The Only Time Ever When I Was Laughing and Screaming At the Same Time

Rating: 9/10 (3 October 2006)

Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" is, to me, the lone great horror film. Horror films have been on the decline lately, as the only ones to have actually impressed me in the past five years are "The Ring" and "The Descent". But look back and watch "The Shining". It doesn't need "BOO!" moments to scare you, it just needs your patience. It's truly terrifying.
There are certain moments that stick out considerably. My favorite scene happens to involve Jack Torrance (Nicholson, in his best performance ever) and the old caretaker named Mr. Grady. I was so creeped out. It almost scarred me for life when it came to the "237" scene.
The performances are exceptional. As I mentioned, Jack Nicholson is amazing. The best "Over-the-top" performance ever. His dialouge coming up the stairs with Shelly Duvall is wonderful. Duvall, in herself, is also great. By being a normal housewife. Some scenes combine laughter and horror together beautifully. The famous bathroom scene is a perfect example.
Stanley Kubrick isn't one of my favorite film makers (I didn't like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and I hated "Eyes Wide Shut") but this is probably his second best film ("A Clockwork Orange" barely topping it).
This is a great movie. See it. Now. "Little pigs, little pigs..."