THE RUNNING MAN is the new take on Stephen King’s dystopian game show sci-fi thriller. This one has a lot of dark comedy in there as well, which suits the 1980s style very well. I did, however, find it too long for its own good. Read our full The Running Man 2025 movie review here!

THE RUNNING MAN is a new movie by genre filmmaker Edgar Wright. It’s based on a novel by Stephen King, just as the first film adaptation from 1987 was. That one starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has a cameo in this one – sort of, he’s on the currency.

This time, Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, and as someone susceptible to his charm (despite having more in common with Katy O’Brian), he works well for me. He has serious anger issues, but also wants to fight for what’s right. A familiar and efficient premise.

Continue reading our 2025 The Running Man movie review below. Find it in theaters from November 14, 2025.

Game Show of Death

The Running Man 2025 is a sci-fi conspiracy thriller showing a dystopian world where the richest people try to divide the poorest, so they’ll hate each other instead of them.

Sound familiar? Yeah, Stephen King stories have never been too far from the world we live in.

As someone who watched the 1987 The Running Man many times growing up, the world of this Stephen King (written as Richard Bachman, just like The Long Walk) story is nothing new. And yet, it is as relevant and current as ever.

It takes place in a near-future society, where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. No medicine or food for the poor, while the rich want for nothing. Also, AI can make anything seem real in an instant, so you can’t tell fact from fiction.

Finally, everyone is obsessed with mind-numbing TV shows. From “The Americanos” reality show, where we follow a rich family and their drama, to various game shows that tend to have fatal outcomes for their contestants.

Anything to forget the horror of real life. All while dreaming of getting on one of these game shows, so you can be set for life. Of course, it doesn’t look like anyone really wins. Ever. But the dream of winning is being sold nonetheless.

Still made with an 1980s vibe

To me, I wasn’t sure if a 2025 version of The Running Man was necessary. However, my editor had never watched the 1987 original adaptation and loved this one, so I guess it’s still very relevant to a new generation.

What I wasn’t sure about at first was the decision to make it in a strange 1980s retro sci-fi style. Then again, I can understand that making it more contemporary (outside of the obvious Kardashian reference) would probably be too dark for many viewers.

So I was won over fairly fast by this. Somehow, things seem more innocent when shown in a retro 1980s light. Familiar, yet not too close to our current situation.

Even though it definitely is!

I can imagine plenty of people watching The Running Man in 2025 and thinking: “I’d sign up for that if I could actually win enough money to be set for life.” Just like Ben Richards rationalizes it in this story.

Running for your life

The Running Man is named after the top-rated show on television in this dystopian near-future. It’s a deadly competition where the contestants are called “Runners” because they have to survive for 30 days in order to win.

During these 30 days, they will be hunted by professional assassins, known as “Hunters”, and anyone in the public can also get rich by reporting a “Runner”. So, it’s essentially you against everyone else.

Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is desperate to save his sick daughter. Also, this working-class hero has a temper, which tends to get him fired. Sometimes for doing the right thing and helping his colleagues, but also just for getting angry and lashing out.

Sure, Ben Richards is a working-class man, but he isn’t without flaws. Then again, who isn’t?! The point in this story is simply that he is easily manipulated into being an ideal contestant. The ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), spots this immediately.

Watch the 2025 The Running Man in theaters!

Edgar Wright is the director of The Running Man in this 2025 version, and he is a director I am very fond of. Especially for Shaun of the Dead, which I can always rewatch, but also newer movies such as Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho.

Combine this with my love of Stephen King, and we’re off to an excellent start. The screenplay comes from Michael Bacall and Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright. No, I didn’t stutter; that’s how the credit goes both on screen and in press material, so there you go.

Alongside Glen Powell, Katy O’Brian, and Josh Brolin, we also get the pleasure of Colman Domingo (The Madness), Jayme Lawson, Emilia Jones (Task), Michael Cera, William H. Macy, Karl Glusman, Sean Hayes, David Zayas, and Lee Pace.

RETRO ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER REVIVAL

Last week, Predator: Badlands came out, and now it’s The Running Man. Arnold Schwarzenegger originated the lead role in both, which were movies I grew up with, but I recognize the charm of these 2025 versions. Hopefully, you will, as well.

My one big hurdle with this 2025 version of The Running Man is that the ending felt forced. I am all for the wild action sequences, the 1980s retro vibe, and even the dark comedy and charming, but flawed, hero.

However, it is too long. And especially because the ending didn’t feel very organic to me. It felt more like an afterthought or a correction of the originally intended ending.

Whatever the case, I cannot argue against its theme or entertainment value. It is wildly entertaining. And yes, this means I have to recommend watching it. Even though it made me want to rewatch the original as well – and insist my editor watches it with me.

THE RUNNING MAN IS OUT ONLY IN THEATERS, DOLBY CINEMA, 4DX, SCREENX, PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS, AND IMAX NOVEMBER 14, 2025.

Details

Director: Edgar Wright
Script: Michael Bacall, Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright
Cast: Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin

Photos © 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Plot

In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television–a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite–and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.

THE LONG WALK is a new horror movie based on a Stephen King novel. Set in a dystopian post-war USA, this feels eerily current. Also, it will make most viewers cry, so consider yourself warned. Read our full The Long Walk movie review here!

