DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site
General => Movies and TV => Topic started by: jingle.boy on March 01, 2016, 09:36:26 AM
-
I knew this was greenlit, but these details bring it to another level. Guess I'm gonna have to start re-reading this. Less than 11 months to go.
After many years, and many attempts, a film version of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower is finally getting underway with Idris Elba confirmed as the gunslinger and Matthew McConaughey as the mystical foe known as the man in black.
Both the author and the movie’s director and co-writer, Nikolaj Arcel, spoke exclusively with EW about the plan to begin adapting the six-shooter-and-sorcery tale — which spans eight novels, assorted comic books and short stories, and is frequently referenced throughout King’s body of work.
“The thing is, it’s been a looong trip from the books to the film,” King says, putting it right in context: “When you think about it, I started these stories as a senior in college, sitting in a little sh-tty cabin beside the river in Maine, and finally this thing is actually in pre-production now.” He laughs. “I’m delighted, and I’m a little bit surprised.”
Arcel, who is best known for the 2012 Danish film A Royal Affair and for co-writing the Swedish version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, says he will start shooting The Dark Tower in South Africa in seven weeks, and Sony Pictures plans to have it in theaters on Jan. 13, 2017.
More - https://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/29/dark-tower-rises-stephen-king-idris-elba-and-matthew-mcconaughey
I'm mixed on them starting mid-story... really wish they could've found the backing to invest in The Gunslinger, make it wildly successful, then make it a franchise ala Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Divergent.
-
In a way, even The Gunslinger starts in media res doesn't it? Heh
Anyway, they can just get around all and every complaint about it by having Roland walking with the Horn of Eld.
-
I'm curious to see how the racial tensions are resolved in the film, given that Roland won't be white now.
Nevertheless, if King is OK with it, I'm OK with it. Elba and McConaughey are two of my favorite actors, so I can't wait for this.
-
This series seems near impossible to pull off effectively on film, but I am still interested to see how it turns out.
As for the racial tensions, it's been 8 years or so since I finished the series, but I think Roland was just as confounded by Eddie as he was Detta/Odetta. I don't think it would have to be centered on their racial differences, but simply that they are from different worlds. If anything, I remember more racial tension between her and Eddie, and that can still be played out with this adaptation.
-
Finally!!!!!! I just hope they can pull it off. I didn't read anything about a TV show tie-in. Elba is great choice.
-
I am reminded of Needful Things.... "You've been here before..."
Curious to see how this will play out. Definitely following with interest.
I also like how King can drop "shitty" in to a quote without caring that it will be printed across the internet, while most celebrities will fall over themselves to not say anything harsher than "Gosh darn."
-
I am reminded of Needful Things.... "You've been here before..."
Ka... ka is a wheel.
-
I'm pretty disappointed in the news that they're not planning on a movie series and are not starting at the beginning of the first book. I have no problem with Elba as Roland, although it will take some time to get used to him looking nothing like my mental image of him over the last several years I've been a fan of the books. I honestly have low expectations for this simply because I love the books so much. It is unlikely I'll think the movie does them justice.
I have always thought that The Dark Tower would make a better Game of Thrones style series on HBO or Showtime than a movie. 6-8 seasons of 10 episodes each would have done the books justice.
-
Or Netflix.
-
The rational part of my brain is thinking about the several reasons this could go poorly, but it's thusfar being drowned out by the rest of my brain screaming about how fucking awesome it is that Roland Deschain is coming to the big screen (and is being played by Stringer Bell).
-
I will see the movie though I do agree that TV or Netflix would have been a better option. I think it could also work as an animated series.
-
I know there have been rumors for awhile of this being movie and tv series. Did I miss where it says this will only be one movie? I wonder if they're waiting to see how successful it will be. I don't have problem if they don't start at the beginning IF they go back and show the earlier parts at some point. Honestly, if they're not going to cover the whole story my interest in this is pretty low. I LOVE the series and love King and I don't want to see a half-assed version.
-
I'm pretty disappointed in the news that they're not planning on a movie series and are not starting at the beginning of the first book.
They are planning on a series of movies. They are just going to do them one at a time.
-
I will see the movie though I do agree that TV or Netflix would have been a better option. I think it could also work as an animated series.
If they didn't want to cast young Roland, I think an animated interlude covering Wizard and Glass (similar to what Lucy Liu's character got in Kill Bill, but obviously longer) could work well.
-
Interesting read. https://www.aintitcool.com/node/74563
-
Thanks for sharing! I think having Roalnd start off with the Horn of Eld would be really smart and great way to "continue" the story in a new direction from the books but still be able to portray the essence of the books on screen.
-
Interesting read. https://www.aintitcool.com/node/74563
Yep. Read that this morning.
I'm not sure about having him with the Horn to begin with.
-
Yeah, I don't think I like it. Having the horn signifies a Roland who has already gone through the events of the books, which is a less interesting Roland to follow through his adventures compared to the Roland we meet at the start of The Gunslinger. It seems like it's a move to placate the contingent of book fans who will howl over every little change from the text. I think something like Game of Thrones has shown that you can adapt to the screen while making changes just fine. The comparison was drawn to what JJ Abrams did with his Star Trek movies, but I don't really think it's the same. With Star Trek, they went back to the beginning of the story and basically split it off into an alternate reality, featuring the same characters. While the horn gives them the same leeway to be able to change things, it's not starting off with the same Roland.
-
Man, I really need to re-read these. I read The Gunslinger in 1988, quickly read The Drawing of the Three, and then followed the books as they were released. Lots of holes in my memory around the details.
-
To me, the whole concept of not having the Horn and then having the Horn shows the possibility that the wheel of ka has turned many times, and Roland has already been on multiple versions of his quest. Given that, I think it would be a much better reveal to do it like the novels, in that him eventually having it is a change from what has gone on before.
-
Yeah, I don't think I like it. Having the horn signifies a Roland who has already gone through the events of the books, which is a less interesting Roland to follow through his adventures compared to the Roland we meet at the start of The Gunslinger. It seems like it's a move to placate the contingent of book fans who will howl over every little change from the text. I think something like Game of Thrones has shown that you can adapt to the screen while making changes just fine. The comparison was drawn to what JJ Abrams did with his Star Trek movies, but I don't really think it's the same. With Star Trek, they went back to the beginning of the story and basically split it off into an alternate reality, featuring the same characters. While the horn gives them the same leeway to be able to change things, it's not starting off with the same Roland.
I get what you're saying but the Roland we meet at the start of the series is a Roland that had already went through the events of the books anyway. Yes, we aren't aware of it because you haven't read all the books but still.
-
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13263843_485277034995501_590827392291968467_n.jpg?oh=b79fecbc4fa75cd3860200c1304cad94&oe=57D12203)
First images of Idris Elba as Roland have surfaced.
-
:tup
-
Idris is da man.
-
Looks good, but it's going to take a bit of an adjustment.
-
Looks good, but it's going to take a bit of an adjustment.
I know what you mean.
-
Looks good, but it's going to take a bit of an adjustment.
I agree. I have no problem with Elba in the role. He's a great actor. It's just going to be hard for me to see Roland looking so different than how I've viewed him over the last 8 years I've been a huge fan of the books.
-
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13263843_485277034995501_590827392291968467_n.jpg?oh=b79fecbc4fa75cd3860200c1304cad94&oe=57D12203)
First images of Idris Elba as Roland have surfaced.
More of the same here...
https://www.thterrortime.com/idris-elba-is-the-gunslinger-the-first-look-at-elba-as-roland/?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link
-
I don't remember Roland carrying a cell phone. ;)
-
I don't remember Roland carrying a cell phone. ;)
The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed... searching for a cell signal.
-
didn't expect his clothes to be so clean.
-
Possible spoiler stuff in the link, and in my comments ect. ect...
https://movieweb.com/dark-tower-movie-story-changes-stephen-king/
I found this article tonight. The headline mentions big changes, but I really didn't expect Eddie and Susannah to be replaced completely? The total image reversal of Roland is one thing, but E and S are incredibly important to the overall story. Could this simply be a case of their names being changed for the movie? I've been hoping for a movie adaption for these stories to happen for a very long time, but I'm beginning to feel a little bit wary.
-
Possible spoiler stuff in the link, and in my comments ect. ect...
https://movieweb.com/dark-tower-movie-story-changes-stephen-king/
I found this article tonight. The headline mentions big changes, but I really didn't expect Eddie and Susannah to be replaced completely? The total image reversal of Roland is one thing, but E and S are incredibly important to the overall story. Could this simply be a case of their names being changed for the movie? I've been hoping for a movie adaption for these stories to happen for a very long time, but I'm beginning to feel a little bit wary.
As am I.
-
Stephen King has basically confirmed on twitter that the movies are a sequel to the books, Roland will have the horn of Eld. I guess that's a good way to explain away all of the differences.
https://mobile.twitter.com/StephenKing/status/733244613000069120
-
E and S aren't being replaced. They just aren't really part of this first film. The filmmaker's aren't making a book-for-book adaptation, and they are messing with the chronology of the written events.
I'm not convinced that it's the best approach, but since Stephen King is OK with it, I will withhold judgement.
-
The approach of making the films a sequel is very intriguing. And as mentioned above if King is okay with the direction they are going than I'm cool with it. I've been waiting for an excuse to go back an read the series again and this may be it.
-
The approach of making the films a sequel is very intriguing. And as mentioned above if King is okay with the direction they are going than I'm cool with it. I've been waiting for an excuse to go back an read the series again and this may be it.
it is intriguing. I would have preferred a faithful interpretation of the books, but that never seems to happen. So by having the events take place after Roland starts over with the horn it will presumably be similar events and characters, but with some changes to timeliness and events. Still excited to see how it turns out, but not expecting to love it.
