Stanko's Stance

Director: Mike Flanagan
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Stephen King
Staring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran
Streaming: HBO MAX
Release Date: November 8, 2019

When I heard on The Big Picture (great movie podcast) that there was a director’s cut of Doctor Sleep, I literally pumped my fist in the car. There are very few feelings as uniquely exciting when you discover an extended edition of the movie you “liked” but didn’t “love”. It gives the chance for the director to prove that there was more potential than the final commercial cut.

Mike Flanagan, you son of a bitch, you did it. This director’s cut of Doctor Sleep is better than its predecessor, and its not really up for debate?

Also, I just need type this here. The sound track to The Shining (1980) is haunting and that main theme is creepy-crawly. Béla Bartók, take a bow. Not sure why this wasn’t nominated for more when it came out.

• REALLY love the extended stalking and hunting of Violet at the start of the directors cut. Also the extended torment of the baseball bot is just as hard to watch.
• The chapter structure is really the most apparent change between Mike Flanagan’s original cut and his extended edition.
• Reading the book and seeing the new scenes added in that were part of the book was awesome.
• Kyliegh Curran is really great as the older version of Abra. She is menacing and confident; it adds to the idea that an overconfident teen is the most terrifying thing in the world.

Stanko Rating: B (3.5/5 Stars)

“Stanko’s Stance” Podcast Feed (Apple)
“Stanko’s Stance” Podcast Feed (Spotify)

Stanko Excel Lists | Movies, Books, Podcasts. TV Shows
Stanko Letterdbox Account