Is Salem's Lot 2024 the BEST version of Stephen King's classic Vampire Novel? Full Review

[@AVAPopCulture]

My full review of the NEW Salem's Lot on HBO MAX! Pop that tape in, I got you, let's go do this!

[@margaretwood152]

🦇🩸 To borrow _slice_ from RLM/Mike Stoklasa's "STEAK Analogy": *'Salem's Lot (aka Jerusalem's Lot) when compared to it's Source Material (Novel) is like when you take a Giant 300+ *page* Steak: And when trimming the Fat to turn that Steak into a 120 minute Feature Film, you inevitably end up trimming some of the Best Parts of the Steak away in the process. You are then left with a much smaller, less satisfying Story which only tangentially resembles what made it's original Source Material so remarkable, original & satisfying in the first place. 🚫🧛‍♂ 'SALEM'S LOT True Fans & Purists pretty much unanimously & invariably agree: his should have been a 8-10 Episode Mini-series: and the 1800's set Jerusalem's Lot 10 Episode Mini-series (which felt like "Butter Scraped Over Too Much Bread") _should *definitely* have been the *100 minute runtime Film* instead. )

[@Titan52berg]

The best parts for me were from Alfre Woodard! Marjorie Glick moving on the autopsy table: "Oh, Hell!" The town sheriff being catapulted through the church window: "He wasn't gonna'be much help!"

[@mattw1900]

i can’t lie, i loved it. i know it doesn’t have the best character development or plot evolution but i don’t care. i was sucked in by the atmosphere, vibe, and vampires to the point where that all far outweighs the cons. this absolutely hit for me

[@AVAPopCulture]

agreed....I was sucked in by the same elements! and a lot of the old school fx and cinematography

[@ghostme1635]

Yeah it was good. Liked it alot

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@ghostme1635 me too

[@matthewelzenbeck4025]

This is very closely related to the remake of fright night the original was better but the new one was alright. And that is that....

[@liamjoe3690]

I also liked the movie. The only problem is I wish it could have been longer to be honest.

[@Krix6426]

For a fun Halloween season watch this version wins it for me. I'm glad it's here. I would certainly like a director's cut, but much can be said for a movie that keeps well, moving. Did anyone else see Christine near the beginning? I liked that easter egg.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I think it has great creepy spooky season atmosphere to it for sure!

[@MaxxRemKing1]

You know it’s funny you mention that. In the scene where Ben, Susan and Father Callahan were standing outside the Marsten house and the camera pans out over the horizon there was a tower in the middle of the screen in the far off distance. I paused it and it was not an electrical tower, maybe it was the Dark Tower?

[@EddieBloecher]

I just Googled Kurt Barlow 2024 and DAMN! Chilling as hell and even though it's different from book I am glad they kinda went with the 79 Nosferatu look.

[@WhitneyDahlin]

I just don't get why they keep trying to turn books like this into movies. I would have much preferred a miniseries

[@jonathanchappell1254]

Definitely a full mini series to cover all the characters and story in full

[@edgein7892]

Any movie can only be a disappointment if you've read the book. but even series aren't a guarantee for quality. Look at what they did to The Stand, the original series missed out on much of the novel but the remake was pure drivel. That could have been so much better.

[@bbmnb]

Definitely as a mini series. And not having father Callahan offed, since he is one of main characters in the story that continues on to the dark tower book.😅

[@edgein7892]

@@bbmnb And perhaps with more focus on the people and their secrets. The novel was awesome but any adaptation so far lacked so much.

[@steverossman8456]

Hopefully we get a 4k wit a directors cut.

[@AVAPopCulture]

we better!!!!

[@margaretwood152]

🤔This film was re-shot like 3 times & probably cut to ribbons as many times in the editing room after multiple negative test-screenings......so it's a good bet that that likely may not come to fruition anytime soon.

[@wvbigbeef4278]

Ive read the book several times and audiobooked several as well. I love the original Salems lot and hope this one is good to. I wish they woyld have done it like IT with a chapter 1 and 2. Hard to cover that book in a stand alone movie

[@AVAPopCulture]

agree, I think 2 parts would be the best way to cover this book!

