2 Minute Reviews: March 2011

Genre(s): Psychological horror, Mystery
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% critics/ 91% audience
Our Grade:

Killian L: 8.8
J. Tremblay
Alvar J:

Synopsis: A man decides to take his family with him to take care of the Overlook Hotel during the awful winter coming up and to able to dedicate some time to his writing. The dark history of the place and / or the isolation turn him into a psychopathic killer. His son, Danny possesses the key to salvation: a telepathic gift called "Shining".

Who it´s for: Horror fans, the curious in psychology, anyone looking for a thrilling film without the typical gore and jump scene/scares ,Kubrick fans (however this film is more mainstream than his average), Jack Nicholson followers
Who it isn't for: Stephen Kings loyalists, the needy of fast paced movies.

Director: Stanley Kubrick
Actors (characters): Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance

Budget vs Gross Revenue: $22m/$44m (US only)
Awards/Recognitions: Scariest film by Channel 4. 25th Greatest Villain and 29th Thrill by the American Film Institute.

Rating (US): R
Running Time: 2hrs 24min
Country: US

Final Comment:

Killian L: The story of this film is quite interesting; it's quality was downplayed upon its release, however with time this film has become an adored piece of Kubrick's creative filmography. In addition, it is possible that the many changes made from Stephen King's novel have done other than improve the story. Although its opponents are partially right when they claim it is overrated (regarding Duvall's acting and some unnecessarily long moments), the real genius of this masterpiece is revealed when the viewers feel fear without having to seen the typical scene where you know a loud scare is coming. That is, without mentioning the possible allegories included. Is it a nightmare or a metaphor? Is the hotel haunted or does Jack get cabin fever? It's likely, we'll never know.
J. Tremblay
Alvar J.