-
E and S aren't being replaced. They just aren't really part of this first film. The filmmaker's aren't making a book-for-book adaptation, and they are messing with the chronology of the written events.
I'm not convinced that it's the best approach, but since Stephen King is OK with it, I will withhold judgement.
In all fairness, King is likely contractually obligated to say nothing negative about the movies.
-
E and S aren't being replaced. They just aren't really part of this first film. The filmmaker's aren't making a book-for-book adaptation, and they are messing with the chronology of the written events.
I'm not convinced that it's the best approach, but since Stephen King is OK with it, I will withhold judgement.
In all fairness, King is likely contractually obligated to say nothing negative about the movies.
Actually, I sincerely doubt that.
-
I'm guessing from the name of the characters mentioned in the article that they might be twins? If that's true, then Wolves would seem to be a strange starting spot for the movie(s). Then again, it's very possible that I'm making false assumptions. I've been anticipating these stories being made into movies for a long time, and I have some very defined mental images of what they would be like if they ever got made. No matter how difficult it is, I'm going to have to let much of that go, or I'll not be able to enjoy it. I'm sure that I'm not alone.
-
E and S aren't being replaced. They just aren't really part of this first film. The filmmaker's aren't making a book-for-book adaptation, and they are messing with the chronology of the written events.
I'm not convinced that it's the best approach, but since Stephen King is OK with it, I will withhold judgement.
In all fairness, King is likely contractually obligated to say nothing negative about the movies.
Actually, I sincerely doubt that.
I heard an author on the radio, when asked about a movie adaptation of his book, answer "I am contractually obligated to say nothing negative about that movie" because the move sucked balls. King being King, perhaps he gets a little more leeway with his contracts, or perhaps that isn't a standard contract term in those situations. I would imagine that a studio doesn't want the author going around bashing a movie adaptation, which usually butcher the book.
-
I'm guessing from the name of the characters mentioned in the article that they might be twins? If that's true, then Wolves would seem to be a strange starting spot for the movie(s). Then again, it's very possible that I'm making false assumptions. I've been anticipating these stories being made into movies for a long time, and I have some very defined mental images of what they would be like if they ever got made. No matter how difficult it is, I'm going to have to let much of that go, or I'll not be able to enjoy it. I'm sure that I'm not alone.
I am 100% with you there. I need to rewire my brain as thinking of these move as the continued stories of Roland, not the stories from the books or really even the Roland from the books.
-
E and S aren't being replaced. They just aren't really part of this first film. The filmmaker's aren't making a book-for-book adaptation, and they are messing with the chronology of the written events.
I'm not convinced that it's the best approach, but since Stephen King is OK with it, I will withhold judgement.
In all fairness, King is likely contractually obligated to say nothing negative about the movies.
Actually, I sincerely doubt that.
I heard an author on the radio, when asked about a movie adaptation of his book, answer "I am contractually obligated to say nothing negative about that movie" because the move sucked balls. King being King, perhaps he gets a little more leeway with his contracts, or perhaps that isn't a standard contract term in those situations. I would imagine that a studio doesn't want the author going around bashing a movie adaptation, which usually butcher the book.
He has certainly never held back on slagging various adaptations before. And surely he has enough clout to keep things like that out of contracts now.
-
Has he bashed adaptations of his books as they were being made or pre-release, though?
-
Has he bashed adaptations of his books as they were being made or pre-release, though?
Not that I know of. Why would he? How would he know there was anything to bash until he has seen it, or seen the plans of the filmmaker? Normally he hasn't really been very involved in the adaptations.
-
King is tactful about criticism. He will say something along the lines of "the film didn't fully match my vision for the story..." or something more diplomatic than "this movie sucked."
-
The man in black
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmSHRofVUAIz8P0.jpg:large)
Severely lacking in the hood department, but otherwise looks good.
https://screencrush.com/new-dark-tower-set-photos-mcconaughey/
-
He is missing the smiley face and "How's Your Pork?" buttons.
-
I am really looking forward to this, although we are clearly not getting a direct adaptation of the novel cycle.
Looks like we are getting almost a sequel.
BTW, I don't see a post here about it, but here (https://twitter.com/idriselba/status/744524677750603776) was Idris Elba's tweet on Father's Day.
-
I honestly can't decide if I'm excited about these movies or not. I'm having a hard time moving past the fact that I'm not going to see a direct adaptation of the books, which is what I've been hoping for for years. I think as the release date gets closer I'll get more excited. It is certainly interesting that they're essentially doing sequels and they certainly got great actors for both Roland and the man in black. I just can't help but feel a little disappointed in the direction it has taken.
-
I honestly can't decide if I'm excited about these movies or not. I'm having a hard time moving past the fact that I'm not going to see a direct adaptation of the books, which is what I've been hoping for for years. I think as the release date gets closer I'll get more excited. It is certainly interesting that they're essentially doing sequels and they certainly got great actors for both Roland and the man in black. I just can't help but feel a little disappointed in the direction it has taken.
I know what you mean.
-
The Dark Tower TV series will adapt Stephen King's Wizard and Glass (https://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/21/dark-tower-tv-series-stephen-king-wizard-glass)
Nice!
-
Are there plans to continue making more movies?
-
Are there plans to continue making more movies?
If the first one is successful.
-
Im going to go into the movie open minded. I dont really care that its not a direct faithful adaptation of the series. As long as the movie is good Ill be happy
-
The Dark Tower TV series will adapt Stephen King's Wizard and Glass (https://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/21/dark-tower-tv-series-stephen-king-wizard-glass)
Nice!
Awesome. Wizard and Glass is one of my favorite books.
-
https://www.tmz.com/2017/03/28/stephen-king-sued-the-dark-tower-the-rook-infringement/
Wonderful timing on this one. Me thinks that someone smells a payday.
-
Or just some free advertising.
-
Wonderful timing on this one. Me thinks that someone smells a payday.
Gotta think it's this
As any fan of the series knows, this is BS. Assuming all of his liner notes and forewards are true, ideas for this started in the early 70s, and originated with the a poem by Robert Browning referencing the name "Roland"
And yeah... the series has been finished for 10 years, and NOW this comes forth - just a few months before the movie.
-
Yeah. Moreover, I actually read The Rook back in the day, before Warren Publishing imploded. There aren't really any similarities between the actual characters or the story whatsoever. There are many more differences that similarities.
-
you all missed the most important part of the article..........teaser footage released this week.
-
you all missed the most important part of the article..........teaser footage released this week.
Yes please. We should get the first It trailer today as well.
-
you all missed the most important part of the article..........teaser footage released this week.
Yes please. We should get the first It trailer today as well.
you mean this. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCdOQsX5kc
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCdOQsX5kc
I watched it.
I could really use a hug right now.
-
you all missed the most important part of the article..........teaser footage released this week.
Yes please. We should get the first It trailer today as well.
you mean this. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCdOQsX5kc
Need to watch again when I get home tonight and can have proper volume, but that looked pretty good.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCdOQsX5kc
I watched it.
I could really use a hug right now.
hold me
good lord, as soon as I finish re-reading The Dark Tower (I'm part way into Wind Through the Keyhole), I'm gonna have to re-read It.
Adios guys. Gotta get crackin.
-
I was going to start a thread about the It trailer. I have mixed feelings.
It is my favorite book. Part of that is because of the time I was reading it, when I was at a crossroads between being a child and becoming a grown-up. It was a hard time for me, and the power of the story touched me in a way no story has since. I think the mini-series is ok for what it is, and has some strong points, especially the casting, but ultimately it is a TV mini-series and could only do so much with a 1000+ page novel.
The cinematography on this film looks amazing, and while I've never been to Maine, I feel like I have with all the King books I've read, and I am sure they do Derry justice. Then I realized it only showed the 7 as kids, not adults. Then I read that this Part 1, featuring the kids. Which is weird, since the book isn't told that way. The point of the book is the 7 as adults revisiting their childhood, and all the joys and horrors that went along with it and made them who they are. Telling the story of the 7 as kids could be an interesting tale, but not as powerful as the novel.
I'm tired, and could go on with this book forever. I wonder how much of Patrick Hotstetter's story they will show. The 'missing' picture of him gave me chills.
On topic, if anyone should sue, it should be Robert Browning, not this "hey I wish my books sold a billion copies" guy I've never heard of.
-
I spent 5 straight years reading nothing but King. It was the only novel that legitimately scared me. Hopefully this movie is as good as the trailer makes it look and there will be a sequel with the adults.
-
I was going to start a thread about the It trailer. I have mixed feelings.
It is my favorite book. Part of that is because of the time I was reading it, when I was at a crossroads between being a child and becoming a grown-up. It was a hard time for me, and the power of the story touched me in a way no story has since. I think the mini-series is ok for what it is, and has some strong points, especially the casting, but ultimately it is a TV mini-series and could only do so much with a 1000+ page novel.
The cinematography on this film looks amazing, and while I've never been to Maine, I feel like I have with all the King books I've read, and I am sure they do Derry justice. Then I realized it only showed the 7 as kids, not adults. Then I read that this Part 1, featuring the kids. Which is weird, since the book isn't told that way. The point of the book is the 7 as adults revisiting their childhood, and all the joys and horrors that went along with it and made them who they are. Telling the story of the 7 as kids could be an interesting tale, but not as powerful as the novel.
I'm tired, and could go on with this book forever. I wonder how much of Patrick Hotstetter's story they will show. The 'missing' picture of him gave me chills.
I'm kind of with you here. I read IT when it first came out - I was 13-14 at that time, and it remains the book that has made the biggest impact on me, ever.
I remain somewhat skeptical about the format of the film (only showing the parts from the past), but it may be that the skipping back and forth between past and present, which works great in the book, wouldn't be the best way for film audiences to absorb the material. I don't know, but maybe. So we'll see.
