Amazon.com: Stephen King adaptations are strictly hit-or-miss propositions, and this supernatural thriller from 1993 is definitely a "miss," based on one of King's lesser novels and starring Max von Sydow as the evil proprietor of a small-town antique shop named "Needful Things." That's the place where anyone can go to find the one thing they cherish the most (the town's aging jock finds his old, high-school letterman's jacket there, for example), but of course there's a price for such priceless keepsakes. Yep, that's right ... von Sydow is Satan, and his customers pay for "needful things" with their souls. The sheriff (Ed Harris) catches onto this hellish predicament, and, well ... let's just say things go downhill from there, with von Sydow delivering sardonic wisecracks as he wreaks devilish havoc on the town. Lots of stuff gets blown to bits, by which time this movie has long since worn out its welcome. Harris and von Sydow do their best to liven up the dreary scenario (directed by Charlton Heston's son, Fraser), but this is strictly for die-hard King fans, and even then the recommendation is marginal. --Jeff Shannon
Could've Been Better I admit I haven't read the book Needful Things, but this movie just seems like its missing something. It starts out well, with a look at small town life.The scene where Ed Harris, as the sheriff, and Max von Sydow as Leland Gaunt, the antique shop owner/Satan, meet and share some pie is almost sublime. But then the movie gets silly, with Ole Scratch turning the townspeople violently against each other by providing all the things they've ever wanted most. The acting is good, though Sydow really chews the scenery by the end. Overall, fair time killer.
needful things another great one from the twisted mind of king.you'll love it,i know i do.if you like king you have to see this one.you won't be dissapointed i promise!!
the best of Stephen King This is the best movie in the Castle Rock series that goes off with a blast of entertainment. The movie gets you from beginning to end on how great the movie works to get the spirit of what the writer is trying to portray. I give it a two-thumbs up!!
Chris Reagh
A dark comedic joy Unlike some of King's pieces,there is a touch of comedy and sexiness about Needful Things. From the moment the town's numerous foibles,feuds and vulnerabilities are woven,its is and was intriguing.
I won't lie, you must have a taste for King's sense of humor and use of human imperfections to understand the zest of the story.The thrills are off set by humor and irony. Sadness and jealousy are spiced with curiousity of what will happen next as well as the thought of what does "The Needful Things store" hold for each of us. I, even like the sexual interplay between characters." I do so like a woman who takes care of herself" is just a snippet of what the villian regales us with before exacting his payment for services.
I thoroughly enjoy this offering every time I view it.
Hopefully others have and will, too.
King is King! Steven King is the master! And this movie does the book justice! I loved the setting.... Maine in the fall! Wonderful!
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