What a Waste

**AdamS** · November 9th, 2009

This film was a total waste.

Christine was the first Stephen King book I read. I was about 14 years old (or somewhere in that vicinity) and needless to stay, I was up way past my bedtime to finish the book within three days. I haven't stopped reading Stephen King since.

I got the movie shortly after reading the book and knowing that John Carpenter is one of the great horror directors, was expecting a classic.

Boy, was I disappointed.

I could go on all day naming the flaws with the film, but the most glaring one is the fact that the book's most intriguing character (Roland LeBay) was written out completely.

Terrible, terrible film.

Anybody else feel the same way?

**Mr. Palmer** · November 9th, 2009

CHRISTINE is my favorite Sai King book. And, I have to admit, that I enjoy the film, too. Of course, I'm a sucker for anything Carpy does, so...

**Bryan James** · November 9th, 2009

The flick is what I call a "Good Sunday Hangover Movie." It distracts you from the realization of what you did the night before and how you currently feel. It ain't great art.

I've seen it a few times.

~BJS

**dejolane** · November 9th, 2009

Originally Posted by AdamS

This film was a total waste.

Christine was the first Stephen King book I read. I was about 14 years old (or somewhere in that vicinity) and needless to stay, I was up way past my bedtime to finish the book within three days. I haven't stopped reading Stephen King since.

I got the movie shortly after reading the book and knowing that John Carpenter is one of the great horror directors, was expecting a classic.

Boy, was I disappointed.

I could go on all day naming the flaws with the film, but the most glaring one is the fact that the book's most intriguing character (Roland LeBay) was written out completely.

Terrible, terrible film.

Anybody else feel the same way?

Apparently you & I don't feel the same way. I loved the book and the movie was even better.

**aptpupil** · November 10th, 2009

I would tend to agree that Christine as a movie didn't measure up to the novel.

I don't actually think that most SK novels with a supernatural element do tend to measure up as movies, TBH.

The best adaptations are things like Shawshank, Misery and Stand By Me, which have no supernatural element whatever.

**JohnDalglish** · November 10th, 2009

Originally Posted by aptpupil

I would tend to agree that Christine as a movie didn't measure up to the novel.

I don't actually think that most SK novels with a supernatural element do tend to measure up as movies, TBH.

The best adaptations are things like Shawshank, Misery and Stand By Me, which have no supernatural element whatever.

Hi,

While I agree with you completely about the 'supernatural element' (best served by prose and the imagination IMO), Drew, I thought it was great to actually see Christine (not too many 57 Plymouths in the West of Scotland, are there?).

Long days and pleasant nights

**AdamS** · November 12th, 2009

Originally Posted by aptpupil

I would tend to agree that Christine as a movie didn't measure up to the novel.

I don't actually think that most SK novels with a supernatural element do tend to measure up as movies, TBH.

The best adaptations are things like Shawshank, Misery and Stand By Me, which have no supernatural element whatever.

That's a great point, but you also have to take into account films such as The Shining and Carrie which are masterpieces.

With that said, you can't beat The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, or The Green Mile.

**hipmamajen** · December 13th, 2009

I just read Christine, which I haven't done since it came out in paperback. I was in junior high, so it's been a while...

I was thinking of picking up the movie, and now I think I have to! I saw it way back in the day, too, but I was a youngun' and I don't trust my judgment from the time. As I recall, I was bored with everything that didn't involve someone getting squished by the car. I'd like to think my tastes are somewhat more refined now...