-
Really like the trailer, and very much looking forward to the first film. I don't think splitting up the timelines into separate movies will hurt part 1 so much as part 2. Seeing everyone's reactions as adults to Mike's phone calls without knowing why they were freaking out helped build a certain tension that I think could be lost if we don't see them as adults until after we've seen everything that happened when they were kids play out.
-
Maybe there will be some shots of the adults at the beginning or end of the film.
-
The Dark Tower got moved back another week to August.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/832395-the-dark-tower-release-date-moved-back-to-august#/slide/1
-
Maybe there will be some shots of the adults at the beginning or end of the film.
There will be a second movie following them as adults I believe.
-
The Dark Tower got moved back another week to August.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/832395-the-dark-tower-release-date-moved-back-to-august#/slide/1
Not bothered too much... gives me more time to finish re-reading. Though, I should get it done by early July, so it gives me the whole summer to re-read It.
-
Ok, after reading the comments on this thread I'm very much not exited about this movie. I was really hoping they would do a book by book adaptation. And I don't care if King is A/OK with this, at this point I have the feeling he just cares about the money
The Dark Tower TV series will adapt Stephen King's Wizard and Glass (https://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/21/dark-tower-tv-series-stephen-king-wizard-glass)
Nice!
This is maybe the only good thing I've read about this. Wizard and Glass is one of my favorite books ever.
-
King doesn't just care for the money. He already has all of the money.
-
What hef said. Didn't he license Shawshank Redemption for $1 or something like that? Besides, this property above all others I don't think he'd give his blessing unless he really believed in what the creative team was doing.
-
Exactly. It's his magnum opus. And in the past, he has certainly had no problem criticizing adaptations that were shit.
If he is saying good things about this, he means it.
-
Not sure if this is the official "It" move thread as well.... but, LOL at this.
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/788577/IT-movie-trailer-fear-of-clowns-Coulrophobia-Stephen-King-Pennywise
Now professional clowns are furious with the new adaptation, following the 1990 TV miniseries with Tim Curry, because of how it will effect their business.
During an interview with Mel Magazine, one professional clown called Guilford ‘Gilly’ Adams, spoke out. They said: “It’s a dying profession. And the people who do it and scrape together a living have to grapple with the fact that it's cool and hip not to like clowns.
So, it's a dying profession, yet it's Pennywise's fault no one wants to hire a clown for their kid's birthday anymore?
-
:facepalm:
-
I can understand where the guy is coming from to a small degree, but it's fairly obvious that his way of thinking about it is cringe-worthy at best. On the other hand, it might actually help their business. Stranger things have happened.
-
Two teasers released today by Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, respectively.
Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUXhXbi12V8) they are in one video.
-
Giddy f'n up - trailer tomorrow.
:panicattack:
-
THE DARK TOWER - Official Trailer (HD) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjwfqXTebIY)
The trailer looks pretty good. Also excited to see a few nods to the greater Stephen King universe.
-
Trailer is awesome. Very excited for these movies now.
-
Coolio! Lots of adaptation-ing going on there. I assume some of those fight scenes were with the Wolves? But then, no shots/mentions of Eddie or Susannah?
#stillpumpedforthis
-
Coolio! Lots of adaptation-ing going on there. I assume some of those fight scenes were with the Wolves? But then, no shots/mentions of Eddie or Susannah?
#stillpumpedforthis
Not sure that Eddie or Susannah are in this. It's not a straight adaptation, more of a sequel of sorts to the novels, so they are playing with the timeline a little for this turn of the wheel.
-
I assume Eddie and Susannah will show up in the next movie. I'm also really hoping that Roland let's Jake die in this one.
-
I assume Eddie and Susannah will show up in the next movie.
I assume they will, as long as this one is successful enough to allow them to make another.
-
I assume some of those fight scenes were with the Wolves?
It might have been Lud as well, considering the fact that Jake was being "kidnapped". Or, the more that I think about it, they might be taking elements from the wolves and Lud, and creating something different.
-
That looks so good. I can't wait
-
Coolio! Lots of adaptation-ing going on there. I assume some of those fight scenes were with the Wolves? But then, no shots/mentions of Eddie or Susannah?
#stillpumpedforthis
Not sure that Eddie or Susannah are in this. It's not a straight adaptation, more of a sequel of sorts to the novels, so they are playing with the timeline a little for this turn of the wheel.
Yeah, I knew it wasn't a straight adaptation, so it'll be interesting to see where this diverges and converges.
I assume Eddie and Susannah will show up in the next movie.
I assume they will, as long as this one is successful enough to allow them to make another.
Good god, it better do well enough, or I'll be raging.
I assume some of those fight scenes were with the Wolves?
It might have been Lud as well, considering the fact that Jake was being "kidnapped". Or, the more that I think about it, they might be taking elements from the wolves and Lud, and creating something different.
I see what you're saying towards the end of the trailer, but @ 1:15 of this cut of the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH3gqoXF_18), it doesn't look like Lud. I'd place money that these are the Wolves coming in from Thunderclap, and then right after that, they're pillaging - presumably Calla Bryn Sturgis. I'd set my watch and warrant on it. :biggrin:
-
The trailer looked good. I have only read the first book, maybe didn't even finish it, but am I understanging it right that this is not going to represent the things happening in the books in chronological order? Because some people have brought good arguments against the casting of Elba because of interactions of the main character with some racist woman with split personalities or something like that. At least the way I've seen it, it sounded like a good argument.
This does look a bit like The Gunslinger for a bit and then transition into Last Action Hero :D
-
The trailer looked good. I have only read the first book, maybe didn't even finish it, but am I understanging it right that this is not going to represent the things happening in the books in chronological order?
As Orville said to Wilbur - "Your right!"
Because some people have brought good arguments against the casting of Elba because of interactions of the main character with some racist woman with split personalities or something like that. At least the way I've seen it, it sounded like a good argument.
I hadn't heard the connection of casting Elba in relation to the character of Detta/Odetta/Susannah/Mia.
-
Looks good. So it looks like they combined a lot of elements from the first two books. I wonder if Eddie and Susannah will show up at the end.
-
I see what you're saying towards the end of the trailer, but @ 1:15 of this cut of the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH3gqoXF_18), it doesn't look like Lud. I'd place money that these are the Wolves coming in from Thunderclap, and then right after that, they're pillaging - presumably Calla Bryn Sturgis. I'd set my watch and warrant on it. :biggrin:
Agreed that it does look like a village like the Calla, but the wolves don't look right. Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if the director took liberties with their look and weaponry. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if very little of the books make it into the movie(s) and the eventual tv show that is being talked about. I do hope that they keep much of W&G, though.
-
I see what you're saying towards the end of the trailer, but @ 1:15 of this cut of the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH3gqoXF_18), it doesn't look like Lud. I'd place money that these are the Wolves coming in from Thunderclap, and then right after that, they're pillaging - presumably Calla Bryn Sturgis. I'd set my watch and warrant on it. :biggrin:
Agreed that it does look like a village like the Calla, but the wolves don't look right. Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if the director took liberties with their look and weaponry. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if very little of the books make it into the movie(s) and the eventual tv show that is being talked about. I do hope that they keep much of W&G, though.
Invariably, lots of "liberties" take place on any book-to-screen adaptation. As long as it holds true to the overall theme, and they're true to the characters, I can live with deviation.
-
Ok, so that didn't excite me at all. Guess I will stand by myself on that side of the room.
Great use of the Music Box song from For a Few Dollars More though, now I want to watch that!
-
Since we are talking It in this thread too, and there isn't a thread dedicated to It:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8fcXP3uLsU
-
Since we are talking It in this thread too, and there isn't a thread dedicated to It:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8fcXP3uLsU
Its looking pretty good. Its going for the stranger things vibe which is fine by me. Even if this movie is awesome, I will still always LOVE the original film.
-
The original television version of IT wasn't very good. Tim Curry was great as Pennywise, but the rest was, well, what it was.
-
I thought they did a decent enough job with the 1958 part of the story, but the adults, particularly at the end of the movie, were pretty bad.
-
I saw the original IT when I was like around 9, so I can definitely chalk up a lot of the enjoyment to nostalgia. The first part when they were kids definitely scared the crap out me way back then and it was a blast. 👻
-
Tim Curry was great
Tim Curry is never not great.
Of all the movies I've seen before having read the book, It is my top pick for "Wish I read the book first." I was around 13 when the miniseries came out, so the kid parts freaked me out too. I totally loved it. Looking back, after falling in love with the book, it doesn't hold up too well. I thought the cast was right on, and they got the look and feel of 1950s Derry. They even nailed some of the emotion. The scene where adult Bill hears Für Elise and tells the others he can't go on living in fear captures so much of what is the heart of their conflict.
Sorry, anything I start writing about It is going to be tl;dr.
-
The Dark Tower got moved back another week to August.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/832395-the-dark-tower-release-date-moved-back-to-august#/slide/1
Not bothered too much... gives me more time to finish re-reading. Though, I should get it done by early July, so it gives me the whole summer to re-read It.
I remember spending marathon sessions in college reading through The Dark Tower books attempting to catch up to new releases (2001-2004)... good times for sure.
Being excited for IT and honestly not thinking that I would be able to re-read the Tower books and IT both before the movies slam down to earth, I decided to give the audiobook version of IT a go... and IT is awesome! Read by Steven Weber, and he does a tremendous job of nailing the emotion... so much so that my wife and I went out and bought bikes on Sunday and started riding again. Give it a whirl if you want to cut the read time down a bit... it's worth IT.
-
I just finished my re-read of It last night. Almost felt a little dusty in the room all of a sudden at the very end of Mike's last journal entry.
