The Shining (1997) - A Movie Review

Great, our stay at the Overlook Hotel will be nightmare after nightmare.

The Shining is a 1997 TV miniseries adaptation of King’s famous novel. Secluded in The Overlook Hotel for an entire winter, The Torrance family encounters strange spectacles. Using his powers to shine, the family doesn’t have much time before the evil takes over the hotels.

Since I have always had a love-hate relationship with Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining, I prefer the 1997 miniseries. The miniseries of one of Stephen King’s most famous novels improves important relationships, its storyline, but its main downside is its inclusion of too many scenes from the book, prolonging the runtime.

Steven Weber is the best part of The Shining miniseries. He connects to the flawed character of Jack Torrance. Everything from his gripping emotion, love for his family, and the menacing portrayal he executes in the finale, Weber’s performance should be talked about more.

Rebecca De Mornay’s ferocity brought the Wendy Torrance that we needed to life. This woman is a fighter. Weber and De Mornay established their relationship. They did a terrific job in all their interactions, particularly their arguments (which is a lot). The miniseries recognizes a healthier relationship between Jack and Wendy.

8-year-old Courtland Mead does a superb job as Danny Torrance. Mead was another highlight in the series. I was impressed with how he connected to his character. Danny is intelligent beyond his years. Having to fight against the terrors and even defend himself, Danny’s love is eternal.

The relationship of the Torrance family was explored immensely throughout the miniseries. That was missing from Kubrick’s version. This family has been through rough patches but has made efforts to work them out. I adored the interactions between Jack and Danny, another aspect missing from Kubrick’s adaptation.

The late Melvin Van Peebles’ charisma and energy as Dick Halloran was a tremendous part of his performance. Dick becomes my favorite character to look up to as he does whatever it takes to travel back to the family’s aid. The sequence where Danny and Dick talk about the shining is one of the best scenes. Peebles and Meed were wonderful in their interactions.

Mick Garris’ direction focused on the story, the relationship of the Torrance’s, and the heart-pounding climax. Unlike how Kubrick’s version went for unending horror, the story of The Shining cannot go unnoticed.

Credits include the talents of Wil Horneff, John Durban, Pat Hingle, Stanley Anderson, and a memorable appearance by Elliot Gould. No matter how small their part was, everybody was excellent.

One downside is that Garris included too many scenes from the book. For example, there were too many arguments between Jack and Wendy - one even lasting over ten minutes! Like the book, it took a little too long to get into the terrors. He could have had a better image of Tony. The makeup was a little over the top for some of the ghosts.

On to the terror of The Shining. If you thought Kubrick’s version of the woman in the bathtub was scary, wait until you witness this one. I screamed at the well-directed jump scare. Cynthia Garris is startling!

The tension unfolds in the climax. I was on the edge of my seat the first time I watched the miniseries. Just as Stephen King wanted, the miniseries followed closely to the book. It has been in debate among fans ever since its release. I prefer the miniseries over Kubrick’s famous polarizing adaptation.

You have to see the miniseries of The Shining. It’s a suspenseful ride that keeps you hooked until the very end.