Fantasy Island (TV Series) Hungry Christine/Mel Loves Ruby (2021) User Reviews

As we age our fantasies also change so why shouldn't this series be revived?

[Ed-Shullivan · 8/10 · 11 August 2021]

There are two very different story lines in this first episode of the revival series. Both are very well done. I actually got goosebumps with the elderly couple who come to the island to live out their fantasy. Roselyn Sanchez is both beautiful and classy as the new Fantasy Island host welcoming her guests to the island. She also pays homage to her Great Uncle Mr. Roarke from the original 1977 TV series.

Well done!!!!

Disappointing First Episode

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 18 July 2022]

The host Elena Roarke welcomes the new guests in the Fantasy Island that previously belonged to her Great Uncle. The TV anchor Christine Collins has the fantasy to eat whatever she wants and not grow fat. The senior couple Ruby and Mel Akuda want to spend a weekend of pleasure since Ruby is terminal with incurable cancer. Christine has her fantasy fulfilled and resolves her inner problems while Ruby has a huge surprise.

"Hungry Christine/Mel Loves Ruby" is the first episode of "Fantasy Island" (2021) aired recently by the Brazilian Universal channel in the cable television. The episode is disappointing since usually the first episode of any series is a kind of pilot to attract viewers. Both plots are not good enough. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Hungry Christine/Mel Loves Ruby"

I'm Not Sure Yet...

[kj_tenneson · 6/10 · 17 August 2021]

So let me start by saying, I was around for the 1977 version and that series holds a very special place in my heart. I own the series, and although the visuals don't hold up, the stories do. Fantasy Island was always about the stories..and about Mr. Roarke.

They revived it again, (or tried to) in 1998, which I enjoyed - again because of the stories and because of an impressive performance by Malcolm McDowell. You see, the thing about Mr. Roarke, was that there was a darkness about him. Not in the traditional way, but he could capture that Yoda-esque moment of 'You will be' gravitas when needed. And it's not that I think a woman can't DO that, it's just ...I'm not convinced THIS woman can.

Roselyn Sanchez is amazing and she is not afraid of the role, which is a plus. However, in the past, Mr. Roarke never needed the pilot (or anyone else for that matter), telling him who the guests were. He always knew and was giving exposition by explaining to his 'number two'. I didn't like that. Roarke is running the show, not just being the concierge.

Now, in regards to the introduction of Roarke's 'second' in this was amazing! I liked the twist. The Mel loves Ruby storyline was poignant and heart-breaking. That was a positive, as well and I think Ruby will be strong addition to the cast. As for the Christine storyline, I LOVE the actress and she knocked it out of the park, but the story felt a bit weak to me.

All in all, I will give it a few more episodes before stating my like/dislike, but for now I will say...I'm interested enough to keep watching.

Eat and feel happy while killing the past/Trading age and sickness for the fountain of youth!

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 12 August 2021]

This episode one from "FOX's" "Fantasy Island" reboot called "Hungry Christine/Mel Loves Ruby" was one entertaining and well done heartfelt episode that was escape as it was nice seeing characters get away from their problems and get new chances in life. The episode featured two plots with a woman and couple arriving on the magical hidden island. Ran and occupied by Elena Roarke(Roselyn Sanchez) she comforts and welcomes guest helping them enjoy their wishes and dreams while escaping their current troubles. Bellamy Young stars as Ms. Collins a news anchor with a weight and food problem she wants to look thin in front of the tube, only she wants to continue to pig out on sweets and fine food. Never fear this is a food island a buffet paradise of tasty and sweet food, plus she will not gain a pound however, Collins faces some past demons before she returns to reality. Second up is an elderly couple named Mel and Ruby(Kiara Barnes) who feel their time has come as Ruby could soon be leaving the present earth only a plan is in the works it's like a trade as old age swaps for a fountain of youth. Overall well done episode will be a fine series look forward to other episodes.