-
Also, I have to say that the new trailer for IT gives me real hope that the relationships between the individuals in Loser's Club will get some serious screen-time; looks like the kids nailed it... especially Trash Mouth. May have to check out Stranger Things on Netflix.
I am honestly excited for IT; in a way that I haven't been excited for a movie in years. Maybe it is the nostalgia of the book and the old mini-series (really the first real horror movie I had ever watched being a 10-year-old), but I''m feeling that old feeling again. That feeling, you can only say what it is in French.
-
Almost felt a little dusty in the room all of a sudden at the very end of Mike's last journal entry.
Mike's journals are better than most short stories I've ever read. Sometimes I will pick up the book and just read one of those on its own. He (King, through Mike) is completely successful in conveying the feeling that Derry is different, Derry is terrifying, and the fear Mike and the other six have is very real.
-
I am curious if the film will dodge the gang bang. My guess would be they avoid it. I remember getting to that part in the book and being like, "wait, whut??"
-
Yeah, I can't imagine that makes it into the movie as written in the book. Maybe she kisses them or something, but that's about it.
-
I find it hard to believe it makes it in, but at the same time, creepy as it is, I worry that the story won't feel right if they exclude it.
-
I am curious if the film will dodge the gang bang. My guess would be they avoid it. I remember getting to that part in the book and being like, "wait, whut??"
Lol me too. There is no way they include it. That being said, I'm looking more forward to It than the Dark Tower.
-
Just scored (2) tix to The Dark Tower Screening for movie critics tonight.
I've never read the books so I'll have nothing to go off of....but it looks interesting.
-
Just scored (2) tix to The Dark Tower Screening for movie critics tonight.
I've never read the books so I'll have nothing to go off of....but it looks interesting.
If you're a fan of any of his work the tower series is well worth the read. The series ties almost everything else together in one way, or another.
-
Just scored (2) tix to The Dark Tower Screening for movie critics tonight.
I've never read the books so I'll have nothing to go off of....but it looks interesting.
If you're a fan of any of his work the tower series is well worth the read. The series ties almost everything else together in one way, or another.
So much this. The movie and books are only loosely related from what I've heard (though, keeping myself very much in the dark about the movie - pun totally intended). It's quite the journey to read the books, but well worth it. I just finished re-reading the series a couple weeks back. Took a little over a year (though, there was about a 3 month break in there as well).
It is next... though I don't think I'll see it in theaters - I'll wait for rental/Netflix. It's 1400 pages on my iPad!!
-
I've heard the book series is incredible....from lots of people that I trust. But like the Game of Thrones books I just can't commit to reading it right now.
I'm on a list for Sony that sends out these invites to movie screenings for the St. Louis movie critics and if you claim them fast enough you can see free movies. This one looked intriguing so I'm curious to see it but know the book is most certainly better.
-
Not having anything to base the movie off I thought the movie was good. Nice pace, they get the point across that the gunslinger and MIB have been at it for a while and do a good enough job making you care about the kid.
Pretty cool visual effects in parts as well also.
-
Not having anything to base the movie off I thought the movie was good. Nice pace, they get the point across that the gunslinger and MIB have been at it for a while and do a good enough job making you care about the kid.
Pretty cool visual effects in parts as well also.
That's very good news. I'm a member of a large Dark Tower community on facebook, and there was a fear among many of the members that the back story would be lost on people that hadn't read the books. For it to be successful and for there to be more movies etc... this initial movie needs to come across well to a broad audience.
-
Not having anything to base the movie off I thought the movie was good. Nice pace, they get the point across that the gunslinger and MIB have been at it for a while and do a good enough job making you care about the kid.
Pretty cool visual effects in parts as well also.
That's very good news. I'm a member of a large Dark Tower community on facebook, and there was a fear among many of the members that the back story would be lost on people that hadn't read the books. For it to be successful and for there to be more movies etc... this initial movie needs to come across well to a broad audience.
I'd go see another one if they did it. For what it's worth I overheard a group of guys who had obviously read the books talking after the movie and they seemed happy with it.
It made me want to know more about the history between the gunslinger and MIB because there's obviously a long one there.
-
https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/idris-elba-to-star-in-the-dark-tower-tv-series/
-
https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/idris-elba-to-star-in-the-dark-tower-tv-series/
Wow. That's cool. One thing that the article mentioned was the short film length. I was surprised by that as well given the vast amount of material to pull from. I'd have gladly sat through a 2-1/2 to 3 hour movie. I thought it was good but you could tell there was SO much more they could have ventured off to
-
https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/idris-elba-to-star-in-the-dark-tower-tv-series/
Wow. That's cool. One thing that the article mentioned was the short film length. I was surprised by that as well given the vast amount of material to pull from. I'd have gladly sat through a 2-1/2 to 3 hour movie. I thought it was good but you could tell there was SO much more they could have ventured off to
I read another article a few days ago that suggested that there were too many people with veto power over what went into the movie. There's a production company that owns the rights, then there's Sony pictures and finally SK also had a lot of say in the final decisions. The person that wrote the article said that things kept getting removed by one entity, or another, and that's why the movie length was so short.
I'll admit that I was a little bit shocked when I heard about that. There is another way of looking at it, though. The first book in the series is fairly short. They may have decided to do the same with the first movie to make it easier for people that don't know the books to understand what's going on.
I'll have a better idea about this after I've seen the movie, hopefully. I'm going to try to see it Friday, or Saturday.
-
Oh God this is getting utterly panned. So disappointed, this is always going to be hard to adapt, but it sounds like not only have they struggled to get the source material to screen, they have also just made a plain up bad film (I've seen at least two comparisons to Jonah Hex). Sounds like this isn't even a 95 minute adaption of The Gunslinger, this is a adaption of the 'highlights' of the entire series.
Fuck.
-
Oh God this is getting utterly panned. So disappointed, this is always going to be hard to adapt, but it sounds like not only have they struggled to get the source material to screen, they have also just made a plain up bad film (I've seen at least two comparisons to Jonah Hex). Sounds like this isn't even a 95 minute adaption of The Gunslinger, this is a adaption of the 'highlights' of the entire series.
Fuck.
guess I'm glad I never read the books now. Not knowing seemed to help because I didn't think the movie was all that bad. As I said, you could get the sense there was more to the story than what they were depicting but all in all it wasn't the worst movie I've ever watched.
-
As huge lover of all things Stephen King and specifically this series I'm going to avoid this film. There is no way I would it enjoy it.
-
I went to see the film a few hours ago. I won't give away much in spoilers, but I don't really know how to make small text and I'm going to go into a few thoughts. So if you want to avoid reading some things then this is your warning.
The movie is the 5th cousin that's twice removed by marriage from the source material. In other words, they are only distantly related. I began reading this series in the late 80's when I was a teenager, and I've read the entire series through several times. I wouldn't consider myself an expert in any sense of the word, but I'm definitely a "Tower Junky". There are references to every book in the series with the exception of Wizard & Glass in this movie, but every reference was seriously altered.
The characters were also altered in fairly significant ways. Of course everyone knows about Idris being cast to play a character that is described as looking like a late 60's to early 70's version of Clint Eastwood. That turned out to be very minor in the grand scheme of things. After seeing the movie, I'd think it would be safe to say that he played his character closer to the source than any of the other characters in this film. There were still some differences, but I think that those differences were dictated by the pacing of the film itself much more than anything else.
The kid that they had playing Jake Chambers also played the character fairly close to the source. It's a little bit tougher for me to tell in his case because the situations that the character was put into in the movie are so significantly altered from the source. One of the biggest let-downs in the film is his encounter with the demon in the haunted mansion. They took one of the most defining sequences from the books and boiled it down to a very brief set of shots that captured none of the tension that was provided in the original story telling. I haven't read every SK book, but I've read a great deal of his work, and in my humble opinion that might be the most intense situation that he's ever put a group of his characters through. The only thing that rivals that part of The Wastelands is when the Losers encounter IT when they were children. Needless to say, but I was very disappointed in the movie's portrayal of that sequence.
Matthew Mcconaughey's portrayal of Walter/Flagg/The Man in Black was hugely different from the source material. The tittering lunatic from the books was nowhere to be seen in this film. Instead, we got a character that was very calculated in his evil. In fact, if you would have told me that this movie was a cross-over between SK and The Star Wars universe, and that Walter was a character named Darth Flagg then it would have been more believable. He used Jedi mind tricks and had force powers where he was able to throw various objects at The Gunslinger much like Darth Vader did with Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. I did very much enjoy the scene in the restaurant where he made the two Low-Men kill each other, however.
Overall, I'm still glad that this movie was made. I believe that it could have been done much worse. However, as I stated before, I'm a huge Tower Junky. These stories are very near and dear to me, so seeing significant changes being made to them is a little bit difficult for me, but I would still encourage anyone and everyone to take the film in for themselves. There's a lot there for dedicated readers, and those who haven't turned a page to enjoy about this movie.
-
I went to see the film a few hours ago. I won't give away much in spoilers, but I don't really know how to make small text and I'm going to go into a few thoughts. So if you want to avoid reading some things then this is your warning.
The movie is the 5th cousin that's twice removed by marriage from the source material. In other words, they are only distantly related. I began reading this series in the late 80's when I was a teenager, and I've read the entire series through several times. I wouldn't consider myself an expert in any sense of the word, but I'm definitely a "Tower Junky". There are references to every book in the series with the exception of Wizard & Glass in this movie, but every reference was seriously altered.
The characters were also altered in fairly significant ways. Of course everyone knows about Idris being cast to play a character that is described as looking like a late 60's to early 70's version of Clint Eastwood. That turned out to be very minor in the grand scheme of things. After seeing the movie, I'd think it would be safe to say that he played his character closer to the source than any of the other characters in this film. There were still some differences, but I think that those differences were dictated by the pacing of the film itself much more than anything else.