THE LONG WALK is yet another horror movie based on a Stephen King story. Unlike the previous Stephen King adaptations of 2025, The Monkey and The Life of Chuck, this one is based on a novel.

Also, while The Life of Chuck was a fantasy drama about the wonder of life, The Long Walk is a dystopian horror movie about survival in a world where there is no respect for human life. Certainly not poor people.

It’s very dark (not unlike The Monkey) and yet, it is also about the wonders of life (and friendship) in a roundabout way. Remember to bring tissues, as this will bring tears to the eyes of most who watch it.

Continue reading our The Long Walk movie review below. Find it in theaters from September 12, 2025.

Just keep walking…

While I realize “just keep walking” might make you think of Finding Nemo and Dory’s “Just keep swimming” mantra, I assure you, The Long Walk is a very different beast.

In fact, the “boots” poem featured in 28 Years Later is more relevant.

We’re in a dystopian post-war USA, where people are poor and most seem to be struggling. That’s why a competition has been created to help “boost morale” and give everyone the chance to be rich.

All you have to do is keep walking. A representative from each state is selected. Only young men can participate, and they do volunteer. Of course, when this competition is your only chance to get ahead, it is truly a choice?!

Once you’ve received the great honor of being selected, you receive a letter stating when to show up at the starting line. This is the opening of The Long Walk. Then we see all the young men arrive, and the walking begins.

Not until over 20 minutes into the movie does the title card come.

Brutal and emotional

Once the walking begins, there will be no stopping until only one young man is left standing as the winner. You’ll have to do whatever you need to do while walking. Whether that’s eating, sleeping, or relieving yourself.

You do not stop walking, nor do you slow down too much. Don’t worry, unless you cannot continue, there will be warnings and umm incentives to keep you going!

What makes The Long Walk work so well – other than the strong core premise – is the casting. We have to find heroes and villains among these walkers, while also recognizing that the world that created this race is the true villain.

We have David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus) and Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) in the two absolute lead roles as Ray Garraty #47 and Peter McVries #23, respectively.

And yes, Cooper Hoffman is the son of the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, which you can tell in terms of both genes and talent!

As other key participants in the never-ending walk, you can look forward to amazing talent. This includes Charlie Plummer (The Clovehitch Killer), Tut Nyuot, Ben Wang, Garrett Wareing, Joshua Odjick (IT: Welcome to Derry), and Roman Griffin David (Silent Night, Jojo Rabbit).

To name just a few!

As The Major, who leads the walk and is in charge of all the oppressive and brutal elements, we have the iconic Mark Hamill. Oh, and there is also one woman: Judy Greer as Ray Garraty’s mom, who drives him to the starting line.

The storytelling power of Stephen King

As mentioned earlier, this is the third feature film of 2025 based on a Stephen King story. With this movie, we’re closer to the darkness of The Monkey than the wonder of The Life of Chuck.

The Long Walk is very much a dystopian horror movie. 

It’s very dark, and yet, it does also manage to touch on the wonders of life and relationships. Maybe because we (and they) all know that the ending is near. Speaking of death, remember to bring tissues.

The Long Walk will bring tears to the eyes of most who watch it.

Tears of grief come from love

Of course, this Stephen King adaptation comes from a director who has given us quite a few genre films that also brought tears to our collective eyes. I’ll get back to this later (promise!).

For The Long Walk, the heartbreaking moments come from getting to know young people and hearing about their struggles and hopes, only to see most of them die a violent and vicious death.

The tears will be of grief (both those of the characters and the audience), which is closely related to love. You cry because you’ve lost a loved one. Yes, even if it’s a character you just met.

Tragically, only one person can win The Long Walk contest. This is a dystopian horror story from the mind of Stephen King. It’s very rarely the origin of “happy endings” or a feel-good resolution.

On the other hand, I’m sure certain politicians will watch this and think it should be a real event! That’s just one reason why this movie feels eerily relevant and very current despite taking place in an alternative USA.

Watch The Long Walk in theaters now

The director of The Long Walk is Francis Lawrence, who also directed several movies in The Hunger Games franchise. And yes, there are some obvious comparisons between the two.

Of course, while Hunger Games is a colorful spectacle of a TV show, The Long Walk is a simple and brutal walk until the very end.

In terms of remembering tissues, when watching this horror movie, you should know that Francis Lawrence also directed I Am Legend (2007), which has a scene that always makes me (and many others) cry.

The screenwriter is JT Mollner, who also wrote (and directed) Strange Darling. As already mentioned, this is based on a novel by Stephen King. Apparently, this was the first-written novel of King, though not the first-released.

In fact, he didn’t even release it under his own name. He used Richard Bachman as he did for many others. Including The Running Man, which is coming out in November this year, marking the fourth movie adaptation of a Stephen King story in 2025 alone.

Plus, there’s the MGM+ series The Institute.

This is truly the age of Stephen King… and the world clearly needs reminders that it can get even worse (or better) depending on what you do. That may be the key message of The Long Walk as well.

The Long Walk is out in US theaters from September 12, 2025.