Better Than Expected!

[miltm13 · 9/10 · 15 August 2021]

Having been an avid fan of the original, when I was in my youth, I expected this reboot to be a major disappointment. Trying to revive a classic TV show almost always ends in disaster. I'm happy to say that this first episode was very well done and I hope the series continues in this vein. Of course, if it's too good of a show, FOX is sure to cancel it way too soon!

What are your values?

[ethelethelita · 1/10 · 27 April 2023]

I remember the original series and there were life lessons there. Loyalty, friendship, how to put up with painful events in life. This first chapter in the new series should not make reference to Ricardo Montalban. He must be revolted in his grave. Hungry Christine could only overcome her hunger by "eating" his enemy, that is, through revenge. But I kept the worst for last. After building a life with an incredibly good man who would even trade his own life for hers, she chooses to say goodbye just for the sake of the taste of "what would have been like if..." So he will die old and lonely. These are the values of the immediate gratification, body senses are the most important thing, no matter what. Just doing what her physicality tells her to do is more important than true love, companionship, loyalty, integrity. It is so sad to see this and several other remakes that have too little to offer, especially to young audiences.

Much more about the control the island has on people and things than original series.

[krugcamp · 5 September 2021]

Not sure how many people picked up on who Ruby meets on her beach run. Its the island spirit! She says her name is Isla(Island). Later we see her putting a tattoo on Ruby's back (homage to Tattoo from the original series?) and at the closing of the episode that tattoo magically changes to its final form.

Ep 1 True Love

[toni-egan · 9/10 · 8 November 2021]

The story of Ruby and Mel made me cry. So sad, so beautiful and rich too. Well told.

Letting go of who you love is one of the hardest things to do, even when you know it is the only option.

Standing on the shoulders of giants

[abarnes1878 · 1/10 · 8 May 2023]

This iteration of Fantasy Island has all the flaws characteristic of modern remakes. It has none of the charm or charisma of the original and instead shoehorns in currently popular themes which I doubt will stand up to scrutiny in 10 or 20 years time.

As much as the original is loved by those of us of a certain age this will be long forgotten as another generic "paint by numbers" series of no consequence.

I was so disappointed by this series and the loss of legacy that I eventually turned off. It doesn't matter how good the actor or actresses is if the source material is badly written or the agenda is more important than the story.

Even in the nineties it was cringy when they made this mistake

[fientje-vermeulen · 2/10 · 7 February 2022]

There's this thing called bisexuality. It's actually been well-known for quite a while now. The fact that your lady might be interested in girls AS WELL does not automatically mean that her love for you was purely platonic.

Even with shows in the nineties when it was way more of an issue to be non-straight, it was a known concept. This is just a plot-hole that bugs me massively every time again.

Hungry Christine/Mel Loves Ruby

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 26 April 2023]

Fantasy Island is back again. This time there is a little guy missing shouting 'The Plane, the plane.'

There is a small nod to Ricardo Montalban's Mr Roarke. He was the great uncle to Elena Roark. She is the new host of this magical Fantasy Island who is receiving a new set of guests.

The first two set of guests is television presenter Christine Collins. She has spent her time watching her diet to stay in shape in a competitive industry. The waft of smell of some fresh donuts sends Christine into a viral meltdown.

Elderly couple Ruby and Mel Akuda arrive at the island for one last pleasurable adventure. Ruby is dying of cancer, it is not a cure they want s they realise the island cannot provide that.

On the island Christine discovers that she can eat anything and not put on weight. What she really finds is her root cause of her trauma that began in childhood.

As for Ruby and Mel. The waterfall in a stream on the island rejuvenates them. They become younger but for Ruby it also exposes some latent feelings she held years ago.

The first episode does not have the most exciting of stories. Ruby's has a bit of a twist. Christine's goes a bit dark which is well in keeping of the original Fantasy Island.

It just was not too exciting.