The latest Stephen King adaptation, 'Firestarter,' tries to be a superhero movie rather than a supernatural thriller, and that is its downfall.
The most exciting element of any adaptation, remake or otherwise, is the chance to re-envision a beloved property for a new generation of audiences. Filmmakers can take stories, characters, and themes that resonated with audiences at one point in time and translate them for new viewers. Often, this process involves adapting the property in accordance with contemporary media trends. Sometimes, this formula is incredibly successful.
In trying to force fit the superhero formula in its adaption, though, scenes where Charlie learns to control her powers seem like an afterthought, at best. This is particularly evident in the film’s use of an incredibly brief training montage in which Charlie learns to start small fires in the woods.
Andy’s alleged mentorship is supposed to help Charlie prepare to take on Captain Hollister, the leader of DSI. Hollister is exclusively characterized as trying to capture Charlie. She is provided little motivation, complexity, or backstory. Without any of the complexity that has come to define the body of supervillains currently on screen, Hollister reads as nothing more than a checkmark in the superhero convention checklist.