Series Archive

Stephen King

Each episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast is a part of a series or collection of films brought together by time, idea, or contributor. Looking to build a great watchlist? You can’t go wrong with starting on a Next Reel Series.

The Next Reel Film Podcast

Apt Pupil

Bryan Singer’s film “Apt Pupil” was actually the second time the film was under production; the first attempt had several casting issues and when it finally started shooting, ended up running out of funds, killing the project. Perhaps that was a sign that Stephen King’s novella was a bit too tricky to make correctly. It’s a very dark story that doesn’t really have any likable characters in it. Singer’s 1998 adaptation toned much of the violence from the book down, but also took a different angle with the ending that many people, including us, felt didn’t work. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we finish our epic Stephen King adaptation series with Singer’s “Apt Pupil.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

Misery

Rob Reiner could very easily get back to making films like he did in his heyday if he made another Stephen King adaptation. Seriously, “Stand By Me” and “Misery” are two of the best King adaptations we’ve seen on the silver screen. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we discuss the penultimate film in our King series, Reiner’s 1990 film “Misery.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

Stand By Me

Perhaps it was because elements of the novella ‘The Body’ were autobiographical that the story has so much heart compared to Stephen King’s previous works. Perhaps it was because there weren’t supernatural elements. Or that it didn’t fall into the horror genre. Whatever the reason, ‘The Body’ and the film based on it, Rob Reiner’s 1986 film “Stand By Me,” are beautiful and touching stories about childhood, growing up, friendship, and journeys. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we talk about the next film in our King series, “Stand By Me.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

Christine

There’s something about your first love, and there’s something about your first car. Stephen King found an interesting way to tap into that with his novel “Christine,” and John Carpenter found an interesting way to develop it even further in his 1983 adaptation. Sure, the car may be possessed, but Arnie sure falls for his car… and she for him. It’s an interesting take, and one we delve into this week. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Stephen King series with Carpenter’s “Christine.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

The Dead Zone

Back in the 70s and 80s, Stephen King’s stories generally had a lot more scares in them, as did their cinematic equivalents. Perhaps that’s why David Cronenberg’s adaptation of “The Dead Zone” feels a bit out of place — it comes off as much more of a dramatic thriller than a horror film. It certainly garnered critical praise and found its audience, but 31 years later, it comes across a bit dated. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Stephen King series with 1983’s “The Dead Zone.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

Cujo

There’s something truly terrifying about a lovable pet turning on you and attacking. Especially when that pet is a St. Bernard, one of the big dogs with a small barrel of brandy around its neck that’s supposed to rescue people lost in the snowy Alps. But that’s what makes for great horror, right? Turning something lovable into something horrible. And Stephen King did that perfectly in his novel “Cujo,” which was turned into a film in 1983. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our King series with Lewis Teague’s great horror film “Cujo.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

Creepshow

George A. Romero had already established himself as a master of the horror genre when he and Stephen King created their horror anthology film “Creepshow.” With two stories based on King’s short stories and three original stories written just for this, Romero created a film that pays homage to the great horror comics from the 40s and 50s, like Tales From the Crypt. It balances horror with humor, all in a beautifully stylized comic book template. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Stephen King series with Romero’s 1982 film “Creepshow.”

Listen Now »
The Next Reel Film Podcast

The Shining

Stephen King may not have been a fan of what Stanley Kubrick did when he turned King’s third novel, “The Shining,” into one of his films, but audiences didn’t seem to mind. King purists still have problems with some of Kubrick’s decisions, but the film has withstood the test of time and still stands up as one of the great horror movies out there. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we begin our Stephen King series with Kubrick’s “The Shining.”

Listen Now »
Scroll To Top