STEPHEN KING'S ROSE RED -- Any good? (1 Viewer)

[Kenneth English]

I just picked up THE OTHERS at CC ($16.99) and saw this one next to it. I love haunted house movies (and ghost stories in general) but I intentionally missed this one when it was on TV (I cannot abide commercials! ).
I'm suspicious of any "horror" story produced specifically for the homogenized pap-factory that is television so I need a few informed opinions before I commit to purchase. Anyone? Thanks!

 

[Kai Zas]

I've reserved this one in my flexi-cart over at dv-depot. Been waiting for a review (or some other commentes) to hit this forum.
Bring it on, people

 

[Brian Kidd]

I can't speak to the quality of the new dvd, but I was quite underwhelmed by the miniseries when it aired on tv. It was filled with overacting and a silly and nearly incomprehensible storyline. Not among King's best work, to be sure. I'm sure, though, that there are others who would disagree with me.

 

[Jamie Cole]

Having read Richard Matheson's "Hell House" recently and seeing a lot of the "haunted house" classics, I'd put this one in the big middle group. It's no original "The Haunting," but it's not as bad as the Jan De Bont take or the latest "Thirteen Ghosts" or "House on Haunted Hill."

It's a little long, but there are some wonderfully scary moments. I particularly like the immersion of the DVD in the fake legend behind the house, a la "Blair Witch." It's a neat way to introduce yourself to the movie's back story.

SK has said he intended this to be the ultimate haunted house story. Not quite, but it's good.

 

[Jon Sheedy]

I thought Rose Red was one of the scariest and well-done horror miniseries ever broadcast. Excellent set designs, thick atmosphere and some extremely scary moments....and lots more creepiness throughout. Overall, I enjoyed the way it was drawn out...giving lots of time to the backstory, which made it even more interesting. Epic in scale with high production values.

Rose Red was one spooky, twisted place and I can't wait to get it on DVD. I usually wouldn't touch a made for televison miniseries (of this type) with a ten foot pole, but this one is an expection to my rule.

IMHO, it ranks with the better King stories that have made their way to the theater or television. Compared to De Bont's The Haunting...I believe it is a much, MUCH, better better work. I would strongly suggest that if you enjoy haunted house stories you at least give this one a try...it might be the mother of them all....and you might be pleasantly suprised!

 

[Eric T]

I find that most of King's stories translate very poorly to film. The only exceptions I can think of are The Shining and Pet Semetary. But I'll rent this one and see how I like it.

 

[todd stone]

This movie is very good

 

[Dwayne]

Some parts were decent, but overall, I was disappointed. I found Nancy Travis laughably bad.

I recommend renting first if possible.

 

[Trevor H]

While most of King's stories translate very poorly to film Rose Red was written specifically for TV, which I think helps it too be for the most part a very good show, but like many of Kings stories it is strong until the ending which leaves you wanting for more.

 

[Nick Graham]

This mini-series was pretty good, but I'd rent before you buy. Nancy Travis IS woefully miscast, and there is a bit of hammy, comedic stuff involving her nemesis that just falls flat on it's face. Also, King really seems to lose track of a couple of characters during the second act. The FX range from laughably bad to quite good. Still, all in all, it's worth a look, and while I found it lacking in scares, it's a fun (although way too long) ride, with a great atmosphere and a surprising amount of comic relief that DOES work. Plus, the director is much more stylish than King's usual right hand man for these mini-series, Mick Garris.

 

[Brian Lawrence]

I went digging through the TV forum and found my comments on this movie from back in February in this thread.

In short this will be a damn hard movie to dethrone for my worst of 2002 list.

 

[Dan M]

I find that most of King's stories translate very poorly to film. The only exceptions I can think of are The Shining and Pet Semetary. But I'll rent this one and see how I like it.

I've always felt that way also.

The minds eye usually works better when it comes to King's stories I've always felt. But then, that might be true for most novels no matter who wrote them.

Although I hear most people are satisfied with the screen adaption of HARRY POTTER as being as good as the book.

MISERY came off pretty well on film I think but I still say the novel had far more impact.

I understand that King never thought too much of Kubrick's THE SHINING on film. I still say it's one of the best film versions of one of his stories to date. A true classic horror film IMO.

If you read the book before watching the movie, the movie will almost always be a dissappointment it seems

I'll rent ROSE RED all the same

 

[Jordan_E]

THE SHINING is Kubrick's The Shining, it isn't the book whatsoever. Being said, Stephen King's The Shining (the mini-series) isn't the book either! ROSE RED leads me to believe that King should stick with writing novel format.

 

[Steve Bjorg]

I must be in minorty since I actually liked SK's 'Storm of the Century' mini-series. I haven't seen RR, so no comment there, but I can't wait to give it a try (hopefully not requiring a purchase).

 

[Jerry AZ]

I picked this up over the weekend. I didn't see it on TV, but I'm a sucker for haunted house stories.
I enjoyed it. It has plenty of atmosphere, and some scary moments. It runs a little long, but I felt it was worth the purchase. Just turn the lights down and break out the popcorn .

I'll be watching it again.
I usually like the stuff King writes for TV, since they aren't trying to put one of his novels into a two hour box. Storm of the Century was pretty good, but I didn't care much for IT.