Share your thoughts after viewing the movie **DEFINITE SPOILERS**

[DiO'Bolic]

As someone who works for a writer and had a grandmother who was a teacher and a stickler for those sorts of things, it's my curse.

I have no idea where she gets it from, but my daughter in college is the Adolf Eichmann of grammar nazis. She has several T-shirts with grammar captions. She often cringes at my speech and is constantly correcting me. At the dinner table I’ve taken to asking her on a regular basis if she wouldn’t rather eat in the living room... and ‘When do you go back to school?’

 

[Dana Jean]

I have been a "constant reader" since I was a 20 year-old meth addict. I am ADHD naturally, and I always drifted away with what you wrote. You are even one of my influences that helped shape my writing style in my stories. You, Lovecraft and Poe.

Why do you keep letting them ruin the implementation of your imagination? They dummify it; they consolidate it, they ruin it...and in the process they make you look cheap. Can you honestly imagine Lovecraft or Poe doing that? I thought it was about the love of writing? Your art.

The Gunslinger movie was more their vision than yours. They condensed and ruined everything. Why do you keep allowing them to do this, Stephen? I don't sincerely understand. You aren't having money problems that I am aware of, so why sacrifice everything you've done--your legacy--only to tarnish your real deeds and abilities? I appreciate more the older cheaper movies that concentrated on plot...such as The Stand, It, The Langoliers, Stand by Me, Shawshank Redemption, and so forth. At least they were good...not some rich, stupid Hollywood's "vision" of how to turn your complex ideas into an hour and a half blockbuster. The only people that will enjoy this movie--if any!--will be the ignorant populace, not the true lovers of art. Don't you remember what you felt of Kubrick's version of The Stand...how much you didn't like it. That was HIS vision of your vision.

I hope you reconsider selling out to Hollywood in the future, because I seriously doubt you need to. You need to reconsider the legacy you leave behind, please. Please. I have great respect for your imagination and writing ability, but very little in your business savvy.

I think your great, I just wanted to express my opinion because I am infuriated right now that you gave up such great rights of oversight, and did not please the "constant reader" but instead the less intelligent, non-loyal visual-entitlement whores. You know, the kind that love Driving Miss Daisy or the action-packed The Matrix. I mean, seriously, Stephen, you can't be that old yet. You must understand my concern for your legacy. Because I do love your influence, and I do fear what you might inadvertently do to it.

Good luck, friend. Don't sacrifice integrity and creativity for an easy paycheck. Please don't do this again. I understand it isn't easy, but I have faith in you. Don't cater to those that don't even read--a vast majority. You don't need to. Cater to those that put you where you are, and appreciated what you do.

Looking forward to more great books! Keep up the good work in that department and thank you!

Many people enjoyed the movie who have also read the books and they aren't ignorant. Nor are they entitlement whores. They are also constant readers.

danie -- here were the people I was talking about. Not you, not the respectful negative reviewers.

 

[Matt Taylor]

After reading through this meandering river of a thread, two things have jumped out at me. First, someone really nailed it when they said (and I'm paraphrasing) that the movie was neither BAD nor GOOD, it just kind of WAS.....and that all of us with a serious emotional attachement to the characters/stories probably came in demanding nothing less than greatness. Thank you for that, whomever it was. Me, I hated the movie. Hated with a passion. But, having ruminated and marinated on it for a while, I can definitely see where that phenomena may have added fuel to my fire. I stand by my belief that this was not good filmmaking, and I'm not going to try to "talk" anyone out of their own opinion, but yeah, maybe anything less than pure excellence would have left me feeling this way.

Secondly, I think in some cases (and I'm not pointing fingers) people are willing to put on blinders to the film's shortcomings and fool themselves into thinking it was better than it really was because they are fearful a negative reaction will endanger the possibility of seeing the franchise continued, either via film sequels or the tv series currently in development. I get that. I get the spirit of hope behind it. I personally don't want to see more of THIS but, like the vast majority of folks, would love to see the GOT/American Gods/TWD approach. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen.

