Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > Firestarter (1984)
Firestarter
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Firestarter (1984) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 15 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
5.7/10   6,990 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 35% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Mark L. Lester
Writers:
Stephen King (novel)
Stanley Mann (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for Firestarter on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
11 May 1984 (USA) more
Genre:
Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller more
Tagline:
She has the power . . . an evil destructive force. more
Plot:
A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telekinetic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
2 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Our Favorite Summers: 1984
 (From Cinematical. 27 April 2009, 7:02 PM, PDT)

Review: He's Just Not That Into You
 (From Cinematical. 6 February 2009, 7:32 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Young prodigy starts fires in one of the best Stephen King adaptations! more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

David Keith ... Andrew 'Andy' McGee

Drew Barrymore ... Charlene 'Charlie' McGee
Freddie Jones ... Doctor Joseph Wanless

Heather Locklear ... Victoria 'Vicky' Tomlinson McGee

Martin Sheen ... Captain Hollister

George C. Scott ... John Rainbird

Art Carney ... Irv Manders
Louise Fletcher ... Norma Manders
Moses Gunn ... Doctor Pynchot
Antonio Fargas ... Taxi Driver
Drew Snyder ... Orville Jamieson

Curtis Credel ... Bates
Keith Colbert ... Mayo
Dick Warlock ... Knowles (as Richard Warlock)

Jeff Ramsey ... Steinowitz
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
114 min | Germany:101 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
This film was originally going to be directed by John Carpenter. According to Carpenter, Universal executives removed him from the project in the wake of the box office and critical drubbing they received for The Thing (1982). Carpenter had reportedly talked to his Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) actor, Darwin Joston about taking on the role of John Rainbird, which was ultimately played by George C. Scott. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: When Charlie sends the water valve flying across the barn during her confrontation with Rainbird, you can see the wire pulling it into the side of the barn. more
Quotes:
Charlie McGee: Woodchips, they should have given me someting harder. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in "Cinemania: Stephen King: O vasilias tou tromou" (2009) more

FAQ

Wasn't Charlie's mom also telepathic?
What is "The Shop"?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
more
14 out of 18 people found the following comment useful:-
Young prodigy starts fires in one of the best Stephen King adaptations!, 19 July 2006
7/10
Author: The_Void from Beverley Hills, England

Despite the fact that the films usually revolve around good and interesting stories, film adaptations of Stephen King's works are often not the best horror movies. Firestarter isn't the best known of his books, and that's slightly odd as this film adaptation is one of the best based on his stories. The film takes obvious influence from Brian De Palma's 'The Fury', as aside from the fact that this one is about a young girl that can start fires, and De Palma's film features a boy with psychic abilities; the way that both plots play out is very similar indeed. The plot has a number of problems, and the characters don't always act logically; but this is offset by the likable nature of the film, and characters that are easy to get along with due to their relatively simplistic nature. The film follows the aftermath of an experiment in which people were given an experimental drug. The ultimate result of this experiment was a child born of Andy and Vicky McGee; a child with a unique ability known as 'pyrokinesis' - the ability to start fires at will.

The film benefits from a range of cult stars. A young Drew Barrymore takes the title role, and although her acting skills hadn't been honed by the time this film was released, and she is more than a little bit wooden; she provides an interesting lead. David Keith and Martin Sheen back her up well in supporting roles, but the main acting plaudits go to the great George C. Scott who is good in what is probably the meatiest role of the piece. The running time is a little long for a film like this, but it's well used and the fact that the story doesn't get caught up with needless elements such as the girl's mother and father falling in love is definitely a good thing. The plot is very relaxed for most of the way through, and director Mark L. Lester seems content to just let things play out. That is until the last fifteen minutes; when the plot reaches its full potential and explodes with a fun and exciting finale. The film does feel more than a little bit like a TV movie at times; and the dumbed down techno soundtrack doesn't help this. Overall, the film definitely isn't perfect; but it's an enjoyable watch and King films have definitely been a lot worse!

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Firestarter (1984)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Name of the Song Title ksally4
So 'Firepower' means you're immune to bullets? shawnw007
I loved the score by Tangerine Dream. girlloveshorror
The book: Charlie and Rainbird? daniel-lonn
Am I the only one who is reminded of CARRIE!?!?!? Scifiboy666
Rainbird's Fear Of The Dark StarroHeart
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Firestarter 2: Rekindled Carrie Akira The Shining Carrie
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Horror section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.