If you already have the five stories contained within STEPHEN KING GOES TO THE MOVIES, there’s no reason to buy this paperback compilation. Although the cover promises that the celebrated “reflects on the filming of five of his most popular short stories,” that new material is sadly brief.
How brief? Each of the quintet is introduced by a King essay that doesn’t quite take up two pages. And, in the case of “Children of the Corn,” it doesn’t even take up one. Therefore, King’s insight on the films — 1408, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, THE MANGLER, HEARTS IN ATLANTIS and CORN — is frustratingly minimal.
A glance at the contents page also reveals “My 10 Favorite Adaptations.” Don’t get your hopes up that this will yield more in-depth discussions, as there’s no discussion at all; it’s a list of 10 titles, sorted alphabetically, and that’s that. I have no argument with the stories here — they’re still as good as when I first read them — but this repackaging is a missed opportunity. —Rod Lott
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF STEPHEN KING:
• CELL by Stephen King
• THE COLORADO KID by Stephen King
• CREEPSHOWS: THE ILLUSTRATED STEPHEN KING MOVIE GUIDE by Stephen Jones
• CUJO by Stephen King
• DUMA KEY by Stephen King
• HAUNTED HEART: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF STEPHEN KING by Lisa Rogak
• JUST AFTER SUNSET by Stephen King
• THE SECRETARY OF DREAMS: VOLUME ONE by Stephen King
• STEPHEN KING: THE NON-FICTION by Rocky Wood and Justin Brooks
Related posts:
- BOOKS 2 FILM >> The 5 Best “Worst” Stephen King Movies
- Stephen King returns to ‘SALEM’S LOT with super-sized edition
- King’s CELL rings up buzz via mobile phones
- Haunted Heart: The Life and Times of Stephen King
- King’s CELL coming to theaters