 

[Neesy]

Don't you remember what you felt of Kubrick's version of The Stand...how much you didn't like it. That was HIS vision of your vision.

Not to be too picky, but I think Kubrick did "The Shining"

Have you seen the movie yet? I enjoyed it, even if it wasn't exactly like the books

 

[Neesy]

After reading through this meandering river of a thread, two things have jumped out at me. First, someone really nailed it when they said (and I'm paraphrasing) that the movie was neither BAD nor GOOD, it just kind of WAS.....and that all of us with a serious emotional attachement to the characters/stories probably came in demanding nothing less than greatness. Thank you for that, whomever it was. Me, I hated the movie. Hated with a passion. But, having ruminated and marinated on it for a while, I can definitely see where that phenomena may have added fuel to my fire. I stand by my belief that this was not good filmmaking, and I'm not going to try to "talk" anyone out of their own opinion, but yeah, maybe anything less than pure excellence would have left me feeling this way.

Secondly, I think in some cases (and I'm not pointing fingers) people are willing to put on blinders to the film's shortcomings and fool themselves into thinking it was better than it really was because they are fearful a negative reaction will endanger the possibility of seeing the franchise continued, either via film sequels or the tv series currently in development. I get that. I get the spirit of hope behind it. I personally don't want to see more of THIS but, like the vast majority of folks, would love to see the GOT/American Gods/TWD approach. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen.

Sorry you were disappointed - Welcome to SKMB Matt Taylor

 

[Creepshow666]

My main problem with The Dark Tower movie is the rushed pace and lack of development. This is to be Stephen King’s magnum opus that many other novels stem from. This is his Lord of the Rings, however the film is not even as good as the other spin off movies that are referenced such as IT. Making the film 90 minutes cut short all development of story. It felt like, here is a guy with guns and a wizard, Go! I also didn’t like that they took the story from Jakes perspective while the novels were mostly from Rolands. This completely changed the tone and made it feel too kiddy, kiddy, while with a PG-13 rating this did not help its cause. The books had adult language and gore so why not make it like that. All other Stephen King movies are. I get that this is a continuation of the story and so that idea gives them free reign to change the books in what way the director felt necessary, but they also changed so much of the story or gave it so little time that the legendary mythos came as a passing breeze and was easily forgettable. In watching an interview with Idris and McConaughey and they both stated they had not read the books. Idris started the first one during the movie but they all went off the script for direction. I found this upsetting too. The man in black with no knowledge of the man in black. Just look evil for some unknown reason. I thought he was going to pull off a True Detective like performance which was great. I would have preferred a long dreary movie like “The Road” as the first movie with a hero to young kid relationship that builds while terrifying elements are slowly introduced. The easter egg theme was also overplayed. Putting a sign in the background that says Needful Things doesn’t make you Stanley Kubrick. After the long wait and anticipation for this movie I felt it was a complete let down. If this was a heavy metal album it would be Metallica’s Load. I am one of those that has read the books and has a half sleeve tattoo of the tower. Maybe I am too close to it. However, if the true fans feel this is bad and only simpleton summer blockbuster goers find it good to decent with no knowledge or what it should be…then there is a problem.

 

[Dana Jean]

After reading through this meandering river of a thread, two things have jumped out at me. First, someone really nailed it when they said (and I'm paraphrasing) that the movie was neither BAD nor GOOD, it just kind of WAS.....and that all of us with a serious emotional attachement to the characters/stories probably came in demanding nothing less than greatness. Thank you for that, whomever it was. Me, I hated the movie. Hated with a passion. But, having ruminated and marinated on it for a while, I can definitely see where that phenomena may have added fuel to my fire. I stand by my belief that this was not good filmmaking, and I'm not going to try to "talk" anyone out of their own opinion, but yeah, maybe anything less than pure excellence would have left me feeling this way.

