The Shining (1980) Reviews

The Shining (1980)
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"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" -- or, rather, a homicidal boy in Stanley Kubrick's eerie 1980 adaptation of Stephen King's horror novel. With wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and psychic son Danny (Danny Lloyd) in tow, frustrated writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) takes a job as the winter caretaker at the opulently ominous, mountain-locked Overlook Hotel so that he can write in peace. Before the Overlook is vacated for the Torrances, the manager (Barry Nelson) informs Jack that a previous caretaker went crazy and slaughtered his family; Jack thinks it's no problem, but Danny's "shining" hints otherwise. Settling into their routine, Danny cruises through the empty corridors on his Big Wheel and plays in the topiary maze with Wendy, while Jack sets up shop in a cavernous lounge with strict orders not to be disturbed. Danny's alter ego, "Tony," however, starts warning of "redrum" as Danny is plagued by more blood-soaked visions of the past, and a blocked Jack starts visiting the hotel bar for a few visions of his own. Frightened by her husband's behavior and Danny's visit to the forbidding Room 237, Wendy soon discovers what Jack has really been doing in his study all day, and what the hotel has done to Jack. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi

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Starring:
Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, (more)
Director(s):
Stanley Kubrick
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray  | Digital SD & HD
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Average Ratings

(134 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

John B.

I can't imagine too many needing a review for this one. It is a classic that everyone should see. The choices in special effects aren't really outdated as fake blood is still fake blood. Jack's acting makes up for Shelley's. As always, the book is better and I'm sure that many would have liked to have seen the animal shaped bushes and the wasp nest in the roof and more explanation of previous hotel guests. Kubrick must have had some difficult choices with how to get it down to a regular movie length. All things considered, this is in my all time top five.

Yes   |   No


Robin H.

I saw this in the theatre, and really enjoyed it. Even now, I get goose bumps.

Yes   |   No


Gerard W.

With Stanley Kubrick and a crazy Jack Nicholson what more can we ask for? I highly recommend the flick.

Yes   |   No


Robert H.

Of all the Steve King movies this is one of the top ones.

Yes   |   No


Heidi V.

This has to be one of the greatest all time scary films...Jack Nicholson plays the hell out of this part! The axe to the door scene is a classic...Worth a watch when you need a fright.

Yes   |   No


Dorothy N.

This one will hold you in your seat! What a performance by Nicholson. Danny Lloyd was commendable also. And, the scenery was magnificent.

Yes   |   No


Mayra G.

Simply Amazing. I can honestly say, this is the best horror movie I've seen.

Yes   |   No


Paul F.

I've started this movie 6-7 times and have only completed it once. It is that scary. Mother effer this movie scares me. Chills.

Yes   |   No


Eugenia O.

Great movie!!

Yes   |   No


Ted S.

Like watching paint dry on a wall where someone is banging his head. With this said, a creepy Nicholson gave a great performance.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (134)
     
    John B.

    I can't imagine too many needing a review for this one. It is a classic that everyone should see. The choices in special effects aren't really outdated as fake blood is still fake blood. Jack's acting makes up for Shelley's. As always, the book is better and I'm sure that many would have liked to have seen the animal shaped bushes and the wasp nest in the roof and more explanation of previous hotel guests. Kubrick must have had some difficult choices with how to get it down to a regular movie length. All things considered, this is in my all time top five.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Robin H.

    I saw this in the theatre, and really enjoyed it. Even now, I get goose bumps.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Gerard W.

    With Stanley Kubrick and a crazy Jack Nicholson what more can we ask for? I highly recommend the flick.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 134 Reviews
       

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