Chilling in more ways than one

Rating: 8/10 (17 September 2018)

I remember my mom taking us to a drive-in to see this film upon original release but it was sold out and we were resolved to watch some 2nd rate National Lampoon comedy on the 3rd screen. While the rude/raunchy comedy entertained us, both me and my sister kept sneaking peaks at the Shining screen and mesmerized by the images sans sound. I've seen the film many times on video and really liked it but it wasn't until many repeated viewings on video increased my love of this film in the last few years. Even knowing what's coming up next doesn't take away from the viewing experience. Kubrick is still unmatched as a filmmaker. Never having read the book but hearing the changes made to the script, I can't imagine enjoying the book more than the film, but that's just me. Stephen King would argue that point.
The film contains all the classic, if not cliché, elements in making a typical horror film but Kubrick, as always, puts his unique spin on things to make it refreshing on every single viewing elevating this far and above all the slasher horror films that came and went in the ensuing 80's and beyond.