Archive for Stephen King

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Stephen King’s Thinner review

Posted in Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , , on September 17, 2012 by Alex Roy

Stephen King’s Thinner (1996)

Tagline: Let the curse fit the crime.

Directed by:
Tom Holland

Produced by:
Mitchell Galin
Richard P. Rubinstein

Run Time:
92 minutes

Released:
October 25, 1996

Review:

Tom Holland’s Thinner is an excellent horror tale that deserves more praise than it originally got. Tom Holland is a great director in the genre and he crafts yet another terrific tale of horror based on the book by the same name by Stephen King (who wrote the book under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). The plot surrounds Billy Halleck who is cursed by Gypsy’s after Helleck accidentally kills a member of their clan. Now, Billy Halleck is losing weight more and more. Holland delivers a great film with Thinner, and he keeps the chills going due to his knack of creating a tense, creepy atmosphere, which he applied in his 1985 masterwork, Fright Night. This is a well made horror film that has some great special effects and effective chills to keep you interested from start to finish. Thinner is quite frankly an underrated Stephen King adaptation and it definitely is worth seeing if you love King’s work. This is an entertaining film that should appeal to horror fans. Despite its flaws, this is one of the better King adaptations and it is one of the better horror films of the 90′s. At times the film is genuinely creepy and Tom Holland pulls off something wonderful with great scrip at hand, therefore this is the director’s best work since 1985′s Fright Night. If you’re looking for an effective and entertaining horror yarn, give this film a shot. A much underrated film, Thinner deserves a bit more praise than what it actually received. This is a memorable horror film that boasts impressive special effects and pretty good acting.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Salem’s Lot review

Posted in Vampire films with tags , , , , , on September 9, 2012 by Alex Roy

Salem’s Lot (1979)

Tagline: The Ultimate in terror

Directed by:
Tobe Hooper

Produced by:
Richard Kobritz

Run Time:
184 Minutes

Released:
November 17, 1979

Review:

As a TV movie, Salem’s Lot is a stunning film that generates effective chills. Directed by horror master Tobe Hooper, Salem’s Lot adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same name is a terrific tale of vampires. This is among the classic vampire films and is a must see for fans of the genre. Well acted and directed, this is a powerful and terrifying horror film that is quite impressive because it was made for TV and it has the chilling, eerie tone of a big budget theatrical release. This was Tobe Hooper at his peak. It among one of his strongest films and it remains an essential film for vampire lovers everywhere. This is a stunning film that relies on old school horror trick to create its tension. The result is an effective, creepy film that generates genuine terror for the viewer. Salem’s Lot remains one of the best vampire films ever made and some scenes in the film are truly terrifying and one of a kind. A brilliant, well acted film, this is a must see for horror fans and is sure to appeal to Stephen King fans and Hooper fans alike. This is an atmospheric film that will certainly terrify you. As far as the vampire genre is concerned, this is among the best the genre has seen. Not only that, but as Stephen King adaptation, it ranks among the best. Salem’s Lot is a standout horror film, and is a classic of horror. The story is engaging and creepy and the directing is effective and the cast are terrific as well. A must see for genre fans.

Final Rating:
8/10

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Carrie review

Posted in Supernatural Horror with tags , , , on April 18, 2012 by Alex Roy

Carrie (1976)

Tagline: If you got a taste for terror… Take Carrie to the prom.

Directed by:
Brian DePalma

Produced by:
Brian DePalma

Run Time:
98 Minutes

Released:
November 3, 1976

Review:

Carrie is a superb Horror film. Simply put. The book is what began Stephen King’s career as a modern Horror maestro. Carrie follows the story of a young teenager named Carrie White who is disliked by her classmates and is constantly bullied. Brian Depalma stays faithful to the novel amazingly well and Sissy Spacek brings Carrie to life. The real horror begins when the kids at her school go a little too far, and they fully understand quickly that they made a big mistake. Carrie has telekinetic powers and takes revenge on her school. This is a fine Horror film that features great performances by PJ Soles (Halloween) Nancy Allen (RoboCop) and John Travolta (Saturday Night Fever, Pulp Fiction) Give Carrie a viewing, and be prepared for a great Horror film. A flawless film that is pure horror, Carrie is a classic that will delight fans new and old. This is one of the finest of Stephen King adaptations Carrie is a fine supernatural horror flick that remains after all these years a classic of the genre. If you’re looking for a great King adaptation, this film is it. Brilliantly acted and directed, Carrie is a horrifying treat that will appeal to fans of horror, and is a film that I would recommend to newer horror fans Unlike more intense horror films, Carrie is a film that has effective scares, but is not as intense as so many other horror flicks. This the perfect entry-level horror film a\s it has an effective plot with good scares, but it doesn’t overdo anything which makes it a worthwhile film.

Final Rating:
10/10

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The Rage: Carrie 2 review

Posted in Bad Horror, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , on April 18, 2012 by Alex Roy

The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)

Tagline: Looks can kill.

