“Don’t you think it’s weird…that we only seem to hang out when the world’s about to end?” – Nancy, aka Nance
The residents of Hawkins, Indiana have been through a lot. At least the ones we got to know back in Season 1 of Stranger Things: the Netflix show that unexpectedly became a meme-generating, merch- selling phenomenon last summer (#justiceforbarb). Whether it was losing a best friend, getting trapped in a supernatural underworld by a demonic presence, or having their very first crush on a girl, these characters endured some heavy stuff.
And that’s where Season two picks up. Enough time has passed (almost a year, or 353 days to be exact) so that it feels like things should be back to normal in this small Midwestern town. But “should” doesn’t always line up with reality, especially when trauma is involved. And that incongruity is highlighted from the first episode of this surprisingly strong sophomore effort. On the surface, it seems like Will Byers has settled back into his old life after having almost died in the Upside Down. Remember how we barely ever saw Will in Season 1, except in flashbacks or as an unconscious prisoner? Well he’s now a main character, with the 80s bowl haircut that all of our moms really should have had the good sense to avoid. But in truth neither his mental nor his physical health have fully recovered – he’s secretly coughing up strange things into the sink and losing time to what appears to be flashbacks to the dark world he was caught in for so long.
I’ve seen other articles praising Noah Schnapp, the young actor who plays Will, and I agree that his impressive performance holds so much of this season together. From the minute he appears on-screen, there’s a specter of sickness and foreboding that hangs over Will, even as he tries so hard to fit back in with his family and friends. As much as they care and worry about him, they can never really understand what he’s experienced, so his isolation from them becomes another heartbreak he has to endure.
Of course Will may be the most traumatized of everyone – if that’s the sort of thing you can even measure – but he’s certainly not the only character dealing with grief, confusion and shock. Nancy (Natalia Dyer) seems happily coupled up with Steve (Joe Keery), but can’t get past her guilt at losing Barb (yes, Barb, she was a thing, RIP Barb and just fyi that Shannon Purser is on Riverdale now). Will’s mom, Joyce (Winona Ryder) has a wonderful new boyfriend named Samwise, I mean Bob (Sean Astin), but can’t feel safe whenever Will’s not in her sights. And Chief Hopper (David Harbour), who never tried to hide being a screw-up, is having secret rendezvous with someone in the woods. And then there also are plenty of new characters, all of whome seem just as damaged as everyone else.
And I haven’t even talked about Will’s brother, Jonathon(Charlie Heaton), Will’s friends, Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas(Caleb McLaughlin) and Dustin(Gaten Matarazzo), and this Eggo-fiend with a shaved head, you might remember she went by Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). One of the strengths of this show is that with an ensemble cast so big, you figure you’re bound to get stuck with a few dud characters or storylines that drag. But in the world of Stranger Things, every subplot or side character is moving enough, endearing enough, or at least has ridiculous enough hair, to keep you interested. And Season 2 plays to that strength by mixing things up and pairing people off in new ways. Ever want to see a buddy comedy starring John Hughs-esque heartthrob Steve and the adorable moppet/smart aleck Dustin? You will after this. And while none of the new characters really steal the scene (good luck with that with the incomporable Millie Bobby Brown around) – Paul Reiser’s suspicious doctor, the very sweet Bob and Max, the new kid in town, all come close – none of them diminish the amazing chemistry the original cast already established.
If the show – and particularly this season – has a weakness, it’s in the recycled feel of the scifi elements in some storylines. Why did it feel so fresh last year to see a bunch of rag-tag kids taking on all kinds of evil – real world and supernatural – as they biked through the 80s, the decade perfectly recreated with every shoulder pad and hair metal band on the soundtrack? Maybe because we weren’t yet in the middle of a Stephen King-assaince? (Seeing Finn Wolfhard in this and IT definitely blurs the line). Maybe just cause this season was bound to feel like a call back to itself? Anyway, it’s not the perfect pop culture reverence that bothers me – put an ET doll in a scene where a character feeds his new alien pet some candy any day – I get it and I love it. But some of the plot starts to feel like a paint-by-the-numbers for anyone who’s followed sci-fi movies or TV for the past 30 years. The aforementioned “cute” alien pet that quickly gets not so cute. Check. A ragtag group of rebel youth, some with special powers. Check. A bitter father-figure and precocious but violent child who team up to battle evil. Ugh, Logan was great though, wasn’t it? Let’s just say there were times when I wanted the show to surprise me and it didn’t get quite there.
But that’s not to say I was ever bored. I binged the entire thing in one day, and sure, maybe that’s partly because I was on deadline for this, but the truth is I would have done it anyway. Once things really start rolling at the end of episode two – and that’s the Halloween episode, so get ready for some throwback costume perfection – I was along for the ride. And I suspect you will be too. The Duffer Brothers – who created the show and write and direct a good percentage of the episodes – are just too good at getting you hooked, at making you care. You’ll notice in the first few paragraphs of this review I mention a lot of words like “trauma”, “foreboding”, “heartbreak” and “isolation”. So you might have been asking yourself if you were gonna have any fun watching this. Absolutely you are – it’s also a riot – with the jokes and callbacks you’ve been dying for since you binged season 1 last July. And that’s what gets you – that combination of so many great, original characters, who go through some really interesting and serious emotional development, plus all the meme-able dad jokes you could want. All that makes Stranger Things a highly addicting TV show and thoroughly satisfying way to spend nine hours on your couch, even if the world will be ending soon.

