Just a classic

Rating: 9/10 (27 November 1998)

The most amazing thing about Carrie is that for at least the first hour and change, there is scarcely any indication that it's a horror movie. When the tone shifts dramatically at the end (and the tone does shift dramatically a lot), it packs that much extra punch. This is also a serious downer of a movie, though I'm sure many viewers will sympathize with the outsider's retribution theme. One of the three most successful Stephen King adaptations (The Shining and Misery being the other two), this is helped immeasurably by Brian de Palma's flair. Call him a Hitchcock-wannabe all you want, this film has style to burn and most of its gimmicks work. Sissy Spacek is perfect as Carrie, and Piper Laurie is riveting as her mother. This is #4 on my list of all-time horror movies, if anyone cares.