Directed by:
Katt Shea

Produced by:
Patrick J. Palmer
Paul Monash

Run Times:
104 Minutes

Released:
March 12, 1999

Review:

This film offers nothing new, and plays out like a case of being there done that. The result is a bad film with a poor script and a low-budget vibe. This film relies more on the gore elements this time around, and focuses less on the story, not that it matters because when it does, it navigates familiar territory that becomes predictable. The film suffers greatly due to its bad cast and poorly written script. The film is a pointless unnecessary sequel. I’ve thrown that term around quite a bit in describing horror sequels, but this is true with The Rage. I thought the film was bad with little substance. The film tends to play more on the gore effects. Director Katt Shea is more focused on grossing out the audience than scaring it. Considering that this is a sequel to a horror classic, you’d think that they would make it good. Unfortunately the result is a film that misses the mark and is a victim of its own conception because of the fact that it relies on gore and other assorted special effects. If more attention would have been given to its story, then the film might have been better, but it’s not to be. The film has a high body count and if you love gore, you may enjoy this film. But to those whore are expecting a film like Carrie, you’ll be sadly disappointed. The Rage plays out like a gore fest with slasher film elements due to a high body count. Nothing original is at work here, thus fans of the classic film will find this film pointless, stupid and a slap in the face of the original.

Final Rating:
2/10

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Firestarter review

Posted in Bad Horror, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , on April 16, 2012 by Alex Roy

Firestarter (1984)

Tagline: She has the power . . . an evil destructive force.

Directed by:
Mark L. Lester

Produced by:
Frank Capra Jr.

Run Time:
114 Minutes

Released:
May 11, 1984

Review:

The problem with Firestarter is that it is a horror film that relies way too much on elaborate special effects. The book written by Stephen King was good, entertaining, scary and effective at delivering thrills. This is a film that cheaply relies on the effects to try to create the same atmosphere that the book had, but the payoff is horrible. This is one of the worst Stephen King adaptations that I have seen. King himself, voted this film as one of the worst of his book to screen adaptations. This film was bad, and considering the cast, you’d expect something good, right? However this is a poorly constructed film that relies little on story and more on effects. I think the film would have been much better if the filmmakers would have developed the story a bit more and focused less on visuals. This is a sloppy attempt at bringing Stephen King’s book to the screen. Firestarter could have been a good film, unfortunately the film fails and instead of elaborating on the story; it just becomes a visual feast for the eyes with no substance. If you’re looking for a good adaptation of a Stephen King novel, you won’t find it here. If you’re a fan of the book, you’ll be disappointed in this film. This is a film that only visually looks good, but doesn’t offer anything else. If you’re looking for good horror elements, look elsewhere. You won’t find it here. The script and directing are horrible, and it’s a shame that they couldn’t bring a great book to the screen in a more memorable manner. This film is bad, and is quite forgettable.

Final Rating:
3/10

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Firestarter 2: Rekindled review

Posted in Bad Horror, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , on April 16, 2012 by Alex Roy

Firestarter 2: Rekindled (2002)

Tagline: Little Charlie’s all grown up… and setting the town on fire!

Directed by:
Robert Iscove

Run Time:
168 Minutes

Released:
March 5, 2004

Review:

Sequel to an already bad film, Firestarter 2: Rekindled is an unnecessary film that continues what the first film tried to do. This film is sloppy in its conception, and I felt that they could have done much better than this. Considering some impressive names attached to this project, I’m surprised that the film was this bad. The film suffered from a poor script and unfocused directing. This suffers from many stand points. The main reason is because that this sequel is a sequel to a bad Stephen King adaptation. The Firestarter adaptation was a bad sci-fi horror flick with a bad cast that didn’t deliver. This film was not needed, I mean the first one was sloppily made and is for me one of the worst adaptations of a Stephen King novel. Rekindled has all the elements that make up a bad film. Just because there’s some impressive names in the cast doesn’t mean that this is a good flick. The film just doesn’t deliver anything of note. Rekindled is a film that is not worth your time. The filmmakers clearly didn’t care for this film. The film has an awful plot that makes this sequel not worth your time. This is a boring, unimpressive film that was totally not worth watching. The film, like the first film could have been great, unfortunately there’s too many flaws displayed on-screen. The film simply doesn’t work due to a poor script, and like I said, the weaknesses show. Rekindled is standard made for TV trash. This film is horrible and adds nothing really new to an already bad Stephen King adaptation (Firestarter) which makes this one a pointless and painful film from start to finish.

Final Rating:
2/10

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Pet Sematary review

Posted in Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , on March 29, 2012 by Alex Roy

Pet Sematary (1989)

Tagline: Sometimes dead is better.