Movie
Zootopia 2 | Teaser Trailer

Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed a brand-new teaser trailer this morning for “Zootopia 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2016’s Academy Award®-winning “Zootopia.” Featuring glimpses at new and returning characters, the trailer reunites rookie cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) and teases a new team-up with a mysterious pit viper, Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan).
In the film, which opens only in theaters on Nov. 26, Judy and Nick find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, they must go undercover in unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. According to Disney Animation chief creative officer and director Jared Bush, who also wrote the script, a larger world is in store for fans. “We are beyond excited to welcome everyone back to the outrageous, expansive animal metropolis of Zootopia, and take audiences on a hilarious, wild ride into parts of the city we’ve never visited before,” said Bush. “Whether it’s the marshes of semi-aquatic mammals, the vast desert dunes, or even greater mysteries beyond, our heroes, Judy and Nick, will meet a lot of new friends, and discover even more about the world, themselves, and a brand-new snake in town.”
Added director Byron Howard, “The trailer features the original song ‘ZUTU’ by Zootopia’s finest lemming techno group, LEMEEENS. Fresh from touring with superstar Gazelle as her opening act, members Hans-Peter, Gūnther, Spielt, and their DJ, Spaß, created the song to mark the occasion and welcome the world back to the City of Zootopia!”
From the Oscar®-winning team of Jared Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer), “Zootopia 2” also features the voices of Fortune Feimster, Quinta Brunson, and Shakira, who returns as Gazelle.
Movie
Top 10 Horror Houses

You have to admit that the majority of horror media has some prime real estate. Here at ThatsMyE, we appreciate the aesthetics amidst the blood and gore! Here are our top 10 beautiful horror houses:

10 Amityville (1979 and 2005)
Here we have the most notorious Dutch colonial house in the world. The lauded address of 112 Ocean Avenue comes, suspiciously, fully furnished! The house’s most distinctive features are the two quarter-round windows located in the attic. These windows have been known to glow red on occasion, which adds to the overall ambiance of the surrounding lake. The lucky residents can choose whether to be terrorised by James Brolin or Ryan Reynolds.
Property also comes with a demonic pig christened ‘Jodie’ by a previous resident.

9 The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
Located just outside the revitalised town of Southington, Connecticut, this fabulously presented two-floor house has an extremely interesting history. The house’s best feature is its spacious basement, complete with its own embalming table at no extra cost! This table makes a fun toy for any children in the property.
We strongly advise that if any tenants happen to find any historic post-mortem photographs around the property, DO NOT throw them out, as they will more than pay for your rent.

