The stage curtains open ...
This Stephen King adaptation gives us a lesson on how to play devil's advocate - and what better way to learn than from the devil himself! After such novels as "The Dead Zone", "Cujo", and "The Dark Half" (all of which took place in or around Castle Rock), we were given what was to be the last Castle Rock story with "Needful Things".
Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow) has come to Castle Rock, opening up a quaint, novelty and antique store that contains just about anything for anybody. In fact, it contains something for everybody - something that is so endearing or special, that the customer might be willing do anything to possess it. The store is called "Needful Things". As his clientele grows, so do the problems around town, since there is more involved with simply paying a price. His customers must also do a special deed for him. Deeds that will soon throw this once peace loving community into total chaos. Fortunately, Sheriff Alan Pangborn (Ed Harris) is there to restore order.
I know this particular film was not well received and was given some fairly bad reviews. I, for one, enjoyed it. I'm not saying it was one of the best Stephen King adaptations. I'm not even saying that it was a good movie. I'm just saying that I liked it. I felt it captured the mood and feel of a very dark time in Castle Rock's town history very well. The characters were developed well with decent performances, and the cinematography was perfect for this film.
This isn't one of my favorite movies, but I still get it out from time to time to watch. It truly is a fun story that comes from the imagination of one of the best authors of our time. "Needful Things" deserves its little slice of that pie and should be watched and enjoyed. 7 stars out of 10.
This Stephen King adaptation gives us a lesson on how to play devil's advocate - and what better way to learn than from the devil himself! After such novels as "The Dead Zone", "Cujo", and "The Dark Half" (all of which took place in or around Castle Rock), we were given what was to be the last Castle Rock story with "Needful Things".
Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow) has come to Castle Rock, opening up a quaint, novelty and antique store that contains just about anything for anybody. In fact, it contains something for everybody - something that is so endearing or special, that the customer might be willing do anything to possess it. The store is called "Needful Things". As his clientele grows, so do the problems around town, since there is more involved with simply paying a price. His customers must also do a special deed for him. Deeds that will soon throw this once peace loving community into total chaos. Fortunately, Sheriff Alan Pangborn (Ed Harris) is there to restore order.
I know this particular film was not well received and was given some fairly bad reviews. I, for one, enjoyed it. I'm not saying it was one of the best Stephen King adaptations. I'm not even saying that it was a good movie. I'm just saying that I liked it. I felt it captured the mood and feel of a very dark time in Castle Rock's town history very well. The characters were developed well with decent performances, and the cinematography was perfect for this film.
This isn't one of my favorite movies, but I still get it out from time to time to watch. It truly is a fun story that comes from the imagination of one of the best authors of our time. "Needful Things" deserves its little slice of that pie and should be watched and enjoyed. 7 stars out of 10.