Let us put this to rest, shall we?

Rating: Null/10 (12 April 2001)

Ladies and gentlemen, I have read all of the comments on "The Shining", both negative and positive, and I must say I think that it is my turn to shed some light on this mysterious movie.
For the detractors, I have these points to express. Many of you claim that it sucked horribly because it was not loyal to the novel. I would like to point out that the TV movie made in 1997, which was approved by King and was as faithful as possible, was even worse than Kubrick's vision. So don't knock this one because it is different. Also, you have all claimed that "The Shining" was boring and overlong. Your main error was seeing this movie, expecting to see a horror movie instead of a Kubrick film. Sure, it doesn't have things popping out every second or ridiculous hedge monsters coming to life, which is excellent. If you want all of that, I suggest the "Friday the 13th" series instead. Kubrick's films deal with the horrible aspect of the darker sides of men (Full Metal Jacket, A Clockwork Orange), and not monsters that go bump in the night. You have also claimed that Wendy was too weak and stupid for her character. Personally, I believe that this is essential. It creates the feeling of the audience wanting to kill her as well, so strangely we can understand a mad man.
To the supporters, I have these things to say. This is definetly not a masterpiece, and is not Kubrick's best work. I consider myself the biggest Kubrick fan out there, but I have to point this out. The boy who played Danny was not very good, to be frank (still better than that Anakin Skywalker brat though) and Shelley Duvall does have her acting slipups (especially with her scenes with Jack before he goes psycho). The scenery and the camerawork, and Jack are all excellent indeed, however. And the ending to the film is twenty times better than that hokey and predictable finale to the novel.
Sit and watch "The Shining" alone and away from distractions with an open mind. Only then will you fully appreciate it from an intellectual standpoint. I will state once again that this film is still not Stanley's best movie, but it is not his worst. That honor belongs to "Barry Lyndon".