He started with his book, Carrie, which was made into a successful movie directed by Brian De Palma (Blow Out, Scarface & Dressed To Kill), yet decades later he’s still pumping out novels and short stories. Below is a list dedicated to arguably one of the kings of horror’s most underrated screen adaptations. This is just my opinion, of course. Enjoy!
5. Thinner (1996)
Thinner tells the tale of Billy, an overweight man who is cursed by a gypsy. The results of the curse are severe as Billy can’t stop shedding body fat. He’s literally evaporating before his own eyes. The film also stars Joe Mantegna (the voice of none other than The Simpsons character Fat Tony)
4. Silver Bullet (1985)
There’s something comforting about lower-key 80s & 90s Stephen King stories. For me it’s the predominant small town location where the adaptations are set. Silver Bullet is no exception. A small town boy begins to suspect there is a werewolf responsible for attacks in his hometown. As events unfold he begins to realise his family are in grave danger and must do anything to stop the small town beast.
3. The Shining mini-series (1997)
It took me a while to encounter this Re-adapting of The Shinning. King himself was unimpressed with Stanly Kubrick’s iconic 1980 horror heavyweight. That he brought in director Mick Garris for a fresh take on his novel. This is not quite Kubrick’s classic and lacks the directorial flare he had. However what we do get is King’s vision of how the novel should look on screen. It’s truer and more accurately in line with the tone of the book. It’s nowhere near as great a watch as the move. Still what we get here is something that feels more fleshed out rather than a wild ride. It’s slower paced and takes a little more time to nurture the characters before we embark upon the Overlook hotel. The acting is average but it’s a sweet intriguing piece of cannon. Dismissed by many horror heads The Shinning mini-series is so underrated in my opinion. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. “I am more than happy living in a world where two adaptations of The Shining coexist.”
2. Children Of The Corn (1984)
A favourite among horror fans and still it has a low score under six on IMDB. My eyes are rolling! A small town’s children slaughter their parents and begin a hostile takeover. When a couple break down nearby they mission into the town looking for help. After being introduced to the little hellions who now run the town. The couple must try and escape but it won’t be easy. Issac the adolescent ring leader reminds me of a whinging old granny!
1. Graveyard Shift (1990)
A corrupt mill owner who is mean to his workers. Recruits some gents and ladies for clean up duty in the rundown premises basement. Flooded and infested with rats. Little do the team know something nasty, icky and gross lurks beneath them. Graveyard Shift is totally awesome and shouldn’t be disgarded as a lightweight adaptation by Stephen King fans. It has creatures, suspense and Brad Dourif.
Seriously though I feel like some of these adaptations are under-seen by general audiences. Do yourself a favour and relive the golden age of Stephen King movies.