8 The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
We are delighted to present this beautiful gothic mansion aptly named ‘Hill House’. Boasting a grand staircase, numerous statues, and sprawling grounds, you will feel like you are in a gothic novel!
Hill House includes the use of the ‘Red Room’, which is said to be extremely therapeutic but is not accessible to everyone.
The property also includes a permanent clockmaker to repair the numerous grandfather clocks included in the property. A bonus for any busy family.

7 Secret Window (2004)
This immaculately presented cabin, located in upstate New York, screams cosy. Perfect for any individual wanting to get away from it all. After a few weeks, you won’t even feel like yourself!

6 The Others (2001)
This spacious country mansion located on the Channel Island of Jersey is the very epitome of privacy! Extremely secure with locks on EVERY door. An ideal home for growing children; your little darlings will make friends around every corner. The previous owners are extremely welcoming, with many fun games and songs, they will become a part of you!

5 Casper (1995)
Now this is an extremely unique property. Known as ‘Whipstaff Manor’, its unique silhouette, floor-to-ceiling windows, spiralling staircases, and intricate ceilings are to DIE for.
The property also comes with four roommates who make it feel like home. A rowdy bunch, but they do a great karaoke night. Property also comes with a personal, transparent chef and a hidden lab.
The house imposes a midnight curfew.

4 American Horror Story: Murder House (2011)
1120 Westchester Place is colloquially known by the adorable nickname of ‘Murder House’. Located in an upmarket LA neighbourhood, its gothic revival style gives it extreme curb appeal, you will never want to leave!
The house’s previous tenants are still extremely attached to the property, and even your new neighbours will want to visit again and again.
The property does boast a spacious basement, but we would advise any new owners to limit their use of this space. Just keep the Christmas decorations there or something!

3 13 Ghosts (2001)
This property is a rare find! Made almost entirely of glass! The exhibitionists among you will love it! Don’t worry, though; the bathrooms are hidden, so your privacy will only be invaded by the permanent residents of the house. The 13 residents are feisty but welcoming, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.
This avant-garde design will make you feel like you are living in a work of art! Also included in the sale are pairs of LED glasses to help you see and interact with the permanent residents of the house. Unfortunately, there is not enough for the entire family.

2 Paranormal Activity (2007)
Have you ever wanted a property with a driveway, porch swing, pool, and a hereditary demon? Well, this is the house for you!
Complete with an ultra-modern kitchen (easy access to knives!), a high-tech security system that will absolutely protect you…and an ensuite in the master bedroom! After viewing this San Diego home, you will want to invite the whole family around!
The resident demon (likes to be known as ‘Toby’) will even help you shift furniture, how helpful is that?

1 The Grudge/Ju-on (2002)
Located in the Nerima District of Tokyo, this immaculately presented traditional two-storey Japanese house (we don’t recommend viewing the third level).
This family home boasts many sought-after Japanese design features, such as shoji screen doors and tatami mats, which are offset beautifully by the presence of an onryō, a traditional Japanese ghost, for a traditional Japanese home!
This house is so magnetic that previous visitors and residents will pop in from time to time. We strongly advise that if you hear a rattling type groaning noise, do not look in its direction. Potential owners must like cats.
Movie
Bring Her Back