[@rayjrlc8183]

Will be watching this soon. Always going to give Stephen King Adaptations a watch. Side note Chase: I got too anxious and bought the Uncut 4k A Nightmare on Elm Street digital version on Fandango at Home. I watched it last night and it was beautiful. 9 out of 10 on video quality and that was just the streaming version. Can't wait for my physical copy to come in the mail. Probably going to be 10 out of 10 on the Physical video quality.

[@AVAPopCulture]

oh interesting! usually if they look good in digital, they'll knock your socks off on physical

[@LittleMissGrosser]

Everything always seems to happen at once, doesn't it? Hope you're well, Chase - you're such a sweetheart. Salem's Lot was the first Stephen King book I ever read, when I was 12 and I loved it! Love the David Soul mini series as well.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@LittleMissGrosser you are far too sweet and kind 😊 and yes, it seems like things all come in bunches!! Salems Lot has always been a favorite of mine and I am glad to see it continuing to get new life! This version was enjoyable

[@stevenburgess2856]

It's out in the UK next week, can't wait to see it!! The scene at the window in the 1979 version freaked me out so much I couldn't sleep with the curtains open until I was 30....I kid you not...

[@redmist78]

Huge fan of anything Salem's lot but I'm anxiously waiting till sundown to watch it. I will watch your review after I watch it.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I think you will have some fun with it!

[@liamjoe3690]

People dogging on this movie. It was not that bad as some reviews would have you believe. I’ve watched the original a long time ago and recently watched it again. Just watched the 2004 version a few days ago. Today I watched the 2024 version. Some horror movie that released recently seem to get rave reviews but they sucked. This version of Salem’s Lot was not bad at all. It’s not the best horror movie ever made but definitely worth a watch. I love getting in the mood for horror movies during the month of October and this was a good start.

[@AVAPopCulture]

100% agree!!!!

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

It stinks. Are you a shill like this clown who reviewed it!

[@ops7917]

It's crap dude, why you trying to prop it up?

[@AVAPopCulture]

@ops7917 I'm not propping anything up...some people have different opinions than you and don't look for all the same things... I pointed out the things I didn't like and what I'd did like....if you didn't like it, more power to you

[@liamjoe3690]

@@ops7917 I don’t think it’s a bad movie. I don’t think it the greatest horror movie. Like I said there are some horror movies that released this year that get a lot of praise but they aren’t worth your time. This one is not that bad and it’s a safe bet to watch with the family because there isn’t any nudity or sexual situations. I’m not saying you have to like it. I just watched the 2004 release and rewatched the 1979 version. Each one has something added. I like the 79 version the best. It’s the scariest one to me. At the end of the day you like what you like.

[@daledrakewriter4912]

Count Barlow lmao. "My partners actually name is Kurt Barlow with a K. You will enjoy Mr Barlow he will enjoy you"

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Chase! 🧛‍♀ I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think it nailed some elements... some, like character development, fell a tad short due to its accelerated runtime, as you alluded to. Overall, I'm glad it exists... and I think the definitive adaptation of the story is yet to come.

[@brentmackey279]

One of the best little parts in the book is when the town busybody Mabel Werts gets a visit from her friend Glynis Mayberry - who phones Mabel she is scared to stay on her own.

[@edgein7892]

She should have known better, she stopped using her binoculars for a reason 😁

[@paulbirkbeck1790]

I take it Glynis was a vampire at this point?😮

[@Gubbpappa]

I liked the 2004 tvserie mutch mutch more. More mysterious atmosphere and more focus on the characters. I thought this one was flat

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@Gubbpappa this one certainly has some rushed moments that negatively effect it

[@glentor3]

@@AVAPopCulture Very little character development. Which is a strange thing to say about an adaptation of a Stephen King novel.

[@BeinGabriel-bf2zm]

Rest in peace, Rutger Hauer.

[@ElienKerdan]

"You'll enjoy Mr. Barlow...and he'll enjoy you!" Haven't had a chance to see the new version yet, but I'd love it if they kept that line from Straker.

[@AVAPopCulture]

you'll have to watch and see lol

[@restlessbohemian26]

Nope. There is suspense within a scene here and there, but nowhere to be found in the overall story telling.

