best friend Chester discovers that Mapplethorpe "lives" each night from dusk til dawn, trapped at the park with a group of other ghostly teenagers who met similar fates. Chester sneaks off to visit nightly -- which interferes with his schooling -- and each episode delves into the life and death of a different character.

I went into this blind and was gripped practically from the start. The characters are lovable, there's not one weak link in the cast (Stacy Clausen is a standout as Mapplethorpe, and Judith Lucy chews the scenery as Chester's teacher/counselor), it moves at a brisk pace, there are some really funny moments, plenty of well-structured drama, and a whole lot of heart. My only two criticisms are that Nimrod's storyline devolved into pure schmaltz, and the big mystery surrounding leader Remus ultimately felt sort of... meh.

The thing that I kept thinking was that it reminded me of the 1980s vampire classic "The Lost Boys." That's certainly not intended as an insult, nor did it seem like some blatant ripoff, but there's a similar dramedy tone and many of the same elements.

With just dead air and bad reality shows coming out of Hollywood at the moment, this Aussie miniseries was a welcome surprise. Highly recommended.
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10/10
A fun romp that tackles real issues with heart
karaiko_raine15 January 2023
I absolutely loved this show, and I watched all ten episodes over a couple of days as soon as I stumbled on it on ABC iView.

I found the tone to be fairly light-hearted, and yet, this is a show about (mostly) dead teenagers (or rather, their ghosts) - and as the way they each died unravelled, you may shed some tears like I did. There are some heavy themes throughout, but they were handled with such grace and compassion by the writers and producers of this show.

I definitely would caution parents of young children against watching this, unless you're all ready for some pretty big questions about death, mental health, and the meaning of life.

I thought the acting was wonderful as well, even the characters who seemed less "animated" - this felt intentional.

I know this only just came out, but I very much hope there will be a season 2! :)
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5/10
Could Have Been Better...
rumiwomack27 November 2023
Crazy Fun Park is clearly an expansion on (what i would call) "The Boys Trilogy" that Nicholas Verso has created.

The trilogy consists of The Last Time I Saw Richard (2015), Boys In The Trees (2016) and Crazy Fun Park (2023).

Now, if you've seen any of Verso's other films, then you'd know that he really likes the "Lost Boys" style of writing and directing. And as successful as The Last Time I Saw Richard (2015) and Boys In The Trees were (2016), Crazy Fun Park just does not live up to the cult following reputation of those other films.

The acting is mediocre at best, the plot and direction is bland (in comparison to Verso's other projects in this trilogy) and the show itself is way too goofy and comedic. It feels like it's not taking itself seriously enough, which is a real shame, considering the things that resonated with me most about the "The Boys Trilogy" were the dark undertones and atmosphere. Those undertones really set the tone for these films and made them engaging and entertaining to watch. But, this series seemingly scrapped that idea all together and decided to use cheap comedic route to make up for the lack of real any substance.

Moral of the story, all good things must come to an end. But, It was definitely fun while it lasted, and I highly suggest checking out the other films in "The Boys trilogy" if you haven't already!
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10/10
I can see why it won an award from outstanding children's series.
jpartington-007335 October 2023
Absolutely fantastic series!

It has every element you want in a show, from a bit of comedy, to a bit of thriller, to emotional scenes. Actually it was a very emotional and moving story.

The actors are outstanding.

We didn't realise it was for children when we started watching, and certainly didn't feel childish in any way.

It's definitely worth a watch, 100% and isn't scary at all. Actually it's rather beautiful and I'm not ashamed to say I did cry.

I'm really hoping for a second series as although the ending was fantastic and could be left there, I definitely want more from this show and the eery Park behind it.
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2/10
About what you would expect
blryan197325 December 2023
I went into this not really expecting anything since the Goosebumps re-release was such a disappointment.

I went into it with even less expectation because it was Australian. But I was hopeful since it was Australian and I did not know any of the actors so you do not get bogged down with their personal opinions.

It was going well until episodes 5 or 6 where it starts to show more of the B characters personalities, stories and coupling traits. And then by episode 7 we started with the grammar lessons.

From there you are so distracted and irritated by that unwanted and un-useful injected information that you are annoyed and just quit.
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10/10
The Start of a Great October
ronshortttt6 October 2023
This is what The Midnight Club should have been. I really loved the setting of the theme park. It brought to mind that early film from the 90s Little Monsters. I also thought of 80s/90s Tim Burton. It was emotional, funny, and not quite scary but creepy at times. Oh, and the use of songs from bands like The 69 Eyes and White Zombie was a great touch. I am only on episode 9 so not sure how it ends but I hope it ends without a cliffhanger. I would love this as a limited series. It has some PC stuff that will put some people off but that comes with almost every modern show, it isn't forced here though. It doesn't bother me, and I would never let that be a reason to pass up something that could be amazing. I love all the episodes and characters so far! No real blood or guts, just some creepy makeup on certain characters. Loved the three conjoined brothers!
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10/10
Absolutely Fabulous Show
snowdustfeather18 February 2024
I went in blindly with low expectations and I was not disappointed. This show is a hidden gem! There are no particularly unlikable characters, and once we see their backstories they each get more interesting. I am also surprised at the LGBT representation, it was shockingly good! The acting was good, the storyline was full of heart and even made me shed some tears.

It's certainly not for everyone, but I still highly recommend watching this. The themes of loss and grief might lean into more mature audiences, but isn't exactly a horror series. Some aforementioned themes and visual effects here and there could be a little bit unsettling for some.

For some bad stuff (and this is pretty nitpicky,) some things just get forgotten. I'd give some examples but that's kind of hard to do keeping this review spoiler free. As much as I wish for a season 2, the ending was perfectly fine. I wish this show can get an actual fanbase that I could talk about the show with.

Sorry if this review is a bit ranty, but I just love this show so much.
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9/10
Emotional and enjoyable
scott-89511 November 2023
I didn't have any expectations for this and only picked it as I couldn't figure out the hotel TV.

Anyway, I ended up being hooked and binged all 10 episodes.

It does have some funny elements but, for me, I thought it was a really well crafted drama with some horror, loads of emotion and some life lessons.

I have to say I didn't expect to cry at all watching this show but I did have a little blub.

I'm not sure if there could be a season 2 unless the focus is on a different character but I'm really impressed that this "kids" show was so well done.

Overall, a really enjoyable story that deals with death and being able to let go.
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10/10
Very good show
natersck26 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The show has sort of an emotional touch which is amazing.

But hear me out for season 2!

What if the guy that created the park sought to have it destroyed and Chester going to school fights for it and eventually succeeds in saving the park just to build it safer and bigger for all beings not just the dead.

Could even be a season 4 or 5. This show is good enough it could last that long.

From what I see though, this show is in need of a season 2. It's far too good and if you've ever watched Boys in the trees 2016 it has some similar ideas.

Friends are amazing but it hurts when they pass on, I think season 2 could focus on Mapplethorpes regrets and how he may struggle mentally with knowing he'll never get to tell his mom the three most basic words and hear a response. It could also focus on the regrets he has with not listening to Chester. There's a lot that could happen with this show and it's pretty much a golden canvas right now.
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