It's surprising the number of 'A' listers that appeared in this movie, all in support of nine year old Drew Barrymore in her first starring role following the success of "E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial". Based on the Stephen King novel, the story concerns a young girl who inherits her extraordinary power of pyrokinesis from her parents as a result of a secret government experiment. The back story is kept to a minimum as it thrusts Charlene 'Charlie' McGee (Barrymore) into a mad dash from authorities with her Dad Andy (David Keith) in an effort to evade their quest to exploit her powers. George C. Scott has a prominent role in the story as John Rainbird, seemingly with his own agenda for pursuing Charlie, although quite honestly, that wasn't really made clear. I had to chuckle a bit over one scene in which he turned the tables on that old adage of going postal because he did so on a postal worker. Given Charlie's supernatural ability, you pretty much know from the start where this picture will eventually lead, as it slowly begins with minor fiery confrontations and builds to a sensational conflagration to cap the story. As with the Rainbird agenda though, no explanation is offered for Charlie's ability to deflect bullets fired at her a la Wonder Woman, so I guess you have to take it as a given along with her mental pyrokinetic powers. For a Stephen King adaptation, this was okay though far from the best. Of the nearly three dozen films I've seen and reviewed based on King's works, this one clocks in (as I write this), at number twenty six out of thirty four based on IMDb viewers ratings. You can check my list for a fuller rundown.
Review of Firestarter