[@dnad8034]

A 4k directors cut that adds more scenes would be cool. Haven't watched it yet but I loved the other 2 adaptations. Even the 2004 adaptation wasn't bad with rob lowe... I mean it had Rutger hauer as Barlow haha

[@AVAPopCulture]

@dnad8034 yeah I didn't hate the 2004 version either...I am chomping at the bit to get this one with a longer cut on 4k

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

I'm such a fan of the '79 miniseries this one will have a rough time living up to that. I've read the book as well; I need to find this streaming and give it a watch.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@joseluisherreralepron9987 it is hard for anything to love up to that for sure

[@gosb88]

Love your take. It's rushed, and I feel the same way about the setting and filming.. would've been amazing if they went for the style of the Toby HOOPER version. I also wish they would've left in all of Barlow's lines in, especially the lines from Mark's kitchen scene! Id say if they did anything great in the 2004 version, it was the Barlow stuff is Super accurate to the book.

[@TheTylerpoe]

Great review! I just watched it last night and agree with everything you said. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it but I enjoyed the watch. I really feel it could’ve benefited from an extra 20 minutes of runtime. There were a couple scenes where the picture suffered immensely from black crush which made me REALLY appreciate physical media. I forgot how bad it can get when streaming

[@AVAPopCulture]

this one is begging for a physical media release with the original 3+ hour director's cut!!!! Id pay $50 to get a 4k disc with that cut, no question!

[@TheTylerpoe]

@@AVAPopCulture Absolutely! I forgot about that, that there was a longer cut. I’d buy that in a heartbeat. Would also love to see Midnight Mass get a 4k physical release but I doubt Netflix would ever do it. Also hoping The Last Voyage of the Demeter comes to 4k

[@stickywicked447]

I just recently got the og Salem’s Lot BR steelbook, need to squeeze it into my October schedule somewhere 😎

[@AVAPopCulture]

there is always room for that one! maybe as a third feature on the Lost Boys/Fright Night double feature night lol

[@stickywicked447]

@@AVAPopCulture 👌

[@stickywicked447]

@@AVAPopCulture Couldn't find the Faculty but I did find The Cabin in the Woods for free right there on Peacock. Was a fitting day 4. I see why you picked it. Also I cheated last night and went with Return of the Living Dead since I just got that cool AF steelbook, but I'm ahead of schedule and looking forward to my Friday the 13th marathon up next! Let's Go!

[@Physical_Media]

I love all your videos! I am new to the horror movie community. I always enjoy seeing your videos pop up on my feed. Love your top 10 videos. I just watched this also. I thought it was well done. I did not have high expectation. Was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The OG Salem’s Lot is still the best.

[@AVAPopCulture]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words! I 100% agree the original is better! It is hard to compare a mini-series to a single feature film so I tried my best to be objective and not "compare" and rather just evalute based on it's own merits...that is hard to do lol... I had fun with it, but the original is a classic

[@timothylowe5603]

Crockett's business card transition to the staircase around 13 minute mark is worthy of Hitchcock.

[@AVAPopCulture]

most people dont pay attention to things like that though

[@alfonsoagren414]

O hope its on Max here in Sweden too! So far been watching (October horror watch) 1. The Lamp (The Outing) 2. Evil Dead II 4K 3. Terror In The Aisles (Donald Pleasense). Not a nprmal horror movie but a clip show. But has the feeling for the season. ”It’s only a movie!” I too love the book. Salems Lot. Stephen King has a huge talent. Seems down to earth and cool too. Thanks for the tip! Hope the hurricane troubles are over now!

[@AVAPopCulture]

I have not seen the Lamp but have had a couple people tell me to check it out

[@alfonsoagren414]

@@AVAPopCulture please do!🎃

[@popey129]

I guess I will sign up for max for a month. Thank you. Great video. That's bill pulman son.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I get it free with my cable tv/internet package so it came in handy for once lol

[@handsomestik]

You guys remember the Rob Lowe TNT one? Remember Barlow was played by Rutger Hauer? I mean I love the actor but holy crap that was bad. Let’s see how they are depicted Barlow here.

[@AVAPopCulture]

yeah I kinda mentioned that one and cruised right on by it lol

[@TheTylerpoe]

I’ll come to this video later…. I like to go into a movie with a little expectations as possible but I’m looking forward to watching it!

[@AVAPopCulture]

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!

