Người Khởi Lửa Firestarter (2022)

Keith Thomas's 2022 rendition of 'Firestarter' unfortunately exemplifies a cinematic misfire in adapting Stephen King's iconic novel. From a technical standpoint, the the film struggles to forge its own identity while nodding to the 1984 original, resulting in a product that feels underdeveloped and unconvincing. The visual effects, particularly Charlie's pyrokinetic abilities, often appear rudimentary, detracting from any potential for immersive tension.

The cinematography and sound design fail to establish the visceral dread or psychological gravitas crucial for a supernatural thriller. While Zac Efron as Andy McGee shows glimmers of a compelling performance, his portrayal lacks the emotional depth to fully convey the paternal burden and desperation, often feeling disconnected from the escalating stakes. Ryan Kiera Armstrong's Charlie offers a vulnerable innocence but ultimately doesn't fully capture the character's terrifying power or complex inner turmoil, leaving much of her emotional arc unexplored.

The film largely fumbles the core messages about government experimentation, the ethics of power, and the nature of fear and control that are so potent in King's source material. Instead, it opts for a superficial action-oriented narrative, sacrificing thematic resonance for fleeting pyrotechnics. In the broader landscape of Stephen King adaptations and the supernatural horror genre, 'Firestarter' (2022) emerges as a largely forgettable entry, failing to ignite any lasting impact.