The written works of Edgar Allan Poe have made for some fine movie adaptations over the years, like the ones Roger Corman made during the 1960s. However, this particular adaptation, while not really a BAD movie, is all the same a disappointment. The biggest problem with this movie is that it is too long and drawn out. While the opening and closing of the movie aren't too bad, the middle portion fails to hide the fact that next to NOTHING important to the plot is happening. While there may have been enough material here to make for one of the entries in a horror anthology movie, there simply isn't enough for a feature film, especially one that is almost two hours long. Also, Michael Caine fans may be disappointed that their idol doesn't have that many scenes. Caine is good, and so is the rest of the cast for that matter. The movie also has an acceptable look and good period detail. And if you really patient and manage to sit through the long slog of the middle of the movie, you will be rewarded with an unexpected twist at the end. So the movie's not really bad, though all the same it's enough of a disappointment that doesn't really warrant sitting through to see the good things about it.
Review of Stonehearst Asylum
