The Shining is getting a new 4k re-release this October, so I went to watch it in theaters (again) to prepare for the upcoming "Doctor Sleep". What's funny is that this theatrical endeavor was totally cropped to make it widescreen. You could tell because of the end credits were cut off. For a cinematic legend, it's funny that Kubrick made a bunch of his movies in the 4:3 aspect ratio, but we'll forgive him.

For starters, I think this movie is great. A horror classic exceptional for its brooding atmosphere. The pacing may be slow to some people, but I think the tension and buildup is slow-burn perfection. The music sets the moody tone and there are certain cues that give me goosebumps. Still.

This may be the ultimate madness movie. Jack Nicholson was born to be an axe-wielding maniac, and I wish he'd play a psychopath more often.

"You didn't let me finish my sentence! I said I'm not gonna hurt you... I'm just gonna bash your brains in! I'm gonna bash 'em right the fuck in!"


Stephen King is a fool for hating this movie. What's his beef with it anyway? Because it deviated from the book? As great as he is, he can be a real idiot some times. Especially when he gets political, but we'll forgive him.

One thing I noticed is that this one has a few similarities to Pet Sematary. The main one is the indian burial ground bit, but there's also the ghosts, as well as a character being warned to return somewhere and flying on a plane and taking a trip to get back to a place, only to meet a gruesome end. Plus, child protagonists who are psychic, to boot...

Some of the scenes in this movie are downright creepy, though. You can probably count those scenes on one hand, but when they hit, they hit hard. The nasty old hag? The twin girls? The bit that creeps me out most is the damn animal-suit blowing the fancy man. Random and creepy shit, right there...

What are your thoughts on The Shining? Worthy? Overrated? Is King justified in his hate? Or is it a horror masterpiece?