Details

Director: Francis Lawrence
Screenplay: JT Mollner
Cast: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, Mark Hamill

Plot

From the highly anticipated adaptation of master storyteller Stephen King’s first-written novel, and Francis Lawrence, the visionary director of The Hunger Games franchise films, comes THE LONG WALK, an intense, chilling, and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: how far could you go?

THE INSTITUTE on MGM+ is a new series based on a Stephen King novel. A great cast and not too many changes from the book. With eight episodes, it doesn’t drag the story out too much. Read our The Institute series review here!

THE INSTITUTE is a new MGM+ series that is released on other platforms worldwide, including HBO Max in some countries. The new horror, sci-fi thriller series is based on a Stephen King novel that covers those very same genres.

I read the book when it first came out, so it’s been more than five years now, but I still remember it fairly well. For the overall plot, this series follows the novel pretty closely, so I was happy to see that. The series has eight hour-long episodes and a nice pace.

Continue reading our The Institute series review below. Start watching on MGM+ on July 13, 2025, when the first two episodes are released.

Gifted children used by adults

With The Institute, we’re getting the story of the teen genius Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman). Just as he’s convinced his parents to allow him to go to MIT, despite still being very young, he is kidnapped.

He wakes up in a room that looks exactly like his bedroom at home. However, there is no real window, and when he goes out the door, he is in an unfamiliar place. A facility of sorts, known only as The Institute.

This place is full of children who arrived the same way he did, and all of them have gifts. They’re not geniuses, but then again, that’s not why Luke is there. Instead, it’s thanks to other abilities involving brain power: Telekinesis and telepathy. Or TK or TP for short.

Why are they there, and what do the adults running the facility want from them? Well, you’ll have to wait a few episodes to get the full picture. Just like the children trapped in this place.

However, it’s apparent early on that it’s something sinister. Also, some of the adults take a little too much pleasure in having full control over these kids. Some of them are very young.

Mary-Louise Parker and Ben Barnes shine

While the core story of The Institute is about the gifted children – not unlike those in Gen V or The New Mutants, though their skills are different – I really enjoyed watching the adult characters.

We have Mary-Louise Parker (Omni Loop, Mr. Mercedes) as the head of The Institute. She’s equal parts sugar and spice with a big ol’ dash of vinegar. Also, clearly very troubled in ways that come out in very physical ways when release is craved by her.

Also, as the former police officer, Tim Jamieson, we have Ben Barnes (Black Mirror, Westworld), playing a character haunted by an event in his past. Now, he wants nothing but peace and quiet. And he’s hoping to find it in the small town he arrived at by chance.

However, on the outskirts of this quaint little town is The Institute, and Tim is a good cop who listens to people and notices everything. As a “Night Knocker” (a very outdated yet important job for the small community), his detective senses start tingling.

Watch The Institute series on MGM+ (or maybe HBO Max?)

The Institute comes from executive producers Stephen King and Jack Bender, so that’s the author of the book and the developer of the series adaptation. This is far from the first time Jack Bender has adapted a Stephen King story into a series.

Jack Bender also produced both The Outsider, Mr. Mercedes, and the Under the Dome series. Even if you’re not a fan of Stephen King stories, you probably know Jack Bender’s work from other productions such as Lost and Alias.

Or how about a horror deep dive: Jack Bender also directed Child’s Play 3 (1991). Most recently, he directed episodes of FROM. And yes, he also directs many episodes of The Institute along with Brad Turner (Accused, From).

Writers on The Institute series adaptation include Sam Sheridan (I Am the Night), Benjamin Cavell (The Stand), Ed Redlich (Unforgettable), Eric Dickinson (The Stand), and Sophie Owens-Bender (Mr. Mercedes).

If you’re a fan of Stephen King stories and the series based on them, then this is worth checking out. I wasn’t thrilled with the overall experience, but I can’t put my finger on why exactly. Maybe it’s because I read the book and expected something different?!

THE INSTITUTE premieres with two episodes on MGM+ on July 13, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. In other countries, you may find it on HBO Max from July 14, 2025.

Details

Director: Jack Bender
Teleplay: Benjamin Cavell
Cast: Mary-Louise Parker, Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Hannah Galway, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, Martin Roach

Plot

When 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson (Barnes) has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.

SALEM’S LOT on Max is a new adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic vampire story. This time as a feature-length movie. It’s entertaining but also very lackluster. Read our full 2024 Salem’s Lot horror movie review here!

SALEM’S LOT is a new Max Original horror movie coming out just in time for Halloween 2024. The movie has been waiting for a release date for quite some time, but that’s not because it’s bad. It isn’t great either, mind you.

It’s a feature film adaptation of the Stephen King vampire story of the same name. While I enjoyed watching this movie, I did feel like it was just moseying along in a strange way. Lackluster is the first word that comes to mind.

Continue reading our 2024 Salem’s Lot horror movie review below. Find it on Max from October 3, 2024.

A town with a vampire problem

Salem’s Lot is essentially the story of a town that ends up having a serious vampire infestation problem. It only takes one vampire to get things going and that’s where the story begins.

However, we follow author Ben Mears. After all, it’s always been a favorite of Stephen King’s to have an author for a main character. Write what you know and all that, so it works.

