Thinner (1996)

One of the better Stephen King film adaptions

Stephen King's novels have been served well (CHRISTINE, HEARTS IN ATLANTIS, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, the TV miniseries version of THE SHINING) and served poorly (FIRESTARTER, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, PET SEMATARY) by film. Your mileage may vary, but THINNER is one of the better ones, in this reviewer's opinion. The screenplay by director Tom Holland and the late novelist Michael McDowell (author of BEETLEJUICE) takes King's story and streamlines it a bit, clarifying some plot points and letting others remain ambiguous. Robert John Burke (perhaps best known to genre fans from ROBOCOP 3, but to TV addicts from his work in RESCUE ME, LAW AND ORDER: SVU and his role as Astronaut Bill Anders in FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON) is perfect as Billy Halleck, the overweight lawyer cursed by a Gypsy King to lose weight until he is, as Billy comes to realize, "erased". The malevolent Gypsy is portrayed by Michael Constantine, a veteran character actor fondly remembered from the breakthrough 1969-1974 TV series ROOM 222. The third major role is that of the mobster Richie Ginelli, a client of Halleck's, here essayed by the great Joe Mantegna from GODFATHER III, SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER, HOUSE OF GAMES and the TV series JOAN OF ARCADIA. When all else fails, Billy Halleck calls on his friend Richie to help him get the curse lifted.

I won't spoil the film for you by enumerating plot points. If you've never seen THINNER nor read the book (written by Steve under his short-lived "Richard Bachman" nom de plume), suffice to say that the story will surprise you with its left turns. Greg Cannom's makeup effects for not only the rapidly thinning Halleck but the ancient Gypsy King and a few other goodies are plausible and just realistic enough to make the film work. Bear in mind, however, that this is a genre film, so there is a certain amount of license taken with the makeup and necessary gore.

The supporting cast, mostly from the New York stage world, is uniformly excellent, bringing character to the smallest roles. In the accompanying commentary, Tom Holland makes note of as many of the supporting roles as possible, so that you can now put names to those very familiar faces.

Speaking of the commentary, Holland is joined by Joe Mantegna. He has a few memories to pass on, but says surprisingly little. Holland carries the bulk of the commentary, but has a habit of telling us what we are already seeing on the screen. The commentary does have some interesting moments, but (there's that "but" again) I would recommend you watch the makeup short with Greg Cannom first (unless you have not seen the movie at all).

The film is THX remastered, so the sound is as good as you would expect, clean and crisp. It would have been nice if THX had color-corrected the two major scenes which Holland, in his commentary, indicates were originally printed very shadowy and dark for theatrical release. This is the print with these two scenes printed much lighter for TV broadcast. It doesn't ruin THINNER, but this should not have been overlooked.

No trailer, surprisingly. The film is letterboxed in its original 1:85 to 1 aspect ratio.

Overall, a fairly good presentation of THINNER. And watch for Stephen King's cameo! June 28, 2008

Feels Like Something's Missing

I'm sure you've had the feeling that something's missing in a movie. The one thing I must applaud in this movie are the genuinely subtle special effects of the main character's change. The story itself seems a little TOO short and just...ends when you don't really expect it to, like you're hoping it's going to continue. If you read the book, are a horror fan or a Stephen King fan, I'd recommend this movie. Everyone else, steer clear, as unfortunate as that may seem. Rent/buy Misery or the Shining instead, they're much, MUCH better movies.

***3 stars*** June 27, 2008

Thinner DVD

This movie is one of my favorites by Stephen King! Its very rare to find but thankfully amazon sells very very rare stuff! This item arrived at my house in fantastic condition! I recommend checking it out! June 11, 2008

Thinner

I bought this movie and had it lying around the house, waiting to be watched. I was on a King kick so I unwrapped this movie and put it in the ol dvd player. I remember seeing the film awhile back and thinking it was good. Robert John Burke does a great job as the lead role but the movie just seems to be missing something. The speical effects are good but they really didnt give anything to the movie. I did like the end of the movie where Burke seems to be turning into a maniac. Im surprised a sequel wasnt made, it would have be interesting. February 11, 2008

thinner

one of stephen kings best. it is a sit on the edge of your seat finish too.
if you like stephen king you will love thinner.... December 24, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...