Prepare for terrifying suspense and bone-chilling thrills with this new 5-Movie Collection. Based on the written works of Stephen King, these five films offer the perfect entertainment for Halloween: “Pet Sematary” (1989), “Pet Sematary” (2019), “Stephen King’s The Stand,” “The Dead Zone,” and “Stephen King’s Silver Bullet.”
THE STAND
Unlike the rest of the titles in this bundle of Stephen King movies, “The Stand” is a TV series. The series spans 4 episodes that explore a world where most of the population has died due to a virus outbreak from a military base. A handful of survivors traverse this new post-apocalyptic world and begin to split into two factions. The leaders of these groups are basically God and the devil, good versus evil. A battle for the last of humanity ensues as these survivors must figure out how to rebuild civilization and defend themselves from extinction.
“The Stand” examines what people will do to survive and the companionship they seek in that survival. Due to its format, “The Stand” slowly explores each character and the choices they make as they seek their groups. We watch certain characters fall to the influence of their leaders like Lloyd (Miguel Ferrer) and the Trashcan Man (Matt Frewer). They protect and work for Randall Flagg (Jamey Sheridan), a demon that intends on finishing off the rest of humanity. Other characters seek a kind leader known as Abigail (Ruby Dee), who leads her group towards rebuilding society. As we watch these characters battle for their spot in this new world, we see humanity’s many faces as they struggle to succeed. Still, they find hope in each other and new life that lets them believe in a future. “The Stand” is a little different than other Stephen King’s stories but still contains a common theme of hope within the groups that his stories center on. It’s not as scary as other King adaptations unless you consider the world ending as your own kind of horror. “The Stand” is more of a case study on human survival than a creature story that we are accustomed when seeing Stephen King stories. Still, “The Stand” is a slow burn that can drag but gives for a well-rounded series.
THE DEAD ZONE
“The Dead Zone” stars Christopher Walken as John Smith, a comatose man who awakens from his fugue state with psychic powers. His powers allow him to see a person’s past or future depending on the situation at hand when he comes into physical contact with them. This movie plays very much like a short story. It’s quick and concise in its mysteries and focuses more on the protagonist’s struggle to balance his life with these powers. Christopher Walken gives a great performance and portrays how a person can struggle to either live life for themselves or help others in ways no one but him could help. As the famous Uncle Ben line goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Ultimately, Smith chooses that greater responsibility than one’s self and takes a leap of faith to save the world from a wolf who hides amongst the sheep.
As with most Stephen King stories, the build-up to the climax is the best part of the story but usually peters out in the end. Hence, my mention of the concise storytelling in this movie. After all is said and done, the film ends with no type of epilogue and settles with John Smith rather than exploring the world he helped save. “The Dead Zone” is one of the more enjoyable fast-paced Stephen King adaptations that has continued to serve fans of King’s adaptations.
PET SEMATARY (2019)
The remake of “Pet Sematary” deviates from the original film to attempt to bring a modern horror aspect to the film but misses creating a coherent story. It takes the main bullet points from the 1989 film and fills in the spaces with more horror ideas rather than connecting the points together. There is also this sense of destiny in the 2019 version that takes away from the spontaneity of a family just falling into this nightmare. The twists this movie presents in order to throw original fans off the trail, don’t make up for the confusing set-up that takes place. Case in point is the conversation between the Creed family, in which the father, Louis (Jason Clarke) shows his strong viewpoint on death and the afterlife. His logical thinking and antireligious point of view take a full 180 after the tragedy that befalls them. It feels unearned when you have the mother who is fully guilt-ridden before their tragedy.
After all, not many remakes can one-up their predecessor but this one fails to see where it should’ve have taken from the original and where to insert your own twist. This modern take does look stunning and has a very specific visual pallet that is present throughout the entire film. The acting and makeup design were great and reminiscent of the original. Especially the new cat, who is a gorgeous creature to see if you are a fellow animal lover. My issues stem from the story itself and how it delivers us to the end of the movie. I’d recommend taking a look at the 1989 version before this one but in the end, I still feel most will find the original to be superior.
PET SEMATARY (1989)
“Pet Sematary” is a great classic horror film to enjoy any night of the week. The film center on the Creed family’s move into a rural home in Maine after Louis (Dale Midkiff), the father, accepts a job at the University of Maine. Within the backwoods of their home lies the pet sematary where locals have created a makeshift graveyard for their pets. It’s obvious that more lies beyond this grave but that is avoided at the time. Eventually, the family cat dies after being run over. In an attempt to not sadden their daughter, a neighbor shows Louis the reincarnation powers of the soil beyond the pet sematary. Soon after, the family has an accident that results in the death of their son. Louis falls into a particular depression because of his guilt for not saving their son. Their neighbor Jud (Fred Gwynne), who shows Louis the powers of the soil, worries he may want to do it again. Being the only two that know about it creates tension as Louis continues to fall into his guilt. Slowly the nightmare grows and the family must face the demons they’ve created.
This adaptation translates the horror that King’s stories are known for. The examination of a person’s despair and the lengths they will go to fix their mistakes. Louis Creed’s descension into madness is as thrilling as it is depressing. Most can relate wanting to go back and fix something we’ve broken at any cost. The horror in death is ever-present throughout the film and solidifies the theme. Again another successful adaptation of king’s work and one of my favorites.
SILVER BULLET
“Silver Bullet” was my favorite of the bunch. This film balances a family adventure story and horror story, unlike anything I’ve seen before. The family dynamic sets up a quirky team composed of a down-on-his-luck uncle called Red (Gary Busey) and his niece and paraplegic nephew Jane (Megan Follows) and Marty (Corey Haim). Jane and Marty’s relationship is that of your typical older sister annoyed by her little brother’s antics. A whimsical aura lingers in the film with its imaginative McGuffins like the gas-powered wheelchair that Uncle Red builds for his paralyzed nephew or the bag of fireworks he gives him as well. The rest of the characters that don’t involve the principals, serve to further extend the horror of the werewolf.
The scenes containing the werewolf are truly horrifying and gory without being overly grotesque. They contain setups for good scares and creepy transformation. The attack sequences and practical effects make for a creepy encounter for each victim. Slowly, as the townspeople continue to disappear, the identity of the werewolf is revealed when Marty has an encounter that ends with him taking out one of the werewolf’s eyes. After convincing his sister and uncle to help him defeat the monster, the film takes a speedy trip to the end. Like most Stephen King stories, the finale usually comes at a much slower pace than the climax and settles in a very abrupt manner. Still, “Silver Bullet” tiptoes the line of creature-feature and family adventure with a little bit of blood. One of the most well-rounded King adaptations I’ve seen.
All five titles are now available on a new 5-Movie Blu-ray Collection
