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For TV min-series, I never liked Tommyknockers, Storm of the Century and Rose Red.
.... and, I especially hate Golden Years
.... and, I especially hate Golden Years
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I think I've read pretty much everything by Stephen King except for the Dark Tower series. (Tried reading it, but it wasn't working for me.)
I'll pick a top 5
1. Different Seasons - Three of the four stories were made into movies: Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me, and Apt Pupil.
2. The Shining - I read this book on a beach alone as a teenager while a storm was rolling in. The walk up through the woods back to our cottage was frightening
3. It - A little long, a little bloated, but bonus points for using a clown
4. Misery - I still shudder when I think of the hobbling scene (in the book, not the movie)
5. Eyes of the Dragon
However, the best book he's ever written isn't a novel or a novella. It's book about writing called, appropriately enough, "On Writing." Outside of Strunk & White's "Elements of Style," you won't find a better book on the subject. If you've ever had any desire whatsoever to do any writing on a professional level, you absolutely need to read this book. Seriously, it rips ****.Comment
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He does go into detail a lot,which to some may seem boring or even confusing(ex. IT,when he goes back and forth in time via memories/flashbacks,I found myself re-reading a lot thru my first reading).I thought the same thing about Tommyknockers.
The mini series produced from his works cannot do his stories justice because of time restraints.
The details which seem boring at first,go to make up the whole of the story
which hollywood could not hope to incorporate in a reasonable time frame.
The stand would have needed at least 20 hrs of film to capture a minimum of details that made the book so great.
Last edited by jp1969; Apr 30, '10, 9:43 AM.Comment
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Not at all.
Really? I thought it was barely average at best, and thought that was generally the universal opinion of the film.I love RUNNING MAN...and that's a movie most would agree was
good if not "great". Your post is the first time I've heard someone refer
to THE RUNNING MAN movie as anything less than "good".
If I recall, it didn't get many good reviews when it was originally released. I'm sure it has it's fans, as most genre films do, but I can't really say I'm one of them. The novella is great though.
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Woa! Thanks for the spoiler warning! Haven't read 'Salem's Lot, but I want to. (And The Dark Tower series, I've had the first three lying around for ages.)
Pet Semetery is the one that creeped me out the most. But I think my favorite so far is IT. It perfectly portrays growing up and the childhood fascination with tunnels and hideouts (not to mention childhood fear of Tim Curry). I loved how the '50s and '80s stories were told concurrently -- allowing you to really get to know the characters -- and just the way he completely creates a complete, detailed world. The Stand does the same, and is way more epic, but doesn't have as strong a resonance of geography and time. It's good, but IT's the sh*t.
Gotta agree on The Tommyknockers. That's my least favorite so far. I remember the two main characters were really boring and by the end I just wanted it to end. I also agree that King's shorter fiction can be stronger than his super-long tomes. I can remember speeding through The Langoliers at the beginning of Four Past Midnight, then starting Secret Window, Secret Garden, getting hooked immediately, then finishing that story in one or two sittings. (And the movie adaptation stars one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. So naturally, I didn't like it.
)
I haven't read any of his newer stuff though. Nothing beyond The Regulators, I think.
Mmmm... Madchen Amick. The girl who's as fun to look at as her name is to say. I remember Madchen Amick from Twin Peaks. Madchen Amick.Comment
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You're forgiven. But only because your avatar scares me.Comment
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To be fair, about a 1/3 of the 30 something critics at RT gave it a "rotten"Really? I thought it was barely average at best, and thought that was generally the universal opinion of the film. If I recall, it didn't get many good reviews when it was originally released. I'm sure it has it's fans, as most genre films do, but I can't really say I'm one of them. The novella is great though.
review. Altho' that's not a lot of critics to draw from....it still supports
the idea that there was maybe a sizable amount of people who could find
enough fault with RUNNING MAN to say it was "poor".
Roger Ebert thought there was too much overall repetition....and I guess he's
right, but I never thought about it that way."No. No no no no no no. You done got me talkin' politics. I didn't wanna'. Like I said y'all, I'm just happy to be alive. I think I'll scoot over here right by this winda', let this beautiful carriage rock me to sleep, and dream about how lucky I am." - Chris MannixComment
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Love the King. I haven't read everything but have read most of them. under the Dome was a great read. I also liked duma Key although it was a little slow to get started.
I think my first book was It. Scared the crap out of me. But man do I lvoe that book. have read it a few times. My favorite is definately the Stand though. I've read both versions more than once and am currently following the comic adaptation.
Dark tower series a very close second, have read the entire thing twice and am also reading the comic adaptation now. I thought the miniseries was really good for what it was but admit it is a little dated to watch now. Still an entertaining movie.
Pet Semetary was also creepy as hell. The scene with the little kid when he gets killed always bother the hell out of me and then when he comes back as a zombie....man that was scary.Comment
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I just got the tv series version of The Shining to watch.
Am i going to enjoy it?Comment
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Salem's Lot is my favourite.
I think Night Shift is his best collection of stories.Comment
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My favorite King books are Christine and Firestarter. I really love the Firestarter movie, too. Not so much the Christine movie. It's okay, but nothing like the book.Comment
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