Recently orphaned stepsiblings Piper and Andy find themselves farmed out to an adoptive mother with a sinister hidden agenda.
Welcome back, Horror fans, to another outing from the fine folks at A24 films, the second film from the Philippou brothers. Bring Her Back is a film heavy with tragedy and grief, but also a good deal of child abuse, so be aware of all kinds of serious trigger warnings. Make sure your cutlery is out of children’s reach, and let’s dive into this!
So poor Piper (Sora Wong) is mostly blind, and clearly looks disabled with her wandering eyes and twitchy countenance, and the cane she clearly hates but definitely needs. Despite her shortcomings, Piper is a generally happy girl and always tries to (sorry) look on the sunny side of life, especially with her older step-brother Andy (Billy Barratt), who always has her back. Andy and Piper share a special bond; never once does Andy indicate he’d rather be doing anything other than protecting and helping Piper. Indeed, one of the major plot moments of the film is the secrets concerning their shared father that Andy always tried to keep from Piper. But we’ll get to that. Right now, it’s Andy and Piper, armed with truth and grapefruits against the world, especially when they come home from school together and find their father dead in the shower stall.
They say children are quite adaptable and of course Andy would have to be if he expects to take care of both himself and Piper when he turns eighteen in a few months, but until then, the state wants to separate them and send Andy off to fend for himself on his own, and send Piper to a foster mother called Laura (Sally Hawkins). Andy, of course, is having none of this and does his best to insist that they be sent off to Laura together, which secretly relieves Piper. And really, expecting someone as disabled as Piper to adjust to the death of her only surviving parent, lose her beloved brother, and settle into foster care all by herself pretty much all at once, is just ridiculous and asking for trouble.
So it seems Laura holds a whole bunch of open secrets in her place of residence, but the one at the forefront is the loss of Laura’s beloved blind daughter, Cathy (Misha Hewyood). Laura already has a foster child in residence, the so very weird-looking and even weirder-acting Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), mostly mute but oddly following Laura’s cheerful commands with the starved gaze of a needful animal. Laura still lives in the same home where her beloved Cathy died, drowned in the now-empty pool, while the locked shed nearby holds many secrets, with her cat Junkman occasionally providing discordant music whenever Oliver gets hold of him.
Laura claims to be a counselor and has worked for the state with adoptive children for years, though seriously, she never should’ve stayed employed anywhere near children, for reasons
that become apparent rather quickly. You see, Laura has plans for Piper, and since Andy is intruding on those plans, the first thing she has to do is gaslight the ever-loving hell out of him, to get him institutionalized and out of the way. This woman tries to insist on the observance of strange old customs at the kids’ fathers’ funeral, yet also helps them assuage their grief by getting both Piper and Andy entirely drunk at her house afterwards.
Laura encourages Andy’s horrified revisiting of the trauma his father inflicted upon him, takes it upon herself to ensure Andy is exhibiting several major classic symptoms of childhood tendency towards murderous behavior, and encourages Piper to cling to her in fear, from the purported actions of her own brother. Laura also has a tendency to ignore or apparently forget there’s a whole other foster child in her care, despite Oliver’s nasty eating habits and horrific appearance, which sets up a whole other case for Andy to mistakenly mistreat yet another person in his life, when Piper and Laura go out for a girls-only jaunt and Andy takes it upon himself to try and feed cantaloupe melon of all things to the red-eyed little terror. Things go from bad to so much worse when Andy tries to take Oliver to a doctor, and as soon as the demon-child crosses the white line that encircles Laura’s house, all shrieking hell breaks loose.
Timing seems to be crucial to the plans Laura has for Piper, especially since Oliver’s apparently insatiable hunger is rising and his thin veneer of humanity is peeling off, and as it begins to rain and the pool fills, Laura is also coming apart at the seams in her desperation to have her daughter back.
The film deals very heavy-handedly with some very weighted subjects, but at the forefront is of course, child abuse by elders they’re supposed to have trusted – Andy and Piper’s father, with his shower terrorism and hushed-up abuse; Wendy from the state adoption agency whose sole job it is to make sure those kids are placed with safe, reliable foster parents actually capable of taking care of them; even especially Laura herself, in her murderous demonic rampage but really, only with the best of intentions dear. Sure, there is an overlay of supernatural pretext and demonic goings-on in the film, but by and large, the real monsters are the human adults treating the kids this way.
Laura’s very real grief at the loss of her beloved Cathy embodies the sentiment that ‘no parent should ever have to outlive their own child’, which in no way excuses the lengths Laura is going to, to Bring Her Back.
Decide how far you might go with such a question, and see Bring Her Back, in theaters now!