Well. Let's just kick off by saying I think The Shining is one of the finest films ever made. It's a stunning piece of cinema by the greatest director of all time. No one is close to Kubrick. He is the master. And there will never be anyone close to him. Even Nolan, who I think will get himself into that number two position by the end of his career.

So that's how I entered the movie.

The trailers are shit, and make this look like a disaster-in-waiting.

There was very little to suggest that this film would be successful on any terms.

And then I watched it.

It's a beautiful little love letter to The Shining.

Going in, where it may look like arrogance to even try and follow up The Shining, it's proven it takes enormous courage. Quite frankly, most directors will dodge making a movie that is a sequel to Kubrick. How do you build upon his work?

Flanagan weaves a path somewhere between obvious love and affection towards The Shining and creating a movie that can stand on its own merits, whilst widening the universe.

Kubrick was criticised for creating a cold movie in The Shining, and that is true. It's a clinical take on the story. He unashamedly created an enigma wrapped in an enigma, and made it palatable by virtue of his craft and art.

Doctor Sleep brings the emotion.

For me, that was on two levels. I felt emotional for the story, but also for the love of the original. You can feel those loving touches from someone who likely feels as passionate about Kubrick as I do.

Jack Torrance was a central element in the criticism of The Shining by Stephen King, and he is rehabilitated here in a scene where Danny deals with his alcoholism. It's done in a way that places perspective as the reasoning; it doesn't seek to trash Kubrick's evolution of Jack Torrance.

There are elements that stop this being a classic in its own right. The casting of Ferguson just doesn't work for me. She brings an odd vibe to Rose the Hat. I never felt like she was bringing anything out beyond the surface. On the flip, McGregor is excellent, as is the young girl who leads.

However, by broadening the universe and answering some of the questions lingering from The Shining, there is a sense of satisfaction and closure.

This movie will gain a strong following as it ages.

It's a worthy successor and even moreso when you consider the pressure on its shoulders.

Hi Andrew, nice review. Doctor Sleep may be my favorite King novel and, when I saw Ferguson as Rose in the trailer, was amazed that she was just as I envisioned her. Sad to hear that she was not, what, strong enough for the role? I'm checking out a matinee on Friday so will have an eye out for her misgivings. Obvious changes from the novel are evident but are necessary to sequel Kubrick's version and ending. I still have high hopes.

Thanks, man.

It might just be personal preference re: Ferguson. Generally as an actor I find her a bit flat. She doesn't do anything for me. Sort of like a female Sam Worthington. It's all just a blank canvas.

Others will feel differently, and I may well be in a miniorty with this view. And even with my view on her, it doesn't really harm the enjoyment on the movie. It's more like had someone else owned that role, it would've just elevated the movie further.

Definitely think high hopes will be rewarded here. More I think about this movie, the more I like it. Have a feeling many will feel that way.

Saw the matinee today and, up until their arrival at the Overlook,  it's probably the closest a film has ever been made to a Stephen King novel. Since Kubrick didn't burn down the hotel in his film, Doctor Sleep obviously couldn't end quite like the novel.

I thought Ferguson played the role very well, although she just didn't have a hard enough edge. I was not put off by any means. I really kinda dug her fluidity and presence.

--Spoilers--

In regards to the ending, I think I like the movie ending better than the book! I loved how it puts closure to Kubrick's version. I think we've all heard how King hated Kubrick's film and perhaps may even approve of finally having the boiler play a bigger role.

Also loved the conversation with Lloyd Bravo.

Anyone that holds the Kubrick movie dear, and even King fans, will be satisfied.

Yes, I watched this last night and thought exactly the same thing. It was almost as good as reading a King novel. The direction in this film is amazing. The storytelling is spot on which is hard to do in a screenplay. It took 2.5 hours to tell the story but they did a great job in such a short space of time, in my opinion. If you're a King fan, and all writers should be King fans, then this is well worth a watch.

This movie felt like it was intended for a much younger audience than I would have originally thought (having not read the book).

The film as a film was fine. Should have been more condensed.