Full disclosure, I do love Stephen King as an author and read everything he releases, but I’m not a huge fan of his entire back catalogue.

Anyway, author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home searching for inspiration for this next book. The town is Jerusalem’s Lot (or just The Lot or Salem’s Lot).

Shortly after arriving back home – with little to no memory of his childhood there – he discovers that his hometown is the target of a bloodthirsty vampire.

Very nice casting

I know, I know, saying something is “very nice” doesn’t actually sound nice, but I do mean it nicely. The cast of Salem’s Lot is good and each actor does what they can. It’s through no fault of theirs that this movie isn’t as efficient as it could be.

Lewis Pullman (Outer Range) is wonderful as the author Ben Mears. He’s charming in an understated way and comes across as a good guy. As his love interest, we have Makenzie Leigh (The Slap) as Susan Norton, and she’s good too.

Alfre Woodard (Weathering) plays the local doctor, Dr. Cody. And Alfre Woodard is always good, so that goes without saying.

In other key roles, we see Bill Camp (Presumed Innocent, Stephen King’s The Outsider), Spencer Treat Clark (Glass), Pilou Asbæk (Run Sweetheart Run), John Benjamin Hickey, and William Sadler (King’s The Mist, The Unholy, Full Circle).

They all deliver what they’re meant to, as far as I can tell, but there’s just something about the pacing that makes this movie utterly forgettable.

Watch the 2024 adaptation of Salem’s Lot on Max

Gary Dauberman is the writer, director, and executive producer of Salem’s Lot in this latest adaptation. This is only the second time Gary Dauberman directed (Annabelle Comes Home from 2019 was the first), but he has written a lot.

He has written many spin-off movies in The Conjuring franchise, Within, and also the two It movies, so he’s no stranger to Stephen King adaptations. And this new Max Original is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 bestselling novel.

The producers of Salem’s Lot are also quite impressive with James Wan and Michael Clear producing for Atomic Monster; Roy Lee for Vertigo; and Mark Wolper (Bates Motel).

While I enjoyed watching this new take on Stephen King’s iconic story, I can’t imagine I’ll watch it again. It’s entertaining and “fine”, but just lacks an extra edge. The runtime of around 1 hour and 50 minutes is fine, it’s the vibe that’s lackluster.

Salem’s Lot is out on Max from Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Details

Director: Gary Dauberman
Writer: Gary Dauberman
Cast: Lewis Pullman, Alfre Woodard, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Spencer Treat Clark, Pilou Asbæk, John Benjamin Hickey

Plot

Author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.

PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES on Paramount+ is a prequel to the iconic horror story by Stephen King. This time, the story plays out in 1969 and offers more insight, but could’ve gone deeper. Still, it’s a good overall horror movie. Read our Pet Sematary: Bloodlines movie review here!

PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES is a new Paramount+ movie. As revealed by the title, this movie is part of the Pet Sematary universe based on the novel by iconic horror author Stephen King. The actual story from the novel has already been adapted (more than once), so it makes perfect sense to go further back and offer us all some more insight into what happened in Ludlow.

For this Pet Sematary prequel, we get a stellar cast and a story that hooks you straight away. I was never really irritated or bored, which is very good in itself, but I did wish it had been a bit longer. Mostly because I wanted to know even more about these characters. Still, it takes nothing away from me wanting to recommend that you check it out.

Continue reading our Pet Sematary: Bloodlines movie review below. Find it on Paramount+ from October 6, 2023.

What happened in Ludlow?

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines really is all about figuring out what happened in Ludlow. However, I’m sorry to say that ultimately, we don’t get much deeper than in the previous Pet Sematary movies. Sure, we get an idea of how the town of Ludlow was founded. And also why the same families seem to stay there. Still, that doesn’t give you that much more insight.

The story takes place in 1969 when a young Jud Crandall is getting ready to leave his hometown of Ludlow, Maine behind. Very much supported by his parents, though his mother fears she’ll never see him much again.

Before he actually gets a chance to leave, he discovers a sinister secret buried in his hometown. One that has to do with his own family (and others living in Ludlow). Discovering these secrets makes Jud and his childhood friends join forces – well, to a point, anyway – as they fight back against the ancient evil of Ludlow.

We see a new generation of Ludlow explore the origins of how death became different in their small town. As always, everyone also needs to come to the realization that “Sometimes dead is better”. Something anyone who has watched (or read) Pet Sematary will already know!

Going back and adding a star-studded cast

Doing a prequel and going back in time, is hardly a new idea in horror franchises. One recent example is Leatherface which was prequel to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. While I didn’t love that prequel, I much preferred it to the 2022 requel [reboot sequel hybrid].

As an overall horror movie, I think this Pet Sematary prequel, which focuses on the families that founded the town of Ludlow, is much stronger. However, I do wish it had gone deeper into the story and its characters. Perhaps even more so due to the amazing actors portraying characters with very little screen time.

I mean, we have Samantha Mathis (The Clovehitch Killer), Pam Grier (Jackie Brown), David Duchovny (The Craft: Legacy, The X Files), and Henry Thomas (Midnight Mass, Doctor Sleep) in the cast. Of these four, only Henry Thomas gets enough screen time for it to make sense.

