
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, August 28, 1993                   TAG: 9308310150
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: B10   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IT WON'T SCARE THE DEVIL

"Needful Things" is a fairly faithful screen adaptation of Stephen King's novel. In style and appearance, it's remarkably similar to Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining."

Both are visually impressive, slow moving and brightened by mordant, dry wit. And neither is particularly scary.

The one-line plot synopsis is: The devil comes to Castle Rock, Maine.

His name is Leland Gaunt, and he's played zestfully by Max von Sydow. Gaunt opens an antique store called Needful Things, catering to the townspeople's deepest desires. All he asks for these delights is a modest price and a little favor.

Castle Rock already has some problems. Nettie (Amanda Plummer) and the sadistic Wilma (Valri Bromfield) don't get along. Polly Chalmers' (Bonny Bedelia) arthritis is giving her a terrible time. Councilman Keaton (J.T. Walsh) has been parking in the handicapped space. Overall, Sheriff Pangborn (Ed Harris) has things under control until Gaunt begins playing his games.

Writer W.D. Richter ("Buckaroo Banzai") follows the outline of King's plot, though he has to seriously compress a long novel. Some of the subplots may not make complete sense to viewers who aren't familiar with the source material.

Director Fraser Heston (son of Charlton) got journeyman work from a cast of first-rate character actors. But this one belongs to the villain of the piece. The casting of von Sydow was perfect. His devil is an affable, persuasive fellow who's never at a loss for a sharp one-liner or the answer that his customer wants to hear.

Overall, Heston gives the film that polished, atmospheric look - with lots of bright smoky light - that's been popularized by Stephen Spielberg. But the pace drags, and there is so much going on that the characters are thin.

As interesting as it often is to watch, "Needful Things" never approaches that primal level where the great horror films are so wonderfully and personally frightening.

\ Needful Things: ** 1/2 A Columbia release playing at the Salem Valley 8 and Valley View Mall 6. 120 min. Rated R for violence, strong language.

by CNB