News
Stephen King Film Adaptations; The Worst There Is
With the release of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower upon us, hardcore King fans aren’t quite sure if the movie will do the books justice. However, it isn’t the first time a movie based on King’s work has been off the mark as far as the source material is concerned. Several of King’s movies based on his work have missed the mark entirely. Here is a look at some of the movies that failed to live up to reader expectations.
Pet Semetary(1989)
I’m not going to say that this was a bad movie overall. However, when placed next to its source material, the movie just failed to live up to its expectations. The book Pet Sematary was, perhaps, one of King’s best. It’s use of death, pain, and loss elevates this book to mean much more to the reader than some hokey zombie read. The thought that perhaps death wasn’t the worst thing was something that resonated with the reader long after the book was placed down. The movie, however, was a watered down to a hokey zombie flick that involves Church the cat and Gage the son. Now, I know that it’s hard to convey feeling and emotion in a movie the same way that it’s portrayed in the book. Yet in the case of Pet Sematary it was like they didn’t even try. The movie Pet Sematary came across to the reader more as a cheesy coming attraction trailer than it did a movie of substance, fright, and emotion.
The Shining (1980)
What Stephen King book/movie comparison be complete without Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining? This movie was so off the source material that King himself doesn’t like it to this day. It even called need for a mini series that was closer to the material. Despite the many conspiracy theories that surround this movie, and despite Nicholson’s iconic catch phrase and lunatic ranting, the movie just missed the point of the book entirely. The switch of Danny’s imaginary friend going from being invisible in the book to being his finger in the movie just comes off as goofy instead of creepy. In addition, in the movie Jack’s affection for his son just does not come across as well as it does in the movie. There is a also a heavy overtone of addiction in the book that doesn’t carry over into the film. When comparing the content to the source material, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining just does not come close.
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
Perhaps, the worst adaptation on the list. This adaptation was so bad that Stephen King sued the filmmakers to remove his name from the film, eventually winning $2.5 million. Aside from a single scene, this movie was completely different than the story. However, it will be known as one of the first films to discuss virtual reality. Although the movie as itself is not horrible, it is a poor adaptation of the Stephen King novel. In a unique turn of events, the film is currently being remade for VR.
The Dark Half (1993)
Perhaps one of the most underrated stories of King became a terrible film adaptation in 1993. With so many character changes from page to screen it was difficult to recognize any of the folks you came to know in the book. Directed by the almighty George Romero this film had the potential to be one of King’s defining moments. However, with a plot that didn’t really seem to go anywhere, poor acting, and characters that resembled little of their source material this film came off as clunky, slow, and well…boring.
Cell (2016)
As a book Cell was a fantastic read! it truly captured the reader’s attention and refused to let go. Based off of a very scary concept that perhaps our cell phones aren’t as harmless as they seem, this film just failed to capture anything right from the book. What could have been a blood filled zombie like film dragged on from the moment it started. The other terrible part of this movie from a reader’s perspective is that they changed the ending! I won’t reveal what that ending is for the benefit of those who haven’t seen nor read the book. With an amazing cast (John Cuzak, Samuel Jackson) this film simply did not deliver. As the Lawnmower Man did not follow the King story purposely, this makes this movie perhaps the worst film adaptation on the list!
With this year being the year of King it is interesting to see how many adaptations, reworkings, and various versions of his work are coming to either the big or small screen, and it’s intriguing to see how they will hold up to the books. What do you think of the list? What other adaptations do you feel did not live up to the novel? Leave your comments bellow!
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News
A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo
It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.
For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.
An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.
“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”
A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.
That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.
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News
Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”
According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).
Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.
“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”
“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”
Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.
That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.
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Lists
New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]
Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.
We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.
May 1:
Airport
A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.
Airport ’75
When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.
Airport ’77
A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.
Jumanji
Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.
Hellboy
A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.
Starship Troopers
When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.
May 9
Bodkin
A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.
May 15
The Clovehitch Killer
A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.
May 16
Upgrade
After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.
Monster
After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.
May 24
Atlas
A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory
The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.
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