WARNING THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS
Fan Review by Carrie!
Today a new generation in my house was officially introduced to the wonder of Cory Matthews and his wife Topanga. I sat and watched (with chills and tears I might add.) the online sneak peek with my 8 year old niece, my 3 year old niece and my 8 month old nephew. My nephew babbled happily and smiled at my lap and my nieces laughed along with me at all the funny parts. I will admit though, the first few minutes had me a bit worried as I could see how it might have the Disney feel to it. BUT, as it went on, it was very reminiscent of its predecessor at the same time though it found its own groove. Riley and Maya are very much Cory and Shawn. I love the chemistry and the dynamic of their friendship. The last scene on the subway was very Shawn and Cory-scentric. I love that Riley is like Cory in that she wants her best friend to succeed in life and will save her even when she feels like she doesn’t need saving.You could see how easy it was for Ben and Danielle to step back into these roles. You could also see how easy they transitioned into the roles of parents. Cory as a teacher is perfect and to me it comes full circle. The little boy who was always one half of the duo giving Mr. Feeny a run for his money; even betting him that his job was easy in one episode has now become the teacher and mentor. This time to his daughter and her best friend who in turn give him a run for his money.
Rowan Blanchard who plays Riley is looks wise the PERFECT mixture of Cory and Topanga, however, she is just like her daddy. Innocent and precocious, and willing to take a bullet for her best friend. She even had some of Topanga’s quirkiness, which I thought was perfect!Sabrina Carpenter as Maya is absolutely the female Shawn. She has a snarky and rough exterior outside, yet lost, scared and caring on the inside. I got teary with her scene on the subway where she was trying to push Riley away because she thought Cory was going to tell Riley they couldn’t be friends anymore.August Maturo is adorable as Auggie. You could tell his character looks up to his older sister. I can’t help but wonder what his character will be like as the show progresses?Peyton Meyer as Lucas is totally the boy next door. From what I have read he is supposed to be Riley’s love interest. Could they possibly have something like Cory and Topanga did/do? I get the feeling he is going to be a real good guy and a good friend to Riley and Farkle. Again I am interested to see where this character goes. Corey Fogelmanis as Farkle is perfectly cast! Even more so knowing he is Minkus’s son lol. He really could be a young Lee Norris. For being so young, his comic timing is spot on. He was excellent in his deliveries. And he had that lovable yet annoyingly energetic flair to him. Its very reminiscent of a young Jim Carey. I love it! What I loved more than meeting this fine ensemble cast was all the throw backs to BMW.
This first episode was about choices and knowing who we are as a person. In one particular scene Riley stands up in class along with Maya who is protesting homework. Cory asks his daughter what she is doing. She replies Im being Maya. Cory reminds her that she isn’t Maya and that she knows that deep down and is just like him. To which she says shes not and asks him if he would protest homework as well. We all know he and Shawn did exactly that. Another moment is when Cory is talking to Maya after she sets off the sprinkler system. He tells her that for as long as he can remember she and Riley have always been friends and Riley has always been saving her and that she goes too far with her antics. That moment reminded me so much of the talk that Cory’s dad had with Shawn when he and Cory got drunk. I am so excited to see where this show goes. I know that it will be loved as much and if not more as Boy Meets World.