[@houseoftone8939]

Good review Chase, Havent checked but must be Bill Pullman's son!, Agree the realization of Vampires from everyone is far too quick! Loved the movie though.

[@degugurl]

Can’t wait to see this! Massive fan of the original. Luckily I’m in the U.K and it’s coming to our cinemas on the 11th!😁

[@AVAPopCulture]

Im jealous that you'll get to see it in the cinemas!

[@degugurl]

Im always happy for another adaptation as long as it’s half decent, I know the reviews are mixed but it’s great that a new generation get to see this!

[@charlesdana6485]

The old one from 79 reminds me of fright night 🧛🧟🦇🦇🦇

[@Ken-v7m]

I like your reveal it was really interesting I wanted to see this movie so bad years ago hopefully they come out on DVD For us doesn't have HBO Max I just hate it wasn't released in theaters.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I'd love a 4k releases of the 3+ hour original director's cut of this movie!

[@tj_mcdonnell]

I really wish you hadn't put Barlow in your thumbnail as his image is deliberately a slow reveal throughout the first two acts. This was a fast-paced, tight vampire story that just trimmed the excess. I thought it was well shot and edited. I think Jordan Preston as Mark was incredible!

[@AVAPopCulture]

the picture of barlow was on the final trailer thumbnail for HBOmax and in tons of places...which is how I got it...this thumbnail hardly shows him but he has been shown countless times in the lead-up to this movie...this pic shows nothing of what he really looks like

[@restlessbohemian26]

You glimpse of Barlow's in the very first scene lol.

[@anthonystrocks247]

Thanks for such a fun, balanced review! From all the trashing the film is getting, I thought I was the only one who liked it!

[@AVAPopCulture]

I feel like a lot of people get into a hype train "hive mind" with movie releases (negative or postive) and they ride that wave for clicks and views and they are afraid to have their own fair opinion of things sometimes because they dont want to deviate from the hype train opinion for fear of videos not doing well or being attacked in the comments...I am always going to give my honest opinion and whatever happens, happens lol... there are maybe 2 other positive reviews Ive seen since mine, one is my buddy Daniel at @cobwebschannel and fellow Gerogian Cody Leach @CodyLeachYT and, like me, they are taking some hits in the comments lol

[@Brooklyn_OHWFYV]

I enjoyed this rendition of Salem's lot. It was very entertaining. I agree with the opinion that it should have been a mini series as this movie did feel rushed. Having said that, it is still one of the better vampyre movies in recent history. It was better than the Salem's Lot (2004). Salem's Lot (TV Mini Series 1979) is my favorite interpretation of this amazing book by Stephen King. I think it will bring this vampyre tale to a new generation of fans.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I agree with everything you just said!! pretty much sums up my feelings too!

[@zlatkajupe]

I honestly loved it! I never saw the original but this movie creeped me out so badly. The vampires were actually freaky. Like the scene where he's trying to hold her back from biting the doctor or the little boy going outside or many scenes. Don't want to spoil much more but people should see it!!!

[@bmaga123]

Great review! I really enjoyed, tho Is remake! Barlow was awesome and terrifying!

[@waynerenfrey7017]

Mate i wasn't interested in watching this take on Salem's Lot as i worry when they remake any movie but even more ones that you grew up on and are favs but after watching your review you got me sold as i so want to watch it now so cool review thank you and take care.

[@AVAPopCulture]

love to hear it! I am not the biggest fan of remakes and I love this book and original mini series BUT I went into it trying to watch it as a stand alone and not compare it to anything else.... I had some problems with it but i liked some things too...but I wont smash it because it is not just like the mini series because if they had just copied the mini series, people would complain about that too lol... I do hope we get a 4k release with the 3+ hour director's cut of the film!

[@benbelzer8303]

I'm glad they kept it simple. I was just thinking today about how tech really does interfere with scary movie concepts. You have to be crafty to work around some of that. I guess a natural disaster opening up an old tomb, releasing a spirit, and shutting down power... this would be a way to work around tech. Then the spirit creating the storyline. Problem solved.

[@AVAPopCulture]

yeah, skipping the CGI overuse is always a big win in my book!

[@benbelzer8303]

​@@AVAPopCultureHow cool about your 5,000 marker and doing a live. I've joined in those before. The person hosting had us send questions ahead of time through email. It was one of the most fun things ever! 😊

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@benbelzer8303 yeah I havent done a live since my 1500 subscriber celebration but they are fun!