The kid that they had playing Jake Chambers also played the character fairly close to the source. It's a little bit tougher for me to tell in his case because the situations that the character was put into in the movie are so significantly altered from the source. One of the biggest let-downs in the film is his encounter with the demon in the haunted mansion. They took one of the most defining sequences from the books and boiled it down to a very brief set of shots that captured none of the tension that was provided in the original story telling. I haven't read every SK book, but I've read a great deal of his work, and in my humble opinion that might be the most intense situation that he's ever put a group of his characters through. The only thing that rivals that part of The Wastelands is when the Losers encounter IT when they were children. Needless to say, but I was very disappointed in the movie's portrayal of that sequence.
Matthew Mcconaughey's portrayal of Walter/Flagg/The Man in Black was hugely different from the source material. The tittering lunatic from the books was nowhere to be seen in this film. Instead, we got a character that was very calculated in his evil. In fact, if you would have told me that this movie was a cross-over between SK and The Star Wars universe, and that Walter was a character named Darth Flagg then it would have been more believable. He used Jedi mind tricks and had force powers where he was able to throw various objects at The Gunslinger much like Darth Vader did with Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. I did very much enjoy the scene in the restaurant where he made the two Low-Men kill each other, however.
Overall, I'm still glad that this movie was made. I believe that it could have been done much worse. However, as I stated before, I'm a huge Tower Junky. These stories are very near and dear to me, so seeing significant changes being made to them is a little bit difficult for me, but I would still encourage anyone and everyone to take the film in for themselves. There's a lot there for dedicated readers, and those who haven't turned a page to enjoy about this movie.
I was going to type up my response to the movie, but I think this pretty much sums it up for me exactly. Except that I fell in the love with a books a decade ago instead of in the 80s.
While it was fun to see, it seemed like they took everything that made the books awesome and dumbed it down or genericized it, likely in an attempt to reach a larger audience. Oh well. I went in with fairly low expectations.
-
Just got back..I had read the first book decades ago and never followed through with the rest of the series, so I pretty much went into this blind.
Entertaining at least, I enjoyed myself. Could definitely tell a ton of story was missing, and I was stunned by how short the movie was. I never checked a time length, but was expecting a good 2 1/2 to 3 hour movie, so was honestly expecting a whole other level of drama when the climax of the movie happened.
All in all though, glad I went to see it.
-
Just saw the movie last night. Did anyone notice (what I think) may be little nods to Stephen King. (It may be in the books but years since I read the first one)
1408 just above the portal.
Rita Hayworth Poster (Shawshank) in the Gun shop.
There may be more, these were just the most obvious.
During Annabelle that showed Stephen King introducing a long preview of IT, which was the first few minutes. Pennywise, still creepy, but I am used to Tim Curry.
Apart from that it was identical opening to the mini series, which I re watched about a month back. Which I suppose they needed to do to set everything else in motion.
Looking forward to the movie... :corn
-
The abandoned amusement park on Mid-World was called 'Pennywise'. That was the only nod I picked up on during the movie.
-
So It is tracking towards not only having the best opening of any Stephen King adaptation but the best September opening ever. I hope that bodes well for the second half being made.
-
It appears to be getting lots of positive press. It's make favorite novel, but I haven't been following this production much. I don't greatly care for the miniseries, and never had any desire to see another screen version. But this is getting me hyped.
-
Yes, the reviews have been very positive. Not only is it supposed to be scary as hell but a great film in general. I finally talked my wife into seeing it with me.
-
I'm so excited for It. Everything I've been seeing, from Bill Skarsgard's take on Pennywise, to The Losers Club, to hearing a bit of the score, to the look of the film - I'll be there at the 7pm showing on Thursday :tup
-
I just posted in last movie you saw thread....
Being the first one to post, I don't want to give anything away .... Georgie's drain scene is pretty graphic without seeing much.
Pennywise is creepy, the special effects are okay, nothing earth shattering. This movie is all about the kids. One of the cast of Stranger Things, I loved Eddie.
There is an extra Bully .. why do they cast kids, then cast bullies that seem at least seven to eight years older?!
I don't know where it was filmed, but Derry looks like a great town. Even if this was a horror film.
I liked the movie .. but two hours in, and still on the kids, let's just say there will be a Part 2. I won't say anymore until others have seen it.
-
jingle.son and I are seeing it in an hour. I'm actually a little worried... on my own behalf.
-
There is an extra Bully .. why do they cast kids, then cast bullies that seem at least seven to eight years older?!
I haven't seen the film yet, but I do have a theory about this. First thing that comes to mind is that when Henry is described in the book he is physically more mature than any of the kids in the Losers. His crazy ass father makes him do a lot of chores on their farm, and he uses his superior physical strength against the Losers when they're kids. Second thing that comes to mind is that if Henry and his buddies were presented as being merely equal in strength to the rest of the kids around them then defeating them wouldn't come off as being anything special, or insurmountable to the viewer. For this kind of story to work they need to be as imposing as possible, or else it would look like a hollow victory.
-
Bowers definitely did a ton of manual labor, and I have a feeling he might have been held back a year. Victor Criss I believe was a good athlete. And the Losers are not only meek individuals, but also physically unimposing. The thought of ever fighting back, or even standing up for themselves, never occurs to any of them until Mike makes them 7 in the rock yard.
-
Holy crap, "It" was such a fun watch. I wouldn't even call it a horror movie, though it did have some pants-shittingly creepy scenes (I'm looking at you, fugly painting woman). The movie was scary when it wanted to be scary, and hilarious when it wanted to to be funny. Great chemistry amongst the kids.
Now, here is my question for everyone:
Assuming, per the movie's logic, that the sequel takes place 27 years later in the year 2016, what actors should play the role of their child counterparts?
-
It was fantastic! I love the book, and this is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King novel I've seen. Yes, like many adaptations, it took some liberties, and that comes with filmmaking. The movie is way, way better than that 90's mini-series.
I remember reading the novel my first time, and my palms were perspiring, and i felt uneasy. I felt that way watching It. The creepy scenes were scary. I have never seen a horror movie do to kids what this movie has done with limbs and gore. In many horror films, the camera shies away from the kill. This movie didn't, and I was genuinely surprised. And it works, because us as human beings know that it is inherently wrong to terrorize children. But years and years of horror films show that we don't have a problem with adults and teens getting killed off.
The Losers Club was great, and not because the film took the time to develop them. These seven kids are exceptionally bright and smart actors. Each of them played their role incredibly well. Jaeden Lieberher who plays Bill is one of the most talented child actors working today. Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things fame was terrific as he was funny. Sophia Lillis's take on Beverly was incredibly dignified. She's an actress to keep an good eye on.
With all due respect to Tim Curry, who put on a hell of a performance for that miniseries, Bill Skarsgard got the essence of Pennywise right. His take is inherently more sinister than Curry's, and he seems like he really embraced that he was playing an interdemensional being who embodied a child's worst fear rather than an evil clown. The glee he has messing with the kids is perfect. Then he switches off, and that's when he is the most disturbing. We see glimpses of Pennywise in his true form, and it's grotesque, but when Bill Skarsgard acts like he is the shell of the true form...his jaw slacks, his eyes looks unfocused...he's incredibly terrifying.
I've had 3 or 4 hours to think about this film, and I really think it sit comfortably along with the very best Stephen King adaptations, including Carrie and The Shining. It was a great horror film, and a great adaptation. I can not wait to see what they'll do with the grown up versions of The Losers Club in It: Chapter 2
Assuming, per the movie's logic, that the sequel takes place 27 years later in the year 2016, what actors should play the role of their child counterparts?
I'd like to see Amy Adams as adult Beverly. I also think it would be cool to see Seth Green reprise the adult version of Richie, in which he played the child version in the 1990 miniseries. The humor that was given to Finn Wolfhard would fit his style!
-
Agree completely with the above two posts. Now I want to re-read the book so bad... it's been since the release that I read it, so I don't recall everything.
As for who would play their reprised roles, great question... something I'll have to noodle on. Amy Adams... good choice. Kristin Wiig?
-
My buddy suggested Cillian Murphy for Bill. I initially thought he would sligtky too young to play the adult version, but I looked up his age and the man is 41. If Bill was 12 or 13 in this film, Murphy is the right age, and would be perfect for st-st-stuttering Bill
-
I'm not a big fan of the TV miniseries, but I thought all the adults were cast well. The kids too. Both Eddies especially, both of them looked like a mild wind would blow them over, which is perfect for Eddie. And I was a huge Night Court fan, so loved Harry Anderson as Richie.
-
Just sharing the love for IT, and I agree as far as his horror movie adaptations go, this is one of the best
-
I went out to see IT tonight. There were certain aspects of the movie that I really enjoyed, but there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary changes made to the story. I've always understood that movie adaptations need to make certain changes to the original stories for various reasons, but between this movie and the extremely loose adaptation of The Dark Tower, I'm beginning to feel a bit disappointed. SK's books have always been spotty as far as their movie counterparts go (with a few notable exceptions), and I'm beginning to wonder if many of them will ever translate to the screen well.
-
Holy crap, "It" was such a fun watch. I wouldn't even call it a horror movie
Wait... What?
-
Just watched the movie. I thought it was really, really solid and am very happy it was made.
