Netflix put online a few days ago a new adaptation of the Archie Comics comics which notably inspired the Riverdale series.
What is it about ?
Set in 1960s India, Archie and the gang discover love, friendship and the future of Riverdale, while real estate developers seek to destroy a beautiful park.
Riverdale with a sixties twist
It was without any promotion that The Archies arrived on Netflix and yet, this new adaptation of the Archie Comics comics is very nice. Head to the small Indian town of Riverdale where Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie and Jughead use music to bring the residents together and prevent Hiram Lodge from razing a historic park.
On paper, The Archies does not revolutionize the genre. But if you diligently watched the Netflix series which ended a few months ago, then you will enjoy seeing the heroes on your screen. No murders or mysterious investigations here. The scenario, light as can be, mainly revolves around the loving trio Archie / Betty / Veronica, without really worrying about politics or Indian history, relegated to the background. We’re here to sing about love and friendship, and to flirt over a milkshake from Pop’s.
The strength of this Indian feature film directed by Zoya Akhtar is to have made it a musical comedy with a sixties twist. From colorful outfits to energetic dances to rock’n’roll music, the film features around ten songs in Hindi and English in 2 hours 20 minutes. A nice nod to the eponymous music group which was born in the 70s and which notably gave the excellent “Sugar Sugar”.
The Archies is pop, colorful, ultra-referenced, and with a totally assumed (or rather extravagant) Nanardesque tone that suits the 60s. By playing the game to the end and banking on the freshness of its cast, this new Netflix film can quickly annoy you if you don’t like productions of this genre. As for the others, they will have a great time ahead.