“Firestarter” is at its best when Scott seizes central focus, and if people remember the movie fondly, his performance as the two-faced killer. We seamlessly see him as he truly is and as he wants Charlie to see him.

| Jun 9, 2024

At a time cinema movie screens are saturated with formulaic superheroing, it is intriguing to go back and watch a movie that so obviously didn’t get the memo about where superheroes are supposed to go, and how quickly.

| Mar 17, 2023

While FIRESTARTER has its problematic elements, the character of Rainbird alone could fuel many think pieces on appropriation and stereotyping, it is a story of female rage and patriarchal control.

| Original Score: C | Feb 18, 2023

Firestarter rests on the shoulders of Barrymore...It’s repetitive yet visually arresting, as Barrymore’s hair blows back, her eyes widen, and every adult around her begins to sweat profusely and panic.

| Sep 14, 2022

The most mediocre adaptation so far.

| Aug 1, 2022

While the direction is dry and non-showy, there's enough room for emotional moments to seep through and elevate the movie.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 8, 2022

George C. Scott's casting hints at the dichotomy at play in this schizophrenic project. Like the movie itself, he's eminently watchable but also scarcely believable.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 24, 2022

Unwatchably dull.

| Original Score: 2/5 | May 24, 2022

Although not exactly a hidden gem from the glory days of American studio horror, Firestarter is still worth a watch (if mostly for the notability or notoriety of its cast).

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Sep 15, 2020

The original material is not the best that Stephen King has published, but one could have taken more advantage of it than this skeletal entertainment result. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Aug 29, 2019

No surprises, no revelations, no twists. In fact, there really aren't even any character arcs.

| Jul 26, 2019

Even before it begins laying waste to the reputations of cast members, "Firestarter" is promptly exposed as a derivative embarrassment of a conception.

| Oct 17, 2017

Firestarter wasn't great, but everyone involved survived... as you will if you ever feel the need to give it another look.

| Original Score: C | May 13, 2014

While no means a masterpiece, it's a Stephen King film worthy of viewing once or twice...

| Feb 2, 2011

A scene-stealing performance by a menacing George C. Scott and a terrific musical score by Tangerine Dream elevate this entertaining companion piece to 1978's The Fury.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 23, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 30, 2005

corny and overblown

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 18, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 14, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 19, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 10, 2004