Fear Street Part 1: 1994 may be just the beginning of a trilogy with an original story, but it perfectly captures the feel of the Fear Street book series.
Fans of the R.L. Stine book series Fear Street, are sure to be fans of the first movie in the original trilogy of the same name. Appropriately named Fear Street Part 1: 1994, this movie is the beginning of a trilogy and takes place in the year 1994. The twist on the films is that they work backwards — the second one being named Part 2: 1978 and the third Part 3: 1666. So while this is technically the first film, it takes place last if the dates in the titles are meant to be believed.
All three films come together to tell one killer story as Netflix puts it, and after viewing the first one, that makes a lot of sense. While the name is borrowed from the popular R.L. Stine books that every Goosebumps fan picked up when they hit a certain age, the story itself is original. That being said, the same horrific vibes are there, and it very much fits into what readers can imagine as part of the series.
When a series of brutal murders start occurring in Shadyside, a group of teenagers start to put together the pieces, and discover the reason for them is a lot more sinister than initially thought.
What Works With Fear Street Part 1: 1994
The things that work with Fear Street Part 1: 1994 do so because this movie is not afraid to fully embrace what it is. This film feels very 90s from start to finish. Not only because of the amazing wardrobes and the fantastic soundtrack — but also because it is very much a 90s horror type movie (think Scream, The Blair Witch Project, and I Know What You Did Last Summer).
This movie has some big, bad, scary, killers — each of which perfectly embodies a classic 90s killer. They never talk, they can’t be stopped by normal means, and they never NEVER give up. Sure, Fear Street is filled with the horror tropes that you would expect it to be filled with, but that is why it works so well.
This movie has a ton of bloody kills — some that are insanely creative and grotesque in the best way possible. There are also some great jump scares that will have viewers tossing their popcorn in the air as they get startled. Of course, there is a scene where, as one of the characters calls it, some people “go to pound town” because again, those classic 90s horror tropes are present.
What Doesn’t Work With Fear Street Part 1: 1994
If there is anything to complain about when it comes to this movie, it is the overacting. Each and every character is truly a character — and they all play their roles well. Of course, that is the point, however it could get annoying for some viewers.
If you go into this film ready to take it for what it is, it is nearly impossible to not have fun with it. of course there are minor issues here and there. For example, not all of the effects are perfect, and sometimes the blood is just simply not the right color. However, that just adds to the 90s feel of it all.
Overall Thoughts
Fear Street Part 1: 1994 is the perfect start to this trilogy story. The plot is intriguing and interesting right from the start, and it is easy to get sucked into the world of the characters. It is very clear that this is just the beginning, and all will be fully revealed in the final moments of the third film.
The feel of this movie really fits the title year of 1994 — with classic 90s horror tropes making the audience both laugh and scream. There is a lot to love about this one, and as long as you go in ready to take it for what it is, you are sure to have a blast with it!
About Fear Street Part 1: 1994
The trilogy begins in Shadyside, 1994.
In 1994, a group of teenagers discover the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations may all be connected — and they may be the next targets. Based on R.L. Stine’s best-selling horror series, FEAR STREET follows Shadyside’s sinister history through a nightmare 300 years in the making.
FEAR STREET PART 1: 1994: A circle of teenage friends accidentally encounter the ancient evil responsible for a series of brutal murders that have plagued their town for over 300 years. Welcome to Shadyside.
FEAR STREET PART 2: 1978: Shadyside, 1978. School’s out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge to kill, the fun in the sun becomes a gruesome fight for survival.
FEAR STREET PART 3: 1666: The origins of Sarah Fier’s curse are finally revealed as history comes full circle on a night that changes the lives of Shadysiders forever.
Watch the Fear Street Trilogy only on Netflix this July.
Fear Street Part One: 1994 – July 2
Fear Street Part Two: 1978 – July 9
Fear Street Part Three: 1666 – July 16
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.