Chilling horror story of an unusual night at the prom...

Rating: 7/10 (20 November 2006)

CARRIE probably represents the sort of outsider feelings author Stephen King had as a nerdy teen-ager in high school. He was able to reach into those cruel childhood memories to create a girl with telekinetic powers that gives her the ability to wreak revenge on her tormentors in a big, over-the-top sort of way.
And he found the perfect director for such a project in Brian De Palma. His vision of Carrie's everyday torments makes for a very gripping film and one that deservedly won Oscar nominations for both SISSY SPACEK and PIPER LAURIE. Standouts in the cast include AMY IRVING, JOHN TRAVOLTA and NANCY ALLEN (who became De Palma's wife).
The disturbing scenes between Carrie and her mother have tremendous power but the highlight of the film, of course, is the famous prom scene where all hell breaks loose when the pranks get out of hand. It's a testament to the skillful playing of Spacek and Laurie that they got Oscar nominations in what is essentially a quality horror film.
Summing up: If you like Stephen King stories, CARRIE ranks with the best.