Kubrick does it again.

Rating: 9/10 (20 July 1999)

The odd thing about Stanley Kubrick is that he can make a film exactly like the book it's based on (A Clockwork Orange, another favorite of mine) but he can also make a film that goes completely away from the book. The Shining was not only the first Stephen King movie I had ever seen, it was the first horror film I had ever seen. And thus far, it is the only horror film on the same level of scariness as the Exorcist and Psycho that I know of. Two names make this a great film. Any true movie fan should know these names. Kubrick and Nicholson. Let's start with Nicholson, shall we? Jack Nicholson is, simply put, the best actor ever. He portrays Jack Torrence better than anyone else ever could. Well, that was simple. OK, now let's move on to Stanley Kubrick, shall we? His vision of the future in A Clockwork Orange and his vision of outer space in 2001: A Space Oddessy are without rival, as is his vision of schizophrenia, alcoholism, parenthood, and insanity in the Shining. Well, maybe they're rivaled by Psycho and the Exorcist. But that's it. This film is a must-see for any horror movie junkie. But if you want Kubrick at his best, I suggest A Clockwork Orange. But that's just my opinion.