Genre:
Thriller
Directed
by: Rob Reiner
Starring:
James Caan, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall
Running
time: 107 minutes
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same
name, this psychological thriller tells the story of novelist Paul Sheldon, who
gained success writing novels featuring a character named Misery. After writing
his latest novel in a remote lodge in Colorado, he gets in his car to drive
back to his home in New York. While driving, he gets caught in a blizzard and
has a severe car accident that leaves him badly injured. He is rescued by
former nurse, Annie Wilkes, who takes him to her home. Sheldon soon realizes
that Wilkes is a fan obsessed with him and his books and that she has no
intention of setting him free once he heals up.
Kathy Bates was truly frightening as Annie
Wilkes. She made that character so believable; it will give you nightmares
thinking about the possibility of falling into the hands of such a person while
in a vulnerable position. Bates comes off the screen with utmost presence and
intensity, it sure is quite something to take in. James Caan holds his own
also, as Paul Sheldon, a man physically broken by a car accident who then has
to fight off a psychotic fan set on getting her way.
The story of Misery is quite compelling, and
the big screen adaptation was well done. This film grabs you and keeps you on
the edge of your seat all the way through.
The only turn off for me was the cutsy ending;
it made the ordeal of the main character come off as lighter than it was
supposed to be. All the way through, the suspense is strong and the tension is
high. Then: Aw shucks, it sure was a tough time, but let’s smile about it.
Without that last part, it would have been a perfect movie. It came out 25
years ago and is still a very effective thrilling ride.
Rating:
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