Needful Things

Needful Things can essentially be perceived the same as the overwhelming majority of adaptations of Stephen King's works. It is boring and cheap, with a small budget. Those who are unfamiliar with the book may think it's passable, but those who have read it will likely suffer and the deprived ending will provoke a surge of fury. The last 8 pages of the novel, if managed well in terms of screenplay and special effects, would surely push horror fans deep into their seats. Also, if the atmosphere of thickening tension and pervasive evil could be successfully conveyed through a quality script in the film, it would be a top-notch horror affair. Like this, it is only worth an overall impression of 40%. An added positive aspect that contributes 10% to this film is the involvement of Max von Sydow, who truly suited the role of the envoy of hell. (21/06/2006)

I thought the movie wouldn't be able to impress me, but it turned out that the adaptation was done in such a way that it was enjoyable even in a cinematic form. Moreover, the characters are really well-acted, and the whole web of evil and intrigue comes alive relentlessly before you. The ending is perhaps even better executed than in the book, although it still feels somewhat lost. But it has depth. (12/11/2016)