However, as much as I enjoy the film, I'm not against a remake as long as they don't try too hard to be edgy. Yes, there were scenes where things were a bit corny but it was the 80's. Score wise, using Tangerine Dream, that was rare since most studios didn't use that genre of music back then and TD nailed it and really added more to the film. Casting was pretty solid and Drew did fine, especially at the end when she got revenge, I wanted to cheer her on as she burned it all down. But Firestarter is on my top 5 Stephen King film list for a handful of reasons. I lost my copy and the used copies always look like trash when I come across them).Īs for the film, I can't remember what Stephen King film I saw first, I think it was Firestarter or Christine. But it does explain why the climactic confrontation takes place at night rather than, as in the book, in daylight: darkness is better at covering up fireball wires etc.Įdward James Olmos back when Firestarter was released was who I kind of pictured, probably because of his role in the Wolfen (totally underrated flick and the book should still be in print. The effects haven't aged well - this one could usefully be remade with contemporary effects serving it rather better. The music by Tangerine Dream is less welcome, and the decision to have Charlie's hair blowing in the wind every time she uses her power is questionable.

The cast is good, with George C Scott a very strong Rainbird. It follows the book quite closely and, where it has made changes, they are generally for the better. This is one of the better King adaptations. On the job for The Shop is operative John Rainbird who believes that, if he kills Charlie, he will be enriched by her spirit. Charlie is pyrokinetic, an ability seemingly without limit. Andy has a mild ability to 'push' people to do things against their will: using this ability causes him severe problems (nosebleeds, headaches).

Firestarter - book and film - both hit the ground running (literally) by starting in the middle of a chase: Andy and Charlie McGee, father and daughter, on the run from The Shop, the covert government department which is responsible for both of them acquiring psi abilities.

Firestarter novel