I know I am in the minority, but I still like the Mini-series better. Sure, its dated, but it had a creepiness factor to it that I didn't feel as much with the film. Honestly, watching the movie felt like I was just watching a movie and because of that I never really felt scared at all. It also gets in your face, which a lot of modern horror films do. Like pennywise is running at them full speed with CGI and stuff with loud bangs accompanying everything. Not my ideal cup of tea, but I was definitely entertained though. When it comes to Horror, I like more of a slow burn like The shining. Ultimately, My heart will always belong to that mini series, but the new it was decent. I just wanted a little more subtlety
And everybody seems to hate the Adult part, so can the new filmakers even make a decent adult part? Its basically the same plot
Also, apparently the new one is kicking ass at the box office, which makes me happy. I love it, in all its forms
-
And everybody seems to hate the Adult part, so can the new filmakers even make a decent adult part? Its basically the same plot
Assuming you mean the reunion section of the book, it is the weakest park of the book, so it does have that working against it. Yes, it is essentially the same plot, but necessary in the telling of the overall story. The 7 (or 5 rather) need to revisit their past in order to fully understand who they are in the present, and to finish the battle they started as kids.
-
Correct. That's the part I mean. I'm just curious how the filmakers will approach doing it, since the source material isn't as rich as the childhood section. Perhaps they will jazz it up, maybe they will leave it the same. Spider, no spider? Only time will tell, I just can't wait to see how its handled.
I actually really enjoyed the adult part from the miniseries, although I will agree the quality of the childhood section is higher.
-
I think it worked well in the miniseries because it handled the context correctly. The adults return to Derry after realizing they had forgotten all about it, revisit their old haunts, figuratively, and then are haunted by events from their past, literally.
It's been a long time since I have seen the miniseries, so my memory may be mixing up elements from that and the book.
My favorite scene is actually with the adults. They check out of the hotel, planning on skipping town, and Richie sees the TV report of another missing child, and he knows the truth, part of it being they are the only ones who can stop It. Then Bill hears the kid playing Fur Elise and thinks of George, and tells the others he's tired of being afraid, and is going to stay and fight It. And that scene isn't in the book.
-
https://uproxx.com/movies/it-kids-adults-casting/2/
-
Holy crap, "It" was such a fun watch. I wouldn't even call it a horror movie
Wait... What?
Just like I wouldn't call Supernatural a horror show. It was like The Goonies with horror elements peppered throughout. I believe I already elaborated earlier, however.
-
https://uproxx.com/movies/it-kids-adults-casting/2/
Funny... my actual first thought for Beverly was Jessica Chastain - but figured it was TOO obvious.
Otherwise, neat choices.
-
Looks like it already passed 200 million :metal
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=it.htm
Its apparently breaking a whole bunch of records and since I love stephen King and I love It, I am very happy about that.
-
Saw 'It' yesterday. Really good, lots of fun. Acts 1 and 2 were definetely the high points though, and while the ending was still good, it wasn't as good as all the set up.
-
Saw 'It' yesterday. Really good, lots of fun. Acts 1 and 2 were definetely the high points though, and while the ending was still good, it wasn't as good as all the set up.
Agreed!
I found the stuff with the kids was more interesting, than the stuff with the clown. Actors who portrayed the kids were top notch! Especially the actress who played Beverly, but they were all believable!
-
Yeah, finally got to see It this weekend and really enjoyed the movie as well. Very solid cast for the Losers Club and Bill Skarsgard did a good job of making a very different Pennywise than Tim Curry's version.
-
Finally saw IT. Loved it!
-
Anyone watched Gerald's Game yet? Appariently it came to Netflix over the weekend and seems to be getting good reviews. The Novel is probably one of my least favorite things King's wrote (Not as bad as Rose Madder though....).
-
Anyone watched Gerald's Game yet? Appariently it came to Netflix over the weekend and seems to be getting good reviews. The Novel is probably one of my least favorite things King's wrote (Not as bad as Rose Madder though....).
I watched it and loved it! I actually always thought that Gerald's Game is one of King's most underrated novels. It also contains, in my opinion, the most gruesome scene in any King novel, which is done well in the film. It's a very faithful adaptation so if you didn't like the book you may not like the movie, but I'd still recommend you watch it if you're a King fan.
-
Anyone watched Gerald's Game yet? Appariently it came to Netflix over the weekend and seems to be getting good reviews. The Novel is probably one of my least favorite things King's wrote (Not as bad as Rose Madder though....).
I watched it and loved it! I actually always thought that Gerald's Game is one of King's most underrated novels. It also contains, in my opinion, the most gruesome scene in any King novel, which is done well in the film. It's a very faithful adaptation so if you didn't like the book you may not like the movie, but I'd still recommend you watch it if you're a King fan.
Ok Thanks, will give it ago. I maybe need to reread the novel then sometime.
-
I also think Gerald's Game was a great book. I didn't know there was a screen adaptation of it, but I don't have Netflix.
-
Amazon has Dark Tower coming out on Blu-ray on Halloween... Guess I'll pick it up then.
-
Just finished It. I'll say again I am protective of It, being my favorite novel and one I read at a very emotional, difficult, transitional period in my life. It's by no means the best novel I've ever read, or the best King novel for that matter. But it is the one that touched me the deepest. And my first impression of the film is that while it didn't necessarily get things wrong, it didn't seem to get things right either. And not just in a "faithful to the source material" way, which it is admittedly hard to watch without it being in mind. The film just wasn't that interesting to me. The narrative was scattered, and suffered from the kids not finding each other one at a time. How they came to become friends, encountered Pennywise, survived Bowers' gang, and eventually the Loser's Club, is the core of the 1958 period of the story. The point of the story too is that the 7, as adults, are forced to revisit the horrors they experienced as kids, and we, as the reader/viewer experience it along with them. So it isn't a story about 7 kids, it is a story about 7 adults and how their experiences as kids shaped who they became. There is a cut of the Godfathers 1 and 2 where the narrative is chronological, and it isn't nearly as good as if you watch them 1 and 2 as originally presented. I don't want to trash it, but it just wasn't that good.
-
As far as IT goes, I love the miniseries and am admittedly nostalgic about it. And I thoroughly enjoyed the new film. I haven't read the book but always wanted to.
-
I bought IT on DVD when it came out, and watched it again. The only part that really bothered me is how they changed Mike's story.
-
That was odd. I can't honestly remember anything Mike did or said that whole movie.
-
That was odd. I can't honestly remember anything Mike did or said that whole movie.
The deal with his parents being the ones that died in the fire instead of being about the Black Spot. Then his grandfather being an asshole. He didn't really have any memorable lines, either. I can definitely see how it didn't leave an impression on you.
-
I should have said that while I thought the performances were mediocre at best - though I really don't want to rag on any child actor - I thought Bev and Stan especially did a great job with their parts. Otherwise I much prefer their counterparts in the miniseries, which I realize is also a writing issue. Seth Green's Richie in particular had some charm in his obnoxiousness. The movie's Richie was just a douchebag. The miniseries' Eddie had a tragic frailness to him that was sympathetic. The movie's Eddie was just whiney.
-
I was ok with the kid that played Richie, but I can see where you're coming from with how Eddie was portrayed in the new movie. I think that was more writing than acting as well.
-
The miniseries' Eddie had a tragic frailness to him that was sympathetic. The movie's Eddie was just whiney.
Pretty much the entire adult section of the miniseries is total trash (the kids section is solid) but adult Eddie is really, really bad - one of the strangest acting efforts I've ever seen!
-
Bump. I'm watching The Dark Tower now - bought it at Family Video for $7...
I get it. It's a retelling, it technically is "after" the books. But oh my sweet baby Jesus this is not a good adaptation of the story. This should have been an HBO-level Game of Thrones level production in order to do this insane fantasy world justice. The individual performances I don't think are bad, but because everything is so freaking rushed... ugh. The Dark Tower is my favorite book series, excluding Lord of the Rings. And this is just shameful. I'm only watching to find out what happens at the end, but that's an hour off. I think the effects are good, the cinematography is good, the acting is good, I like the characters and the actors portraying them, but... man.
I really wish that miniseries they were pitching for years ago had worked out. This is so disappointing...
EDIT: Wow. Okay. It just ended, and this might be the first time I'm actually angry at a movie. This was a gigantic piece of trash. I am so upset that this was even made at all.
-
Bump. I'm watching The Dark Tower now - bought it at Family Video for $7...
I get it. It's a retelling, it technically is "after" the books. But oh my sweet baby Jesus this is not a good adaptation of the story. This should have been an HBO-level Game of Thrones level production in order to do this insane fantasy world justice. The individual performances I don't think are bad, but because everything is so freaking rushed... ugh. The Dark Tower is my favorite book series, excluding Lord of the Rings. And this is just shameful. I'm only watching to find out what happens at the end, but that's an hour off. I think the effects are good, the cinematography is good, the acting is good, I like the characters and the actors portraying them, but... man.
I really wish that miniseries they were pitching for years ago had worked out. This is so disappointing...
EDIT: Wow. Okay. It just ended, and this might be the first time I'm actually angry at a movie. This was a gigantic piece of trash. I am so upset that this was even made at all.
Amazon recently purchased the rights to make a series. Word is that they'll begin with W&G then go from there which really makes a lot of sense if you think about it. I'm being optimistic with some caution, but I think that they learned a hard lesson from the end result of the movie.
Much like you, this is my favorite book series, so I really hope that they get it right this time.
-
Bump. I'm watching The Dark Tower now - bought it at Family Video for $7...
I get it. It's a retelling, it technically is "after" the books. But oh my sweet baby Jesus this is not a good adaptation of the story. This should have been an HBO-level Game of Thrones level production in order to do this insane fantasy world justice. The individual performances I don't think are bad, but because everything is so freaking rushed... ugh. The Dark Tower is my favorite book series, excluding Lord of the Rings. And this is just shameful. I'm only watching to find out what happens at the end, but that's an hour off. I think the effects are good, the cinematography is good, the acting is good, I like the characters and the actors portraying them, but... man.
