Doctor Sleep Movie Review (2019) or The Shining 2.0

Hello guys and welcome back for another round of movie reviews with Movie Nerd, a place where you can be nerdy about movies!

It has been a while since my last review but I am back now and I am here to give you my honest opinion on the latest Stephen King adaptation, judging that the other Stephen King adaptation came out in September, IT: Chapter 2.

First of all, I am a Stephen King aficionado. I have read most of his books and seen most of it's adaptations, even the ones that are not so good. Whenever a book of his or an adaptation for one of his books is announced I am cheering with excitement. Also, his son has written some good material as well. I would recommend Sleeping Beauty to read.

Now, let's get back to the movie. First, a little synopsis, if you are not familiar with the book or The Shining, the book and the movie: 40 years after his terrifying stay at the Overlook Hotel, Danny Torrance is still irrevocably scarred by the trauma he endured as a child. His hope to find peace is shattered when he encounters Abra, a courageous teenager with her own powerful extrasensory gift, known as the “shine.” Instinctively recognizing that Dan shares her power, Abra has sought him out, desperate for his help against the merciless Rose the Hat and her followers, The True Knot, who feed off the shine of innocents in their quest for immortality.

So, when I heard that they are adapting the book Doctor Sleep and thinking about the movie The Shining, which, by the way, I love it as a movie, a cinematic masterpiece but I hated as an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, which is very terrifying, I immediately said to myself that this is really going to feel like a Shining sequel but the movie, not the book.

I was right. The movie feels like a direct sequel and it is a direct sequel with it's call backs to the original, some key scenes that were recreated for this movie and the best part about it is that they don't hit you in the head with the idea of this movie being a sequel. It does not feel exaggerated or forced. It completes the story very well.

The sense of terror and horror from the first movie are not that present but you still get some creepy and unsettling moments. You have recurring characters, played by other actors of course. They did a fine job with the actress that plays Danny's mother, Ales Essoe because she looks very similar to Shelley Duvall. It's not the same for the actor that plays Jack because he does look like Jack Nicholson, even with the make-up and hair.

Speaking of the acting part of the movie, all performances are top notch. Every single actor delivers a string of emotions.

It's got a more poignant theme and a bit more depth to it than it's predecessor, it has a more slick look and that's understandable plus it delivers some very great chills and a very dark and foreboding atmosphere. Also, the soundtrack is amazing, leveling up the frightening feel of the movie.

Director Mike Flanagan crafted a sort of an homage to Kubrick's vision of The Shining because it looks very similar in it's execution. It also has the theme opening like in The Shining, the above tracking shots.

Overall, for me, it was everything I was expected it will be. Being a Stephen King fan, I can safely say that this is one of the good adaptations, alongside this year's IT: Chapter 2 and Pet Sematary. I also recommend you watch the Castle Rock tv series because it's very good. It was a well done sequel and a necessary one because the story of Danny needed a closure and this movie gave him that. 8/10

OK guys, that is my review for this one. Hopefully, I will have a review for Frozen 2 soon. Also The Irishman has come out so be on the lookout for the review for that one as well. Until then, take care, stay movie nerdy and keep on reviewing!