BY CHRISTOPHER STAMM
GUEST MOVIE REVIEWER
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (Now streaming on Netflix)
This film is rated PG-13 – for language and adult themes
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is the latest adaption from a novella written by one of our generation’s most prolific writers, Stephen King. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
First appearing in Mr. King’s 2020 novel, If It Bleeds, this is a throwback to some of King’s earlier works.
As a huge fan of Stephen King, specifically his earlier works, I am always interested in just how badly filmmakers adapt his works. And let’s be honest, for a man who has written roughly 17,562 books, novellas, and stories, his film adaption success rate is pitiful.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone succeeds, if only, by being a middle-of-the-road entertaining story. But with the track record of his adaptions, this one can be called a success.
The premise is simple and creepy. Young boy befriends mean old man, mean old man takes liking to young man, old man dies, kid puts cell phone into old man’s coffin, and suddenly kid can communicate with dead mean old man, and spooky things and death follow.
As I said, basic but entertaining. The standout for me was watching Donald Sutherland, who can convey both creepy and kind with a simple glance, grace the screen once again. He really is one of the greats.
Everyone does a good job in this one. No performance in it invoked my snark or wrath. But sadly, it is forgettable. However, since it is Halloween season and spooky is the propter tempus, I do suggest you check this one out. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a good story on these cold nights. At the very worst, it’s better than whatever slasher movie will hit the screens this month, whether that be Halloween part 87, Friday the 13th part 64, or the abomination that is Hocus Pocus 2.
Three out of five stars for this one, but if you are looking for a fantastic Stephen King adaption, may I suggest The Green Mile? It’s three hours long, but you will never notice. It’s that good.