We don’t know this for a fact but it seems like 2017 brought us the most Stephen King adaptations than ever before. Not only that, but they were, for the most part, quality adaptations that are worth the time they take to experience them. Though we would never say that the movie or TV show is even close to as a good the books, here are those that came out last year and what we think of them...
11.22.63 (Hulu mini-series):
Actually released in 2016, 1963 is the J.J. Abrahms helmed, and James Franco starring, an abbreviated version of the book that contemplates what would have happened if the assassination of J.F.K. was foiled. It is a very entertaining exploration into alternate history, conspiracy theories, and historical context. The series is full of brilliant acting with special notice payed to Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald. Though it has its moments of stagnation it is an easily binged show, but, if you’re looking for a faithful adaptation that is obviously not happening here. Obviously the most important story elements are the love story and the assassination, and, this is just one of several possibilities the book delves into. To truly get lost in the history we strongly suggest reading the book.
Mr. Mercedes (AT&T series, Season 1):
Brought to us by AT&T’s Audience Network, and based on the bestselling Stephen King novel, Mercedes centers on a cat-and-mouse game between psychotic killer Brady Hartsfield (Penny Dreadful‘s Harry Treadway) and retired detective Bill Hodges (Harry Potter alum Brendan Gleeson). The novel Mr. Mercedes was actually the first book in a trilogy by King featuring the Bill Hodges character, so Season 2 will take inspiration from the trilogy’s other books, Finders Keepers and End of Watch. (King serves as an executive producer on the series.) Interestingly, the psychotic killer was originally supposed to be the late Anton Yelchin which would have been an interesting stretch we would have loved to see. But Treadway definitely owns the role and Gleeson is the perfect aged detective who just can’t let go. This is also another King series that deserves a full read. Of course, they all do in reality.
The Mist (Spike series, Season 1):
Touted as a re-imagining of the 2007 Darabont adaptation. Executive producers Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein developed the miniseries based on the film and aired on Spike Tv. The reviews are mixed on this 10 episode arc. They began mostly positive but as the series progressed critics began to describe the film as "bleak, mean, and downright sadistic at nearly every turn" (Chris Scott, The Observer). Shortly after the Weinstein scandal broke Spike announced they would no longer be carrying the show which is probably a good thing given it did very little to add to King's legendary status. I guess there has to be at least one dud in the years King offerings.
1922 (Netflix film):
Written and directed by Zak Hilditch, the film was released on Netflix on October 20, 2017. Quite possibly the best adaptation of a King story to be seen. A large amount of the credit for that is Thomas Janes’ portrayal of the main character. We are convinced that Jane is one of, if not the, best character actor we’ve ever seen. 1922 is a very well done period piece about pride, money, murder, and vengeance from the dead. As joel put it “One of many Netflix originals that set the bar incredibly high for big budget Hollywood films.” Ultimately, 1922 is the aftermath of one man's spur of the moment decision that comes back to claim him.
Gerald's Game (Netflix film):
Director Mike Flannigan has a special place in our hearts when it comes to new and brilliant horror offerings. Hush, Oculus, and Before I Wake have already garnered praise from the Creepercast staff. So it it should come as no surprise that this King novel adaptation about a woman who accidentally kills her husband during a kinky game that finds herself handcuffed to her bed with no hope of rescue and is hearing voices and seeing strange visions. This is the kind psychological trauma we expect from Flannigan and he’s mastered the art of passing it along to us. Of course we find his wife Kate Siegel in a leading role, and, believe it or not, his ex-wife Shea Cerveny, but that does not lessen the strength of this film. Just the premise alone is enough to send the brain into overdrive. Also, a visual representation of the tale in the book is enough to make this King story that much better.
IT: Chapter One (Theatrical Release):
Over a decade in the making, and currently, the highest-grossing horror film and the third highest-grossing R-rated film of all-time (after Deadpool and The Matrix Reloaded). All with good reason. IT is very faithful to the source material, has a brilliant ensemble cast, and though it only covers half the story, is a complete tale of phobia and horror. This is a love letter to the master of written horror and Andy Muschietti doesn’t hold back on the homage. The time period of the younger losers club has changed making it much more appealing to the generation that came of age in the 80’s and allows us to share our nostalgia with our kids. IT more than makes up for the mini-series failings while still paying homage even to that.
The Dark Tower (Theatrical Release):
Another King adaptation that took several years to make. Once Ron Howard’s name became associated with the film it seemed to help move it along. It took some time to come up with a winning combination but director Nikolaj Arcel finally put together a reasonable film considering there is 8 volumes of source material to pick from. Banking on the first novel, and pretty much putting together a stand alone film, King’s Neverending Story vs Sliders apocalyptic scifi horror finally hit the screen. The entire concept may have proved to much for the filmmakers but despite our reservations Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey more than fulfilled expectations. McConaughey on his own did an amazing job as the man in black despite the mystery of the character. So much so, in fact, and I almost hate myself for suggesting it, but I would love to see a The Stand remake with McConaughey in the dynamic role of Randall Flagg. In the end though what we have is barely complete but still entertaining multi-universe spectacle. If you happen to find yourself sucked into the story of Roland and the man in black, and want to know more about The Crimson King, I would strongly urge diving into the book series. Hell, if you don’t have time to read it then go for the audiobook, the narration is fantastically entertaining.
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