Directed by:
Mary Lambert

Produced by:
Richard P. Rubinstein

Run Time:
103 minutes

Released:
April 21, 1989

Review:

Pet Sematary is a very good horror film and believe it or not somebody can make a good horror film out of a Stephen King novel. Mary Lambert does a great job with this film and manages to bring across King’s creepy story pretty well. Most people may avoid this, but they should check it out. This film is surprisingly good, and is definitely one of the better King adaptations. Above all, this is one of the scariest of all of King’s creations, and those who loved the book will definitely enjoy this film. This is a terrific film that delivers solid scares, and fans of the book like myself will enjoy it. I find this film adaptation to be very underrated, and it doesn’t deserve the flack it has received. As far as horror films are concerned, Pet Sematary delivers a memorable and terrifying viewing experience. The film has a good cast that deliver on-screen. Actor Fred Gwynne is probably the best here, and the lead actor Dale Midkiff is good as well. This film is better than what most people would think. As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the better King adaptations that really stands out and delivers effective terror. Director Mary Lambert keeps the terror coming and the film has a good atmosphere with a sense of evil, dread and helplessness. This is what makes horror so much fun to watch. Pet Sematary has all the elements that would make for a good, entertaining horror film. If you’re a Stephen King fan, then check this one out. This film has plenty of effective creepy moments to give you a good scare.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Pet Sematary 2 review

Posted in Bad Horror, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , on March 29, 2012 by Alex Roy

Pet Sematary 2 (1992)

Tagline: Raise some hell.

Directed by:
Mary Lambert

Produced by:
Ralph Singleton

Run Time:
100 minutes

Released:
August 28, 1992

Review:

Pet Sematary two is a pretty bad sequel to a very good horror flick. As usual, the filmmakers decided to create a follow-up to a fun horror flick, but this time around, the sequel really doesn’t pay off. The film may appeal to gore fans, as it is very gruesome and director Mary Lambert leaves nothing out. This sequel acts as if it forgets the first film, that actually delivered terror; but this time around, it just delivers on the bloodletting. What I loved about the original was the supernatural elements that rounded out a good story, and in fact it probably was the best work by author Stephen King. Pet Sematary tries to amp up the game by providing more blood and gore and the film doesn’t stand out. I felt that this film missed the mark and didn’t deliver anything aside from gore. A good story would have helped, but the film lacked in that department. I felt the film lacked anything really interesting that would make it watchable. This sequel relies more on gore than anything, and it’s fine if that’s what you’re expecting, but to those who loved those who loved the original, this will most likely disappoint you. As far as sequels are concerned, this follow-up is bad to mediocre and with only the gore factor to deliver its horror, the film ends up being a waste of time. There are a few decent elements here and there, but as a whole; the film doesn’t work and like I previously stated, it’s a disappointment. The film could have been much better and the filmmakers could have thought of a better plot, but it’s just bland.

Final Rating:
4/10

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Graveyard Shift review

Posted in Modern Monsters with tags , , , on February 29, 2012 by Alex Roy

Graveyard Shift (1990)

Tagline: Stephen King took you to the edge with The Shining and Pet Sematary. This time……he pushes you over.

Directed by:
Ralph S. Singleton

Produced by:
William J. Dunn
Ralph S. Singleton

Run Time:
89 Minutes

Released:
October 26, 1990

Review:

I don’t understand the flack this film has gotten. I mean yes, its low budget, and yes the acting and script are mediocre, but the film does have its moments. Graveyard Shift is obviously not the best of Stephen Kings adaptations. If you want the worst, check out Firestarter. Now that was a terrible film. Graveyard Shift however is a simple, fun horror film. People seem to be turned off by the fact that its low-budget, and doesn’t respect King’s original. Well many of book to screen adaptations of Stephen King’s books have never been truly faithful to the source material. In fact the only one that can adapt a Stephen King work successfully to the screen is Frank Darabont, director of The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Mist. I can’t put my finger on what I like about this film. Maybe it’s because it’s simple in its concept and story, I found appealing. Graveyard Shift is a fairly good horror film that doesn’t deserve all the flack it has been given. I understand as to why it has, but there’s something pretty enjoyable in this film. The film is far from the worst ever made. Graveyard Shift has a decent enough cast to support the film. One performance in particular was terrific, Brad Douriff as The Exterminator. The film is worth watching due to his performance alone. Graveyard Shift for all its imperfections is still a film worth seeing, and it is a film that’s fairly entertaining as well. It’s good cheesy fun, yes it cheap, yes, the acting is sloppy; but who cares?

Final Rating:
6/10

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Silver Bullet review

Posted in Modern Monsters with tags , , on February 26, 2012 by Alex Roy

Silver Bullet (1985)

Tagline: It started in May in a small town and every month after that whenever the moon is full… It came back

Directed by:
Daniel Attias

Produced by:
Dino De Laurentiis

Run Time:
95 Minutes

Released:
October 11, 1985

Review:

Silver Bullet is a pretty good werewolf film. Corey Haim gives a good performance and so does Gary Busey. Silver Bullet is based on a short story by Stephen King, and like every King adaptation it’s creepy and chilling. The werewolf effects are great and terrifying. The film is definitely a thrill ride, and is a terrific horror film. Despite this film being horrifying and thrilling, the film does have a few flaws. Silver Bullet feels like a teen version of a Werewolf film due to the fact that heart throb Corey Haim plays a crippled kid. this film could have benefited from a stronger storyline as well. The film has some tense, scary moments, but at times the terror feels a bit forced and it prevents Silver Bullet to reaching its full potential. Otherwise, a pretty good film, if you like werewolf films, then Silver Bullet will give you a different take on the werewolf myth, but this ain’t no American Werewolf In London.

Final Rating:
7/10

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