Of course, this is ultimately a story that focuses on a young Jud Crandall, who is the older man in the actual main Pet Sematary movie. Henry Thomas plays the role of Jud Crandall’s father. The character of Jud Crandall is portrayed by Jackson White (Tell Me Lies, Mrs. Fletcher) who does a really good job of portraying someone who truly has their heart in the right place.

His friends are portrayed by several other familiar names and faces. These include Forrest Goodluck (Blood Quantum, The Revenant) and Jack Mulhern (Painkiller, Mare of Easttown). His girlfriend is also portrayed by a familiar face as it’s Natalie Alyn Lind who has been in several genre series already – from Daybreak to The Gifted.

Watch Pet Sematary: Bloodlines on Paramount+

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines comes from director Lindsey Anderson Beer, who also took part in creating the story with screenwriter Jeff Buhler (obviously based on Stephen King’s book). This is the feature film debut of Lindsey Anderson Beer who previously wrote and produced the Netflix movie Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.

Jeff Buhler has written the screenplay for several horror movies in the past – including the 2019 remake of Pet Sematary. His screenwriter debut was the 2008 movie The Midnight Meat Train which was based on the Clive Barker short story of the same name. Also, Jeff Buhler wrote the original screenplay for the horror movie The Prodigy (2019).

This new Pet Sematary prequel has a runtime of just 87 minutes and celebrates its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2023 in Austin, Texas. For fans of the Stephen King story, there is more of what you’d expect, but this one also touches on some other issues relevant to the 1969 setting. Overall, a good strong, and entertaining horror movie. Do check it out!

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines premieres exclusively on Paramount+ on October 6, 2023.

Details

Director: Lindsey Anderson Beer
Writers (Screenplay): Lindsey Anderson Beer and Jeff Buhler
Cast: Jackson White, Forrest Goodluck, Jack Mulhern, Henry Thomas, Natalie Alyn Lind, Isabella Star LaBlanc, Samantha Mathis, Pam Grier, David Duchovny

Plot

In 1969, a young Jud Crandall has dreams of leaving his hometown of Ludlow, Maine behind, but soon discovers sinister secrets buried within and is forced to confront a dark family history that will forever keep him connected to Ludlow. Banding together, Jud and his childhood friends must fight an ancient evil that has gripped Ludlow since its founding, and once unearthed has the power to destroy everything in its path.

THE BOOGEYMAN is a new horror movie based on a Stephen King short story. And yes, it is actually quite effective. It may not be as creepy as it is hyped up to be, but it holds up just fine. Read our The Boogeyman movie review here!

THE BOOGEYMAN is a horror movie out in theaters. That is a big thing – not least since the film was produced to be released directly on Hulu. However, that was quickly changed when test screenings resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The horror movie is based on horror master Stephen King’s short story of the same name, which is certainly a good starting point. I read the short story just before the press screening and have to say it holds up pretty well. Even if, by its very nature, it mostly uses the short story as a starting point.

Read our review of The Boogeyman horror movie below. Find it in theaters from June 2, 2023.

The scariest Stephen King adaptation?

In the last few weeks, The Boogeyman has been hyped quite heavily. Among other things with expressions like “the creepiest Stephen King movie adaptation ever”. So is it? Well, I don’t think so actually.

Not that I can say exactly why that is, but The Boogeyman doesn’t automatically enter that list for me.

On the other hand, it is certainly very effective, and not only with jumpscares. If you imagine jumpscares to be the kind of scenes that make you literally jump in your seat, then this movie does offer some of those.

But it also offers something else that I really enjoy too; The “Cower in your seat” kind of shock.

I actually caught myself suddenly sitting a little deeper in the seat. And then just a little further down, when a particularly creepy scene burst onto the screen.

Granted, the whole concept is also pretty perfect for someone like me. I am a person who still continuously checks under the bed and in the closet whenever I have to spend the night in a new place. Because you just never know.

So, yeah, this kind of Stephen King horror story is right up my alley!

From short story to full feature film

If you’ve read Stephen King’s short story, it’s exactly that story (albeit slightly altered, although several names are kept) that opens the film.

Will Harper (Chris Messina) is a psychologist and receives an unexpected visit from Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian), who tells a terrible story about how his children died. One by one. Roughly speaking, it is this session between patient and therapist that make up the short story itself.

It’s basically Lester’s story about how his kids died.

However, the session ends differently in the film, after which it is Will Harper’s family that we follow. He is a widower and just recently lost his wife. This means his two daughters have also lost their mother, but Will handles it all rather badly and does not talk to his children about it.

Ironically, he sends them to another psychologist instead. Which is good, but talking to them, when they actually want this, would be really good as well.

The daughters are the ones who actually get to fight the Boogeyman. The two daughters, Sadie and Sawyer, are played by Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Vivien Lyra Blair (Bird Box) respectively. I enjoyed both their performances very much in this. Never getting too over-the-top!

Watch The Boogeyman in theaters now!

Rob Savage has directed The Boogeyman and ever since we read about it, we’ve actually been looking forward to seeing the result. Here at Heaven of Horror, we were really excited about his Covid-19 Horror Movie Host (2020), which was created with Shudder.

It was also released there and immediately became a huge hit.

