The Shining (1980) is widely regarded as a horror movie classic even though it didn't make a lot of money in theaters plus Stephen King isn't a big fan. Let me say I've read the book and seen the movie, and I think both are classics! Read here to see if you agree... <Spoilers Ahead>
Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance is still awe-inspiring casting. I can't really see anyone else in this role. Lines such as "Here's Johnny" is amazing. Chopping down the door and exclaiming that quote has been portrayed and parodied countless times. It was for some reason shown in It Chapter Two, and that still confuses me with that producing decision. Anyways, it is iconic.
Speaking of iconic scenes, little Danny (Danny Lloyd) is on his tricycle, but he has to stop... You know what this scene is about. You see the twin girls at the end of the hall. Remember when that was in the movie Twister too at the drive-in? Danny has the shine that he shares with Hallorann (Scatman Crothers).
There are many more awesome scenes in this film. We know that Jack has been trying to write his book while being the hotel's caretaker. However, Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall) takes a look and is horrified. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." It's perfect. This is a slow burn film, and this moment is the climax.
My FAVORITE scene is when Jack is seeing the bar and Mr. Grady. He is having conversations with the hotel itself, and it tells him to issue some "correction". Oh and don't forget "Redrum". Read it backward, and you'll know.
This movie is legitimately frightening. I can't stress this enough. I was on edge so often, but I don't watch many horror movies to be fair. Even if the jump scares aren't enough for you, there's plenty of psychological ploys to really get you going.
Look, I understand it diverges a lot from the book, but I think they are mostly good changes.
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