DVD Corner's blog

Firestarter Blu-ray Review

“Firestarter” does not burn bright.

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, 2022’s “Firestarter” is a new remake/adaptation from Blumhouse. Directed by Keith Thomas and penned by Scott Teems, the story revolves around a not so normal family comprised of Andy (who has telepathic powers), his wife Vicky (who has telekinetic powers) and their daughter Charlie (who has pyrokinetic powers). Both Andy (played by a miscast Zac Efron) and Vicky (Sydney Lemmon) had been injected by an experimental drug that granted them powers and now they find themselves on the run from the DSI and a bounty hunter they hired (who also has powers) named John Rainbird.

Although the original “Firestarter” movie is by no means a classic, it stood on its own as a passable adaptation. With this new version, the filmmakers seem more concerned with emulating “Stranger Things” with Charlie coming across like Eleven at certain points. Keep in mind “Firestarter” predated “Stranger Things” and possibly even inspired it. A strange creative choice to be sure. In fact, much of the creative choices in this film are puzzling. It’s a stiff, safe retread that has no identity of its own. The special effects are weak, it’s not remotely thrilling, and the movie seems content to plod along to a very rushed conclusion.

There are two stand-outs here though. First and foremost, the score by John and Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies is the MVP. The team have done wonders with the scores for the last two Halloween films and this one is another moody gem. Secondly, Ryan Kiera Armstrong does a commendable job as Charlie. It’s a tough role for any young actor to take on but she’s certainly game for the unsettling part.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p: Grade: A-

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* Alternate ending
* 7 deleted/extended scenes.
* A quick 1 minute gag reel.
* “A Kinetic Energy”- A featurette on this adaptation that covers the casting, characters and so forth.
* “Spark A Fire” is all about the fire element.
* “Igniting Firestarter” covers the literally explosive set pieces.
* Commentary by director Keith Thomas.
* “Power Struggle” revolves around the fights. 

June 17, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Firestarter, Firestarter (2022) Blu-ray Review, Firestarter Blu-ray Review, John Carpenter, Stephen King, Zac Efron