Then Rob Savage made Dashcam (2021), which was also creepy, but in a completely different way. And not a way that hit the spot as much for me personally.

The script for The Boogeyman was written by Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, and Mark Heyman (Black Swan). Based on a story created by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods, who again based this on a Stephen King short story.

Most horror fans will probably recognize Scott Beck & Bryan Woods as the duo behind A Quiet Place, Haunt, and (unfortunately!) 65. With this latest horror film, they’ve gotten away pretty well with building on King’s story.

It’s almost a little nicer (and wilder), but it definitely works as an effective and brutal horror movie!

The Boogeyman is out in US theaters from June 2, 2023. It will be available on PVOD from August 29, 2023 in the US.

Details

In Theaters: June 2, 2023 (US)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Director: Rob Savage
Writer: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Akela Cooper, Mark Heyman
Cast: Chris Messina, Sophie Thatcher, David Dastmalchian, Marin Ireland, Vivien Lyra Blair, Madison Hu

Plot

Still reeling from the tragic death of their mother, a teenage girl and her little brother find themselves plagued by a sadistic presence in their house and struggle to get their grieving father to pay attention before it’s too late.

CHILDREN OF THE CORN is a new horror movie. It was made in 2020, but has been waiting on a release, which is coming here in 2023. First in movie theaters and weeks later on Digital. It’s still based on the Stephen King short story. Read our Children of the Corn 2023 movie review here!

CHILDREN OF THE CORN is yet another take on the Stephen King short story from 1977. First, it was released in Penthouse (yes, the so-called “men’s magazine”) in 1977 and then in a collection of short stories in 1978. However, this horror movie was made in 2020 and has been waiting to be released. In recent years, financial issues have played a part, but not in this case.

In this case, however, I think there’s another reason this new Children of the Corn has been on the shelf since 2020. Just getting released now in the earliest days of spring 2023. This movie is extremely choppy, largely incoherent, and just an overall irrelevant take on the Stephen King story.

Continue reading our Children of the Corn movie review below. You can find it in Theaters on March 3, 2023, and On Demand and Digital on March 21, 2023.

Did we need another Children of the Corn movie?

Whenever we see yet another remake of a familiar story (often one that comes from Stephen King), we quickly wonder; Do we need another take on this? Well, sometimes we absolutely do. The latest IT is a much stronger adaption than the made-for-TV production that was rushed out to build on the original book release.

The same can be said for the 2020 series adaption of The Stand. However, a first-time adaption like the Carrie (1976) movie has yet to be beaten. Some might have come closer than others, but the original is still brilliant and, well, better! And the 2019 Pet Sematary didn’t do much to improve on the original either.

And yet, I felt like a new and fresh take on the Children of the Corn story was – in theory – a very welcomed addition to the movies based on Stephen King stories. I mean, even the first attempt at an adaption from 1984 (starring Linda Hamilton and Peter Horton) only has an IMDb rating of 5.6. In other words, it could be improved upon.

And yet, it really hasn’t been. I’d watch the original again instead. Well, okay, maybe with the exception of Kate Moyer, who does a brilliant job of being a murderous child in this 2023 release.

Kate Moyer is amazing!

While I’m not crazy about this latest take on the Children of the Corn plot, it’s through no fault of the actors. Due to the nature of this story, much of the main cast is obviously made up of young actors.

For me, Kate Moyer is the absolute star of the movie. Both for the obvious reason of her playing a key character, but also because I just loved seeing her on screen. I can think of several other horror movies they could remake with her in a leading role. She’s creepy and scary, but – even more importantly – she also comes across as fierce.

You’ll want a character portrayed by Kate Moyer on your side in any horror movie. And you really don’t want to get on her bad side. You may recognize Kate Moyer from the horror movie Our House (2018) or the HBO mini-series Station Eleven (2021-2022). Hopefully, we’ll see her in plenty more genre productions.

Focusing on other characters

Unfortunately, the character played by Kate Moyer wasn’t really as much in focus as she could (and should?) have been. Instead of focusing on this villain-with-a-purpose character, the focus is on the teens siding with the adults and fighting against the children.

Mainly through the character portrayed by Elena Kampouris (Jupiter’s Legacy). She does what she can with the script, but the story is just chopped and weak in so many ways. Also, while it may be a minor thing, the hairstyle chosen for the character played by Elena Kampouris is just strange. She’s supposed to be a 17-year-old girl living in a very rural small town.

Finally, we also have Callan Mulvey (Till Death, The Gray Man) and Bruce Spence (The Dry, Love and Monsters) playing key characters. Two strong actors who play important characters but are being used in scenes that are overly dramatic. For the most part anyway. There are some golden horror moments featuring these two as well – especially Bruce Spence!

Watch Children of the Corn in theaters – or On Demand soon!

Kurt Wimmer is the writer and director of Children of the Corn. Obviously, the movie is still based on the Stephen King short story, but “inspired by” might have been more appropriate. It takes place in our present day and a lot has been changed for Stephen King’s original story.

DO YOU LOVE STEPHEN KING STORIES?

Check out our Stephen King-tag to see what you might have missed >

This 2023 release has a very abrupt beginning and just jumps around from one “big scene” to the next. Building characters or letting us get close to anyone is impossible. There is plenty of juicy stuff at the core of this story, but it’s only hinted at. Also, the CGI alien-like creature that lives in the corn is anything but scary. Which is a shame!