I really wish that miniseries they were pitching for years ago had worked out. This is so disappointing...
EDIT: Wow. Okay. It just ended, and this might be the first time I'm actually angry at a movie. This was a gigantic piece of trash. I am so upset that this was even made at all.
Amazon recently purchased the rights to make a series. Word is that they'll begin with W&G then go from there which really makes a lot of sense if you think about it. I'm being optimistic with some caution, but I think that they learned a hard lesson from the end result of the movie.
Much like you, this is my favorite book series, so I really hope that they get it right this time.
I do think that's a great idea. I'm not holding my breath on it until I actually see something, much like this new Lord of the Rings show, but it's at least news. Fingers crossed.
-
...and this might be the first time I'm actually angry at a movie. This was a gigantic piece of trash. I am so upset that this was even made at all.
Boy I knew this was bad, but this makes me smack my head and laugh out loud, so I guess SMHLOL. I don't think the series is King's best writing, nor is it my favorite. And I'd say this just lessens my desire to see this movie, but I don't know if that is even possible.
-
I started to actually get pissed off at it right towards the end and it's because of a huge spoiler, so, spoiler warning:
The way Walter dies. Walter throws this chunk of debris at Roland and knocks him out; Roland gets a vision of Jake reciting the gunslinger's oath, and then Roland grabs his sandalwood gun (no mention of how important these things are either) and fires a bullet. Now we know how fast bullets travel. Walter is like 50 feet away at absolute best. He fires the first bullet, then aims the gun to the left and fires another that ricochets off a steel beam towards Walter, and hits the first bullet exactly at the right moment to send the first bullet off path directly into Walter's heart.
I just threw my hands up and shouted "What?!" when that happened :lol
-
My biggest problem was that it felt way more like Jake's story than Roland's story. It wasn't great no matter how you slice it, but it was a worse adaptation than it was a standalone YA adventure movie.
-
New Dark Tower series coming to Amazon, based on Roland's early days. Perhaps the flashback scenes from Wizard & Glass?
Sounds promising. I'd love to see this do well and translate into a future series based on (and true to) the books.
https://deadline.com/2019/03/the-dark-tower-sam-strike-cast-gunslinger-roland-deschain-jasper-paakkonen-amazon-nears-pilot-order-1202556652/?fbclid=IwAR0EWSwOpUBVQGlCyFBiVL8ofxCeVKdanask2Rj42VchpMXcZrg_imqpCHY
The Dark Tower TV series is independent from the film and is meant to be a more faithful retelling of the book than the movie was. I hear it will take place many years before the events depicted in the feature and will focus on Roland Deschain’s (Strike) origin story – how he first became a gunslinger and got his guns, his first conflict with the man in black, his first love and his first mission as a gunslinger.
-
I will definitely be checking that Dark Tower series out.
-
Per
New Dark Tower series coming to Amazon, based on Roland's early days. Perhaps the flashback scenes from Wizard & Glass?
Sounds promising. I'd love to see this do well and translate into a future series based on (and true to) the books.
Perhaps some elements of Wind Through the Keyhole too?
-
Kind off on topic I got to see an advanced screening of Pet Sematary recently. Based on the two films in this thread title, it's not as good as IT chapter 1 - but it's much better than Dark Tower. It hits most of the big beats from the book but lacks the quiet creeping dread that builds in the book, it also changes the ending quite dramatically - which in the moment of the watching the film is pretty fun ride, but on reflection probably goes little wrong.
6/10 I think.
-
After that abortion of a film I have absolutely no faith in this Dark Tower series. Do it right or don't do it at all. I'll check it out in the future once we're gearing up for actual footage, but yeah... I'm worried enough about this new LOTR series.
-
I believe there is going to be a new The Stand series on the CBS AllAccesss streaming service as well.
I LOVE The Dark Tower series so I'm hoping Amazon can get this right.
-
Kind off on topic I got to see an advanced screening of Pet Sematary recently. Based on the two films in this thread title, it's not as good as IT chapter 1 - but it's much better than Dark Tower. It hits most of the big beats from the book but lacks the quiet creeping dread that builds in the book, it also changes the ending quite dramatically - which in the moment of the watching the film is pretty fun ride, but on reflection probably goes little wrong.
Trailer made it look pretty interesting (but that just means the marketing dept did their job). John Lithgow seemed odd as Jud. Not sure why. I spoiled myself by reading about the significant change (don't want to spoil, don't know if that is the change to the ending you are referring to) and why it was done. The reasoning was sound, and could be done without significantly changing the narrative. Been ages since I've seen the original but recall it being poor. It missed the whole [I[feel[/I] of the story and was no better than a TV horror movie on cable at 2am. And other than Jud, the cast was somewhere between forgettable and awful.
I believe there is going to be a new The Stand series on the CBS AllAccesss streaming service as well.
I watched a couple clips from The Stand a few days ago. it looks a little dated, but in all I think it holds up reasonably well. I enjoyed it quite a lot when it came out. Faithful to the spirit and structure of the book while still translating well to the screen. Some minor nitpicks not worth going in to here.
-
Trailer up for It: Chapter 2 (was that really the best they could come up with?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX2cnCbYmQc
-
They aint doing themselves any favors with that trailer.
I love the Bev/zombie lady scene with-in the context of the movie, but I could see a lot of viewers being like "what movie is this". It drags too much to be in a trailer.
Regardless, I am and always have been mental for Stephen king and IT, so I'm definitely gonna go see it.
-
I was also surprised that snippet took up half the trailer, followed by the requisite half second shots clipped together which is usually how trailers are done. That old lady was awesome, when she stared right at Bev without so much as moving an eyelash for like 5 seconds.
I am equally as mental for King and It, but this will be a Redbox for me. I found the first movie largely underwhelming.
-
Saw IT Chapter Two last night. It was pretty good. Not as good as the first one, but a fitting end.
-
Saw IT Chapter Two last night. It was pretty good. Not as good as the first one, but a fitting end.
I just got home from seeing the movie. Usually I'm not very pleased when screen writers stray as far as this from the source material, but I think that they did a great job in this instance. They still managed to keep the general feel intact.
-
It is my favorite novel so I am unnecessarily critical of this project and the 1990 TV miniseries. I have not see Pt 2, but I didn't like how they split the narrative as they did. It's not 2 separate but equal story lines. It's one story line, and important how the experiences of the kids inform on who they become as adults. And who they are as adults makes us reflect on who they were as kids. The two main Godfather II story lines (young Vito and older Michael) aren't strong individually, but they work when presented as intertwined. Watch Godfather I and II chronologically. It's not as enjoyable.
I did like how 1985 It kept the basic structure. We know the Losers made a pact, but seeing the scene play out at the end of the novel, instead of the end of Pt 1 makes it all the more powerful. That vow they took in the Barrens drives the whole plot, and the course of their whole lives. Everything we've read over 1,000 pages was predicated on that.
I want to know how you all felt about the narrative structure of Pt 2 but can't decide if I even care about spoilers at this point.
-
It was good (see what I did there)... I understand the changes and the movement through the film was well paced. I'll agree that it was not as good as Chapter 1, but it was good and the emotional ending kind of captured the emotional ending of the book for me (though the two are very, very different). Not ashamed to say I shed a tear at the end when the letter was read. IT is not my personal favorite of King's work (that stands with Salem's Lot and the DT books), but IT is my emotional favorite of his books.
As much as I like McAvoy as an actor (and person... dude is very funny) and as much as I liked his casting as Bill, I felt like he held back the entire film. I didn't get the power I usually get from him as an actor. Bill is a powerhouse in the book and brings them together on so many occasions, I felt that McAvoy was either holding back himself or was held back by direction. He's easily the star of the adult cast in my mind. The child cast blows the adult cast away... with the possible exception of the adult Richie and Eddie (their exchanges are worth the price of the ticket :lol). Henry Bowers' character was spot on in child and adult... SPOT on.
All in all it was very good. I'd like to see what this director would do with The Stand and the DT story-line.
-
I finally just watched The Dark Tower movie. I kept hearing it was crap so I avoided it, but I really liked it.
I tried to read book 1 (The gunslinger) but put it down multiple times. For the life of me, I just can not follow it. I got the audiobook for book 1 and that I am struggling with as well. I am ready to love this series, so I am going to keep trying to get through it.
-
Just keep going. IMO, The Gunslinger is the weakest of the series. Luckily it’s the shortest. Drawing of the Three, and Wolves of the Calla are the best.
-
In a vacuum, that is a tough read. Just power through, and get to Drawing of the Three, then you'll be off and running. There will be some slogs along the way, but the journey is well worth it.
-
Read the books and then watch the movie and tell me that it's still good. :lol
-
I was going to post my thoughts on the DT movie, but I see they're still at the top of this page :lol
I saw It Chapter 2 opening weekend, it was... OK. I feel like just about every individual "scare" sequence was well done (with maybe the exception of the Paul Bunyan one), but there were just too many of them that it felt a bit formulaic. They probably did about as well with the ending as can be expected, given how weird it is in the book. And I was fine with the change to Richie.
-
I finally just watched The Dark Tower movie. I kept hearing it was crap so I avoided it, but I really liked it.
I tried to read book 1 (The gunslinger) but put it down multiple times. For the life of me, I just can not follow it. I got the audiobook for book 1 and that I am struggling with as well. I am ready to love this series, so I am going to keep trying to get through it.
I've read the entire series front to back several times. The Gunslinger is a bit tough the first time through, but the story really begins to take off about a 1/4 of the way into the next book. The landscape of that world is very bleak in the beginning, but that will begin to make a lot more sense as you go through the series. If you end up enjoying the series and decided to read it again at a later time the feel of The Gunslinger will make much more sense when you revisit it.