Secondly, I think in some cases (and I'm not pointing fingers) people are willing to put on blinders to the film's shortcomings and fool themselves into thinking it was better than it really was because they are fearful a negative reaction will endanger the possibility of seeing the franchise continued, either via film sequels or the tv series currently in development. I get that. I get the spirit of hope behind it. I personally don't want to see more of THIS but, like the vast majority of folks, would love to see the GOT/American Gods/TWD approach. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen.

And another insulting review to those who also have a serious emotional attachment to the stories and characters -- and also want greatness.

Again, this movie wasn't the book as we know it, but we still enjoyed and appreciated the movie.

 

[Dana Jean]

My main problem with The Dark Tower movie is the rushed pace and lack of development. This is to be Stephen King’s magnum opus that many other novels stem from. This is his Lord of the Rings, however the film is not even as good as the other spin off movies that are referenced such as IT. Making the film 90 minutes cut short all development of story. It felt like, here is a guy with guns and a wizard, Go! I also didn’t like that they took the story from Jakes perspective while the novels were mostly from Rolands. This completely changed the tone and made it feel too kiddy, kiddy, while with a PG-13 rating this did not help its cause. The books had adult language and gore so why not make it like that. All other Stephen King movies are. I get that this is a continuation of the story and so that idea gives them free reign to change the books in what way the director felt necessary, but they also changed so much of the story or gave it so little time that the legendary mythos came as a passing breeze and was easily forgettable. In watching an interview with Idris and McConaughey and they both stated they had not read the books. Idris started the first one during the movie but they all went off the script for direction. I found this upsetting too. The man in black with no knowledge of the man in black. Just look evil for some unknown reason. I thought he was going to pull off a True Detective like performance which was great. I would have preferred a long dreary movie like “The Road” as the first movie with a hero to young kid relationship that builds while terrifying elements are slowly introduced. The easter egg theme was also overplayed. Putting a sign in the background that says Needful Things doesn’t make you Stanley Kubrick. After the long wait and anticipation for this movie I felt it was a complete let down. If this was a heavy metal album it would be Metallica’s Load. I am one of those that has read the books and has a half sleeve tattoo of the tower. Maybe I am too close to it. However, if the true fans feel this is bad and only simpleton summer blockbuster goers find it good to decent with no knowledge or what it should be…then there is a problem.

Another insulting review.

There are a lot of true fans who thought this film was good. We are not simpletons and and we have a wealth of knowledge of what it should be -- and it still delivered for us.

 

[jagermaster22]

Wait...someone made a movie? What part does Sam Jackson play?

OY!

 

[recitador]

Another insulting review.

There are a lot of true fans who thought this film was good. We are not simpletons and and we have a wealth of knowledge of what it should be -- and it still delivered for us.

beat me to it lol

 

[recitador]

Many people enjoyed the movie who have also read the books and they aren't ignorant. Nor are they entitlement whores. They are also constant readers.

danie -- here were the people I was talking about. Not you, not the respectful negative reviewers.

guess i skipped some of that post. i totally missed some of that. not appropriate at all.

 

[Dana Jean]

I just wanted the respectful people to know what I was responding to. And while I used the term lamenting pearl clutchers in regards to the attitudes between source material vs. movie, I didn't personally call them ignorant, whores, simpletons.

 

[recitador]

I just wanted the respectful people to know what I was responding to. And while I used the term lamenting pearl clutchers in regards to the attitudes between source material vs. movie, I didn't personally call them ignorant, whores, simpletons.

luckily i was tired when i first read that and missed all that, my reply might have been a little more . . . let's say enthusiastic. this is the sort of thing i was speaking of too. the "true fan" brigade who thinks that those who aren't actively crapping on the movie don't have the right to call themselves fans, or that they automatically haven't read the books, or any other nonsense like that. or, my favorite - stephen king, who's about the most prolific author of the current era, who will probably be talked about long after most of us are gone and forgotten, who has probably been set for life for a long time now, just needs a paycheck *so* badly that he's willing to do anything.

