Much-maligned but still a great horror film

Rating: 10/10 (4 August 1998)

First of all, I loved the book. It remains my favorite Stephen King novel. Secondly, the TV adaption was well done. Still, I think Kubrick did a great job at creating the atmopshere necessary for a good, scary movie. It's full of incredible visuals, and great tracking shots (especially when we follow Danny riding on his big wheel through the hotel hallways). Sure, Nicholson gives an over-the-top performance but...that's what he does in almost every movie he's in. Have you ever heard of him giving a "restrained" performance? Shelley Duvall is okay. Actually, Rebecca DeMornay was a big improvement in the TV movie. I know King fans who absolutely hate this movie. They say Kubrick changed too many plot points and ruined the whole thing. I say there's more than one way to tell a good story. King did it very well, and so did Kubrick...just in a different way. I'd rank The Shining up there with the best horror films of all time, along side "The Bride of Frankenstein", "Psycho", and "The Exorcist", among others. It actually reminds me of another superb haunted house movie: "The Haunting", from the early '60s. Both movies create that sense of isolation; the fear of turning the next corner or opening the door everyone is afraid to open. It's also the best King adaption, although "Stand By Me", "Misery" and "The Shawshank Redemption" are close behind. If you haven't seen it, rent it. If you're one of those angry King fans, give it a second chance. It's worth it.