RLJE Films is releasing this latest Children of the Corn movie, and if you’re a fan of the original story (or movie franchise), then surely you need to watch this as well. The same goes for all the movies in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, though that has often let us down as well. But hey, you’ve been warned of its issues now, so maybe you can enjoy it more.

CHILDREN OF THE CORN is in Theaters on March 3, 2023, and On Demand and Digital on March 21, 2023.

Details

Director: Kurt Wimmer
Writer: Kurt Wimmer
Cast: Elena Kampouris, Kate Moyer, Callan Mulvey, Bruce Spence

Plot

Possessed by a spirit in a dying cornfield, a twelve-year-old girl in Nebraska recruits the other children in her small town to go on a bloody rampage and kill all the adults and anyone else who opposes her. A bright high schooler who won’t go along with the plan is the town’s only hope of survival.

MR. HARRIGAN’S PHONE on Netflix is a coming-of-age story with a dark supernatural twist. Based on a Stephen King short story, it does contain horror but is more of a cautionary tale. Read our full Mr. Harrigan’s Phone movie review here!

MR. HARRIGAN’S PHONE is a new Netflix thriller with both horror and supernatural elements. It’s based on the Stephen King short story of the same title and is a classic coming-of-age story. You know, the kind our beloved horror author has written for decades – from Stand By Me to It.

This particular Netflix movie has utilized some pretty cool “mystery marketing” where billboards have been put up with a message seen in this movie. And yes, you will find out what it all means – when the main protagonist does.

Continue reading our Mr. Harrigan’s Phone movie review below. The film is out on Netflix on October 5, 2022.

Not the horror movie you might expect

Overall, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone isn’t the classic horror story you might expect. Well, not from a movie based on a Stephen King story anyway. Then again, remember that Stephen King does excel at writing these coming-of-age stories as much as he does downright demonic tales.

In this one, you won’t be getting long passages of pure evil and darkness. However, if you scratch the surface just the tiniest bit (or listen to the words spoken), you’ll find a cautionary tale. And that story is part “be careful what you wish for” and “Our phones are running our lives”.

Also, it’s a story about the love of books and the people you let into your life. Those who make an impact and make you want to be and do better. This might all sound a bit fluffy for a horror movie, but remember, horror can be a great many things.

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is about the everyday relatable horror of being bullied. Or the equally (but less frequent, fortunately) horror of losing a loved one to death. And then, of course, there’s the supernatural element that also results in deaths.

And those deaths are brutal – even though you’ll “only” see the aftermath and not the actual event, so to speak.

The wonders of Jaeden Martell

Over recent years, it seems like Jaeden Martell is everywhere when it comes to genre productions. But there’s a reason for it; The young man is absolutely brilliant. And if you think he only knows how to play a sweet boy (or young man, these recent years), then you clearly haven’t watched Defending Jacob on Apple TV+.

In Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, we have him back in the familiar Stephen King territory, which is how many will know him from the two It movies. He’s a truly good kid, who does not wish harm on anyone but does want things to be fair.

DO YOU LOVE STEPHEN KING AS MUCH AS WE DO?

Be sure to check out our “Stephen King”-tag for more productions adapted from his stories >

As Mr. Harrigan himself, we get the amazing Donald Sutherland. The younger generation will probably know him best as President Snow from The Hunger Games movies. Horror fans, however, will know he has done genre films for decades.

Donald Sutherland has been in such iconic genre movies as Don’t Look Now (1973), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), and even the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie from 1992. As Mr. Harrigan, he is absolutely perfectly cast as well.

In smaller, but very important, supporting roles, we see a few other familiar faces. Joe Tippett (Mare of Easttown) plays the dad of Jaeden Martell’s character, Craig. And Kirby Howell-Baptiste, who we just saw in the Netflix series The Sandman as “Death” is Craig’s beloved High School teacher.

Watch Mr. Harrigan’s Phone on Netflix now!

John Lee Hancock is the director of Mr. Harrigan’s Phone which is based on his own adaption of the Stephen King short story. Personally, I often find that short stories are much better to adapt. Well, into movies anyway. The novels from Stephen King do tend to require at least a mini-series of some kind.

Previously, John Lee Hancock wrote and directed the HBO Max serial killer movie The Little Things (2021), and The Blind Side (2009), which was also adapted from a book. He also wrote the adapted screenplay for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), directed by Clint Eastwood.

As producers, we have Stephen King himself (as an executive producer, of course) and some big-short names in terms of genre productions in the form of Ryan Murphy and Jason Blum (as in “Blumhouse”).

Being both a sucker for coming-of-age stories and Stephen King’s storytelling, as well as John Lee Hancock’s filmmaking, I was very happy with Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. If you let go of any wild horror expectations, I think you’ll see the wonders of this little gem as well.

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is on Netflix worldwide from October 5, 2022.

