LogFAQs > #979942774

Evilordexdeath - First of all, I question the inclusion of this one on the list. Yes this is an adaptation of a Stephen King book directed by David Cronenberg, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a horror film. It's more of a weird-fiction yarn about a few episodes in the life of an English teacher who develops psychic powers after being bitten by a radioactive car accident. It's a fun little tale, but the overarching story is too loose - although the episode that ends things off is set up early, I felt like I was waiting for a stronger and more cohesive story to coalesce out of the individual incidents. While the premise of a man seeing visions of the future and trying to change it could be fertile ground for interesting moral quandaries, the villains are too over-the-top, and the questions raised by the narrative too clearly answered for the film to really rise above an entertaining popcorn-munching distraction. For example, I would've liked what happens after the ending, in which the protagonist makes a failed assassination attempt on a politician his psychic powers tell him will start a nuclear war - to be left ambiguous. That would've left the viewer with some intrigue to puzzle over in the manner of another almost mystifying Cronenberg film I hope to see higher on the list - instead it's just spelled right out for you and rendered almost completely uninteresting, the politician gets discredited and Christopher Walken (whose presence is definitely a big part of why this film is as high as it is on my list,) dies a hero. Most other incidents feel the same in this narrative defined by wasted potential.

Karo - After a traumatic brain injury, this guy discovered that he has the ability to see someones future when he shakes their hand. Or sometimes the past. Or even the present!

Anyway, he eventually shakes hands with a politician who will someday cause nuclear armageddon, and so he tries to assassinate him but fails at that like everything else in his life.

The pacing seem far too slow and features too much of just the protagonist acting morose and self pitying than really exploring his new abilities. The movie's title is thrown out once in a sentence and not really explained further despite ample time to do so, and the plot seems to straggle on without direction throughout. I mean, one minute we're a lovelorn rip van winkle story, then next we're an episode of 'Medium', and now he's doing secret agent shit or something? There is no cohesion.

It is a fine but rather forgettable movie that doesn't really add anything new to the psychic/clairvoyant trope, and to place it in the horror genre at all is the stretchiest of stretches.

Rockus - Another novel Stephen King premise, and heightened by the talents behind and in front of the camera. In a way it almost feels *too* normal for a guy like David Cronenberg and it almost plays more like a drama than a horror film. Its also almost more unsettling from the implications it hints at than events that it depicts on screen. Unsurprisingly, Christopher Walken is phenomenal in this. He really brings the film together and his presence keeps it on track when its semi-episodic pacing gets a little carried away. Very good movie but feels minor compared to the rest of Cronenbergs work.

Bitto - Raitng: C

The fodder line. The execution is good, but the premise is just lame. It feels like 4 stories loosely tied together. Johnny's an interesting character. I like that he's reclusive and hates his talent. He has a nice arc throughout the movie. The scenes where Johnny is physically in the hallucinations are the strongest: the house burning and the Castle Rock Killer. Stillson is a fun antagonist, but he just doesn't really get as much time as you would hope for.

Snake - The Dead Zone is mainly a compelling exploration of psychic burdens and the weight of foresight as Christopher Walken delivers a powerful performance as Johnny Smith. The film excels in its suspenseful atmosphere, building dread around Johnny's increasingly disturbing visions and the moral quandary they present. Martin Sheen is equally captivating as the charismatic politician Greg Stillson, whose dark future Johnny glimpses. Their dynamic forms the core of the narrative, creating a complex struggle between fate and free will. I love how the film loosely plays with horror and isnt really the main focal point, mainly focused on creating a tense thriller more than anything. However, compared to the novel's sprawling narrative, I feel the movie condenses the story significantly, sacrificing some character development and plot details. This streamlining can feel rushed at times, particularly in the later sections. Still, I think this film absolutely sticks the landing regardless

Seginustemple - This one I'd argue isn't quite horror, more along the lines of detective mystery/political thriller. You would think King x Cronenberg would be a body horror extravaganza but it's restrained on that front, only one moment stands out as being particularly visceral (the scissor suicide). Walken is a good pick for a man haunted by Crossing Over with John Edwards powers, he has that chilly morose energy. I like that there's a logical progression from crime to politics as he comes to grips with his ability, from which point Martin Sheen steals the show as an uncannily Trump-like character. And the throughline of the post-coma grief/the lover who had to move on keeps it emotionally well-grounded. But I think there is an episodic nature to the story that seems more fit for a miniseries, as a film it's somewhat disjointed.

Fortybelowsummer - While its not the scariest Stephen King offering, Dead Zone is one of the best film adaptions of one of his stories. Sandwiched in between the madness of his two other classics on our list, Videodrome and The Fly, David Cronenberg directs with subtlety and thoughtfulness that proves his genius beyond the body horror genre. Its more mainstream and accessible but he really pulls off the psychological thriller aspects. Christopher Walken isnt asunorthodox here as he can sometimes be, but by no means is he boring as the subdued but intense Johnny. Its really not a stretch to call this one of his best performances. He captures the emotional weight of a man struggling with the power that hes been given. Martin Sheen is awesome too and though hes not in it a lot hes perfect in the corrupt power-hungry politician role. They certainly bring their charisma as they careen towards the dramatic ending, and thats much needed because the movie does at times feel kind of bland. I also feel like there wasnt enough buildup to Johnny and Stillsons final encounter. It seems to happen so quickly that he realizes the grave danger that Stillson poses, acquires the gun, and makes his plan. Still though, the ending is impactful and its a solid movie that will rank fairly low for me but only because so many other favorites are here.