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. Andy has a mild ability to "push" people to do things against their will: using this ability causes him severe problems (nosebleeds, headaches). Charlie is pyrokinetic, an ability seemingly without limit. On the job for The Shop is operative John Rainbird who believes that, if he kills Charlie, he will be enriched by her spirit.
This is one of the better King adaptations. It follows the book quite closely and, where it has made changes, they are generally for the better. The cast is good, with George C Scott a very strong Rainbird.
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 effects haven't aged well - this one could usefully be remade with contemporary effects serving it rather better. 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.
This is one of the better King adaptations. It follows the book quite closely and, where it has made changes, they are generally for the better. The cast is good, with George C Scott a very strong Rainbird.
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 effects haven't aged well - this one could usefully be remade with contemporary effects serving it rather better. 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.