Details

Director: John Lee Hancock
Script: John Lee Hancock (Based on the short story by Stephen King)
Cast: Jaeden Martell, Donald Sutherland, Joe Tippett, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Cyrus Arnold, Colin O’Brien, Thomas Francis Murphy, Peggy J. Scott

Plot

When Craig, a young boy living in a small town (Jaeden Martell) befriends Mr. Harrigan, an older, reclusive billionaire (Donald Sutherland), the two begin to form an unlikely bond over their love of books and reading. But when Mr. Harrigan sadly passes away, Craig discovers that not everything is dead and gone and strangely finds himself able to communicate with his friend from the grave through the iPhone in this supernatural coming-of-age story that shows that certain connections are never lost.

THE OUTSIDER is a new HBO series with a truly awesome cast. It’s based on the Stephen King book of the same title, which I really loved. More than halfway through the series, I’m still not sure the adaption is to my liking. Episode 1 is a downright mess. Read our The Outsider review here!

The Outsider is a new HBO series based on the Stephen King book of the same title. I read the book this past summer since I knew the adaption was coming, so I’m watching it with the knowledge of the entire plot. After watching episode 1, I was very happy that I knew the whole story.

Honestly, the first episode almost made me give up since it’s so messy. There are flashbacks all over the place, but with no knowledge of the story or the characters, you can easily get lost. Fortunately, it does get (somewhat) better by episode two and the series premiere by airing both episodes on HBO.

We’ve watched the first six (out of 10) episodes for this review. Continue reading our The Outsider series review below.

From Stephen King novel to HBO series

Admittedly, I have been very excited about this new The Outsider HBO series since I loved the book it’s based on. Yes, it’s Stephen King once again and these days, he very rarely misses. Though the adaptions of his books are not always on point.

For one, I really didn’t care for the new Netflix movie that was based on a short story by Stephen King and Joe Hill (his son). It was called In the Tall Grass and featured some huge diversions from the original story. This can be both a necessary and good thing… it just wasn’t in that case.

Do check out: Our review of In the Tall Grass here >

When it comes to The Outsider, this HBO adaption is very loyal to the book which is good. However, there are elements that I suspect will be very difficult to understand without having read the book. The other recent TV series adaption of a Stephen King book was Mr. Mercedes which was a really solid adaption that made necessary changes but was loyal to the core story.

You might like: Our take on the Mr. Mercedes series based on a Stephen King trilogy >

Readers of The Outsider will also know that one key character from that former trilogy appears in this new story. And yes, she is also in the series adaption – of course. But this time, she’s portrayed by a new actress who does an equally impressive job.

A truly impressive cast

There’s no doubt anymore that the age of television is once again upon us. This means the casting of series can consist of Oscar winners as well as Emmy winners and everything in between. Of course, this being an HBO production, they have long been making productions for TV on a feature film production quality level.

For The Outsider, we have Jason Bateman (Netflix’ Ozark) as Terry Maitland. He’s both a main character and a supporting character in the overall story. Terry plays a key role in the plot but doesn’t actually have that much screentime. However, Ben Mendelsohn (Netflix’ Bloodline) plays detective Ralph Anderson who is in a lot of scenes and does a great job.

Also, we have Cynthia Erivo (Bad Times at the El Royale) as Holly Gibney, who is the character we know from the Mr. Mercedes universe. Yes, Holly is now a black woman, which I love. The character is exactly the same since Cynthia Erivo manages to create a portrait of her that (at least) matches the brilliant one Justine Lupe did for the Mr. Mercedes series.

Finally, I have to mention Marc Mechaca (Every Time I Die) and Yul Vazquez (I Am the Night) in smaller, but very important, roles. The same can be said for Jeremy Bobb (Godless) and Julianne Nicholson (Eyewitness). Basically, every single actor in The Outsider makes this a series worth watching.

Watch The Outsider on HBO

Jason Bateman directs the two first episodes of this HBO series and it’s not without issues. Especially episode one has many flashbacks but you won’t know which is past and present until later on. I knew the story from the book and still got lost during this episode. However, by the second episode, things are already getting a lot better in terms of storytelling.

The series is written by Richard Price (based on the book by Stephen King, obviously) and stays very loyal to the book. Whether this works for an adaptation is still up in the air for me. I love that few changes have been made but really question whether people will get all the details in the plot.

Richard Price himself is certainly a screenwriter who knows his stuff. He won an Oscar for The Color of Money (1986) and created the brilliant HBO mini-series The Night Of from 2016.

My recommendation of The Outsider is definitely to watch it, but if you haven’t read the book, I would wait until I can binge-watch the whole thing. Personally, I am very much looking forward to watching the final four episodes! That should tell you that I definitely think it’s worth watching. Also, do read the book. It’s awesome!

The Outsider premieres with its two first episodes on HBO from January 12, 2020. We’ve watched the first six (of 10) episodes in the series for this review.

Details

Directors: Jason Bateman, Charlotte Brändström, Andrew Bernstein
Writers: Richard Price (based on the novel by Stephen King) 
Stars: Ben Mendelsohn, Jason Bateman, Cynthia Erivo, Marc Menchaca, Jeremy Bobb, Bill Camp, Yul Vazquez, Mare Winningham, Paddy Considine, Julianne Nicholson, Hettienne Park, Michael Esper

Plot

The Outsider explores the investigation into the gruesome murder of a local boy and the mysterious force surrounding the case.