Fun, adorable, quirky, and surprisingly touching, “Julie and The Phantoms” will have you dancing in your seats as you watch.
In 1995 Hollywood Luke (Charlie Gillespie), Reggie (Jeremy Shada), Alex (Owen Patrick Joyner), and Bobby are getting ready to play the Orpheum, sure that this gig will see Sunset Curve make the big time. All but Bobby head off for hotdogs before the show. A key lesson is to be learned in this opening scene, don’t eat hotdogs made in a back alley out of a car engine. Sadly, before they can take the stage, 3 members of Sunset Curve die.
In 2020 Hollywood Julie (Madison Reyes) is facing being kicked out of the music program her school offers due to being unable to perform since the death of her mother the year before. It is not until Julie begins to go through the garage studio her mother had that she comes across the demo cd of Sunset Curve, releasing the boys’ spirits back into the world.
Now, this isn’t your typical ghost story. These are ghosts that can be heard when they play their music, something that’s discovered when Julie’s father Ray (played by Carlos Ponce) hears what he believes to be a radio playing. It’s soon discovered that not only can the band be heard, but also seen when playing with Julie – and then it’s basically a straight story to the band being formed.
Of course, things are never simple, especially when ghosts, let alone teenage ghosts are involved. The band wants revenge on Bobby, who is now going by Trevor and is an incredibly successful musician having recorded Luke’s songs as his own.
Then there is Caleb Covington (Cheyenne Jackson) – a ghost who runs a nightclub full of both ghosts and ‘Lifers – the name given to those who still live. Caleb wants the boys for himself, tagging them, and draining their spirits.
It becomes a race to fulfill the band’s unfinished business, playing at the Orpheum, before Caleb can claim their souls.
In the midst of this Julie helps Luke tell his parents how sorry he is for running away. Bringing them all some closure, and bringing the audience to tears with the song Unsaid Emily.
This is a show for all ages. Parents will love it, teens will embrace it. The music is catchy and each song has a message not to give up. The overwhelming theme of the show is to always follow your dreams. Because life is short and your dodgy hotdog could be just around the corner.
“Julie and The Phantoms” is available now on Netflix.
Written by Shani Irvine
