Fantasy Island

I find it interesting that everyone has forgotten about the re-boot made with Malcolm McDowell as Roarke. IT was a darker, more sarcastic take on the whole fantasy fullfilling issue - which maybe this re-make could make use of. The acting is fine. I like Roselyn Sanchez as Ms. Roarke and her assistant Ruby is also interesting as she gets familiar with this magical place. But it's just so - nice. Sweet. A bit too much sweet - not enough of a punch in the gut like some of the episodes with McDowell. I loved Ricardo Montalban and was a devoted viewer of the original and equally so the McDowell version. This one - it's so far a maybe on my list of must watch series.

Give this reboot a fair shake. If you want to see another snarky cruel show, this isn't for you. There's heart here, and an underlying kindness that speaks to the original. There's magic and a chance to see people confront and handle their problems. And beautiful scenery as a bonus. I look forward to seeing the show grow into itself and into our hearts as the original did.

Cancer, verbal abuse, body shaming, and sexuality... These are sometimes difficult issues to discuss and I think the first episode does this quite well. I see a lot of negative reviews for this show, but they all seem superficial when compared to the subject matter. Watch the show and judge for yourself.

Someone commented in the reviews that this series is catered to women. Well I watched 6 episodes so far and yes, it is definitely all women. Men are props and women are all the focus. Not very much diversity since they all cater towards diversity.

As Roselyn Sanchez states "Most people don't understand there is a difference between a fantasy and a miracle." Some of the other IMDB reviewers are obviously looking for a miracle, or simply just miss the 1977 TV version with Tattoo's (Hervé Villechaize) famous line "Boss 'da plane, 'da plane!"

I for one liked the refreshing upgrade to the Fantasy Island theme having the beautiful and very classy Roselyn Sanchez as the islands new host, and mini Tattoo has been replaced by a Golden Retriever dog named Mr. Jones. Roselyn plays Elena Roarke, and very quickly she pays homage to her Great Uncle, Ricardo Montalban, before we get to greet the islands first three guests.

I am a senior citizen now, and yes, I watched the original 1977 TV series regularly, but I also realize time passes us all by and as such with the passing of 44 years since this TV series was first aired, we all have memories. Some good memories, and some not so good memories that we sometimes reflect back and wish we could go back to a simpler time.

I think the producers have properly upgraded this new version, and Roselyn Sanchez makes the perfect new host. I look forward to being a regular weekly viewer.

I give this revamped Fantasy Island TV series a solid 8 out of 10 IMDB rating.