 

[Matt Taylor]

And another insulting review to those who also have a serious emotional attachment to the stories and characters -- and also want greatness.

Again, this movie wasn't the book as we know it, but we still enjoyed and appreciated the movie.

Well, I certainly didn't intend to kick sand in anyone's face, and my sincere apologies if my comments were insulting. That was not my intent. I was trying to explain my reaction to the film as best I could. As I said earlier, I'm not trying to talk you out of liking or it or show you why you're wrong....You and the other people who enjoyed the movie AREN'T wrong. If you liked it, you liked it. There is no right or wrong there. My comments, as italicized by you, were simply meant to state that loving this body of fiction as much as I do (I suspect you do too) I came in not wanting to settle for a "good" movie or an "okay" movie. The work I hold most dear deserves better than that. Anything less than greatness would have left me feeling similarly, a bias I firmly accept as my own. And I'm not saying I "love" the DT series more than anyone else, I'm just saying my personal feelings about the story, the canon, the mythos, whatever you want to call it, MAY have skewed my perspective some.

If you, if ANY of you, think that this was a GREAT movie, then, while I am dumbfounded and stunned, more power to you. I am happy with any success that leads to more and potentially BETTER translations. But I haven't seen much here, or anywhere else other than, "Oh it's not that bad" which takes me back to the start. That, to ME, isn't good enough.

Much love though. I'd rather talk about SK than Trump, North Korea, Gender Identity, or much of anything else.

 

[GNTLGNT]

Stephen is a creative person and has always been one to look for different ways to try things. What you see as selling out, he sees as another way to tell a story. One comment that he made in an early interview about this adaptation was that he already knows how the story turns out in his books. It was exciting to him to see what others could do to expand on his original story. There were many times along the way that he would nix an idea or ask for edits in the many scripts when he thought they were going too far off field. As long as they captured what he, as the creator of the work, felt was the essence of the story he was okay with what they did. And, as he and others have said, no adaptation can ruin his books. They're still right where they always were.

....hear, hear!!.....

 

[GNTLGNT]

..."bottom line, I hope this son-of-a-whore makes a crap ton of money so I can sleep on a queen sized stack of Benjamins....after all, what other point is there to writing????".....

 

[Grace82]

I've not seen it yet.....but I will be going over the weekend. As a reader of the Dark Tower series, my expectation is that it will remain true to the book are not high....and that is fine! I'm going in expecting it to be something different. Honestly, I think those movies that have not stayed true (or as close as they could) to King's novels, turn out to be the best movies. I think King's work is just so vast and has so much information...that they just don't translate well to movies.....as written.

I think if someone wants to really stay true to the written works, then a better option would be like an HBO limited series and/or a movie that has several parts....i.e Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Honestly, I've been waiting for a company like Netflix and/or Hulu to get hold of some of his works and really work magic! Hulu did a pretty decent job with 11.22.63

 

[Out of Order]

Still haven't scene IT. We're a little behind here in New Hampster. Have a dandy flickershow opening Friday. Something about a wee lass, her dawg and some flying monkeys no less. Even in color, well some parts mayhap. Not sure if it'll be better than ole Buster's shows we just got weekend 'fore, but I's hopeful. Hopefully those Little Rascers will be the cartoon 'forehand. I'lls let yees know.

 

[GNTLGNT]

Still haven't scene IT. We're a little behind here in New Hampster. Have a dandy flickershow opening Friday. Something about a wee lass, her dawg and some flying monkeys no less. Even in color, well some parts mayhap. Not sure if it'll be better than ole Buster's shows we just got weekend 'fore, but I's hopeful. Hopefully those Little Rascers will be the cartoon 'forehand. I'lls let yees know.

....oh they be talkin' in yers???....I've heerd tell of such witchery....

 

[Out of Order]

....oh they be talkin' in yers???....I've heerd tell of such witchery....

Still got the words, but no talking, aye GNT?" Any music at least?