-
Agreed, The Drawing of the Three is where the Dark Tower series really takes off. I first became a big Stephen King fan when we read The Eyes of the Dragon in my freshman year English class, and I vividly remember reading The Gunslinger my junior year and thinking it was just OK. I decided to continue on with The Drawing of the Three though, and by the time I got to the scene at Balazar's I was risking my neck by reading during the class of a fairly strict teacher because I literally just could not put the book down.
-
Thanks guys. I'm going to power through book 1 and try and make it further in the series.
-
I finally just watched The Dark Tower movie. I kept hearing it was crap so I avoided it, but I really liked it.
I tried to read book 1 (The gunslinger) but put it down multiple times. For the life of me, I just can not follow it. I got the audiobook for book 1 and that I am struggling with as well. I am ready to love this series, so I am going to keep trying to get through it.
I've read the entire series front to back several times. The Gunslinger is a bit tough the first time through, but the story really begins to take off about a 1/4 of the way into the next book. The landscape of that world is very bleak in the beginning, but that will begin to make a lot more sense as you go through the series. If you end up enjoying the series and decided to read it again at a later time the feel of The Gunslinger will make much more sense when you revisit it.
Having been through the series several times myself as well (currently going through it actually; I'm on Wizard and Glass), I can attest to PowerSlave's comments... I actually enjoy The Gunslinger more each time I go through it and I always find something that I missed in previous cycles... the recount of Tull along with Roland and Jake's passage through the mountains are two of my favorite passages of the entire story. Pay close attention to what you read as many familiar names and places will come up again throughout the story's arc.
Drawing of the Three was slow for me the first time through it, but upon subsequent readings and listenings (Audible man... Audible) I pick up more on Roland's emotions with each character and how much he does truly love them, almost immediately.
Highlights for me are The Wastelands, Wizard and Glass, and Wolves... and I do love the final novel as well. I love the ending, and I love that you can choose how far you go with the ending (though, who really stops where King wants you to stop?).
-
The kids and I caught It Chapter 2 a couple of nights ago. We enjoyed it quite a bit.
Obviously some differences from the book, as well there should be. But I thought they did a pretty good job of capturing the essence of the book, and how it felt, and how I felt the first time I read the book.
Pretty nice.
-
Thanks guys. I'm going to power through book 1 and try and make it further in the series.
Please be aware that there are 2 versions of the first book: the original and an author's revised version where King tried to improve the prose and seed some more foreshadowing for the later novels. I've read both, but so far apart that I can't really say which is better.
-
Saw It Part II
Overall it was pretty decent. Maybe I'm just too used to the original mini series, but the pacing seemed all over the place. Sometimes very fast at points. Like they had to hurry up and cross plot points off the list. But then on the flip side it starts dragging in places, like when they all have to find their totems.
Eddy was SOOOOOO god damn annoying. Jesus christ. He was wimpy, polite and sympathetic in the mini series, but here he never shuts up and is a rude, obnoxious asshole that says fuck every two breaths. He was a little bit better toward the end.
And that's another thing, holy shit do they say FUCK a lot in this movie. What, are they going for a record or something? And this coming from someone who says fuck ALL the time. I had to go and watch Casino just to clean my ears, jesus :lol Sometimes less is more.
Really didn't need to be 3 hours though. God damn, did I feel that 3 hours. Good enough movie otherwise.
-
Have not seen Pt2 but commented on the kids in Pt1. Richie was beyond awful. He is a complete jerk with no charm or wit to his "humor." In the 1990 miniseries, he is a bit of an asshat, but has a charm that endears him to fellow losers. There is no reason any sane kid would hang out with 2019 version of Richie. 1990 Eddie (as you said is) is a sympathetic, whimpering shell of a kid burdened by his overbearing mother, a kid trying just trying to survive as best he can. 2019 Eddie is a snotty brat.
-
Instead of starting a new thread, I'll put Doctor Sleep in here.
Just got back and it was incredibles. I absolutely loved it.
It nailed the feel and style of the original Kubrick film, but it also did its own thing. This movie is its own interesting story and I was engaged the entire film. Its super thought provoking and psychological as well. And I loved the main villain Rose. She's both disarming and intensely dangerous at the same time. A great combination.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone that enjoyed the Kubrick shining film. Or if you like psychological thrillers.
-
Really looking forward to seeing this, I liked the book a lot. Probably won't get to the theater until next weekend.
-
I was hoping I'd enjoy the book more than I did. It was an enjoayble read, but it didn't really impact me, or stay with me when I finished. Which is pretty common for me with recent King books.
-
I'll update the thread title
-
Thinking of going to see Doctor Sleep, I haven't read the book though. Is the film still good without the book knowledge? I have read The Shining, if that matters.
-
I also have not read Doctor sleep the book and still really enjoyed the movie. So i don’t think it really would make a difference.
-
I haven't read Dr. Sleep either... and I enjoyed the HELL out of the movie! Thought is was awesome and loved the nods to DT within the film.
Honestly, I though it was awesome, especially for a King adaptation; easily better, to me, than IT Chapter 2. It is a direct compliment to Kubrick's movie and catches that atmosphere.
-
I just saw Doctor sleep. I have read the book and I thought the movie was great.
The first 2/3rds of this movie is one of the most faithful adaptations of a King book I've seen. The last third does it's own thing to tie into the Kubrick film more which I thought it did very well.
Whether you've read the book or not I recommend the movie.
-
I rewatched the documentary Room 237 today. Yes its mental and off the rails in a lot of ways, but I've always found it to be an entertaining watch.
-
Saw Doctor Sleep and absolutely loved it.
This is how you should do a sequel, build on elements from the original but go in a different direction that makes sense for the plot to go. I have not read the books, so am talking purely about the films.
And, well, I actually do not enjoy The Shining all that much (compared to it's cultural status), so this came as a surpsise to me.
-
Got Doctor Sleep on Blu-Ray. Came with both the Theatrical cut and directors cut with like 25 mins extra.
The Directors cut is worth watching at least once, but that's about it. Its already a long movie and the extra stuff kills the pacing. It adds some flavor, but it was the right choice to cut if from the original.
-
Just started the audiobook of The Shining. Wow, this is really good. I regret not ever thinking about reading it before
Now I know why King was so pissed at Kubrick :lol
I still love the Kubrick movie, but I would love to have a more faithful version that really did the book justice.
-
I still love the Kubrick movie, but I would love to have a more faithful version that really did the book justice.
This miniseries from the late 90s is quite faithful to the story, and imo, quite good. I believe King had a hand in the script, though to what degree I cannot recall.
-
It should be law that any Stephen King novel should be directed by Frank Darabont.
Shawshank Redemption
The Green Mile
The Mist
He was supposed to do a 4th one too but it didn't happen in the end.
-
Which was going to be the fourth?
-
The Long Walk or something ? Basically the plot of SPEED but it's people on a long walk and whoever stops gets killed or something. I seem to remember that was the broad strokes.
-
I would never say its "Basically the plot of SPEED" but you got the crux of it right. It was one of King's first stories, about an annual competition between 100 kids to see who can walk the longest without stopping. Those falling below a set MPH get 3 warnings before they are shot. I cannot recall what they win, but it is voluntary so it must be something worthwhile. Since it is basically kids walking and talking the whole time, I cannot imagine how that would translate to film.
-
I would never say its "Basically the plot of SPEED" but you got the crux of it right. It was one of King's first stories, about an annual competition between 100 kids to see who can walk the longest without stopping. Those falling below a set MPH get 3 warnings before they are shot. I cannot recall what they win, but it is voluntary so it must be something worthwhile. Since it is basically kids walking and talking the whole time, I cannot imagine how that would translate to film.
Anything they want for the rest of their life, iirc. Wasn't it first published in the Bachman collection?
As for translating to film, there were a lot of sub-plots and stories in there that could be done. I read it in the late 80s, so I don't remember all of them, but I could see someone making a go of it.
-
Shawshank, Green Mile and Mist are all fantastic so it's a shame that Darabont never got around to doing another one.
EDIT : I just checked and the dude is only 62. I hope he doesn't end up being one of those directors who made so many classic movies then
either only did TV or dire movies or just stopped altogether. But The MIST was 2007 and it was his last movie directing credit.
-
Finally saw It chapter 2. To my surprise I enjoyed It chapter 2 more than part 1. Perhaps because my expectations of 1 were very high due to the positive reviews and my expectations for 2 were kind of the opposite. Overall I think both films together work very well. It wasn't really scary to me, but I enjoyed the atmosphere very much and all the actors did a great job (both the kids and the adults). I think the length of the films is good, not too long as many are saying, as this way all the characters get their development.
Got Doctor Sleep on Blu-Ray. Came with both the Theatrical cut and directors cut with like 25 mins extra.
The Directors cut is worth watching at least once, but that's about it. Its already a long movie and the extra stuff kills the pacing. It adds some flavor, but it was the right choice to cut if from the original.
I have seen the Directors cut and agree the theatrical version is better. Worth a watch, but if you want to experience the film for the first time, I'd indeed recommend the theatrical release, which has a very good pacing and does not feel sliced up at all.
-
Haven't scoured this entire thread to see if anyone else already mentioned it, but I just finished watching the mini-series of 11/22/63. It's on hulu, 8 episodes around an hour each. Much different from the book but still a really good watch. I believe Stephen King and JJ Abrams were both producers on it.
-
I watched The Dead Zone yesterday, and I just want to say that I love that movie oh so much :heart
-
The Dead Zone is a classic. It is one of the few decent adaptations of a King novel. The book is worth reading as well.
When the movie first came out I thought no way could someone that evil could rise to power in politics like that and well.....now I wish I were still that naive.
-
Oh for sure, and Martin Sheen's performance was terrifying. It was so utterly spot on.