[@benbelzer8303]

@@AVAPopCulture Congratulations. I love your channel. I left a message on your episode, from a couple months ago, you were talking about why movies nowadays suck (or something like that). I totally agree with your points, and I added a few detailed points of my own.

[@paulbirkbeck1790]

Cant wait to see this at cinema

[@bioshock6935]

I prefer the digital crisp clean polished look as you put it in films over film grain any day i never liked grain unless it's ultra fine

[@AVAPopCulture]

to each their own but YUCK lol...may as well watch AI generated stuff lol

[@RobTheLostBoy]

Enjoyed it a lot. My only complaint is that …….minor spoiler alert, not reallly………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..:the rabies vaccine was a cure for vampirism…..I actually chuckled at that one 😭😭😭 but good far out weighs the bad imho…enjoyed it a lot 👍🏻🦇🤘🏻

[@AVAPopCulture]

@RobRomano-TheLostBoy yeah, I had some issues with that...oh and how did anyone know how much to give her? Lol

[@liamjoe3690]

@@RobTheLostBoy In the 2004 version the doctor did the same thing when he was bitten at the morgue.

[@CanadianMakerProject]

Sounds like I need to see this love hammer gothic feel also RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

[@AVAPopCulture]

Gordon Lightfoot is one of my all time favorites! RIP

[@EmlynBoyle]

Great video, but just one thing though. Having a picture of Barlow in the thumbnail is a serious spoiler for some?

[@AVAPopCulture]

@EmlynBoyle thank you! But how is it a spoiler? He is in one of the trailers and his image is on the HBOmax final trailer thumbnail and in a bunch of articles - which is how I got it...I have no way to pull it from the movie itself! 😉

[@stickywicked447]

btw, Shocktober starts tomorrow (4th) on Shout! Hoping for some good sales, just got a notification that Wolfman is shipping 🎉

[@AVAPopCulture]

I am very interested to see how that sale is! in my mid 40s and I may be calling on my mom to float me some purchase money until I can get all this madness caught up LOL

[@stickywicked447]

@@AVAPopCulture yeah you’ve been getting slammed lately “it’s not fair mom!” 🥹

[@tylerberryhill8029]

Rebooting cult classic movies is never a good idea. Thanks for proving me right

[@sandorcleg7393]

Just finished watching it. I really enjoyed it. Imo it was much better than the 2004 version even if that version did follow the book more closely. This would have been better as a 2 part mini series as I felt the character development lacked a bit in this but the faster pace certainly did cut out some of the slow moving fluff the original had. But Barlow was incredible. I know his portrayal in the book is much different but let’s be real, the nosferatu look just slaps😍

[@AVAPopCulture]

yeah, I had a good time with it! gonna re-watch with my son tonight or this weekend...much better than the 2004 version but I also wish it was a 2 part movie to get some the mystery and back story time to develop

[@dougliner2521]

The Tobe Hooper version was moody and so awesome when in came out. The 2004 remake pulled in things from a character development in the minor players that gave it some texture, but it was also kind of cartoonish. I think it was an Australian location and was just not capturing true Americana. This one was efficient in the story telling. I felt like it was the greatest hits. Like Disneyland Vs Disney World. Just my take.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@dougliner2521 definitely felt the rushing in it for sure

[@liamjoe3690]

The original was the only vampire movie to ever scare me as a kid. The 2024 version is definitely different but it did a descent job.

[@yellowjackboots2624]

My man 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@AVAPopCulture]

🤛

[@sakhawatislamsohel3D2Y]

It honestly should have been made into HBO series to let the story breathe.

[@sidneygordon2804]

Honestly, if you don't compare it to any of the other adaptations and judged it as a standalone movie, it's pretty good. Definitely felt more like a horror comedy.

[@AVAPopCulture]

that is the key!! don't compare, just evaluate on its own merits! youre spot on

[@Brooklyn_OHWFYV]

This movie would have been Badass in an Imax theater.

[@AVAPopCulture]

agreed

[@chaddixson8398]

I know an extra friday the 13th arrow poster is a target, is a scream factory army of darkness poster also a target?

[@AVAPopCulture]

yep! I dont have any Amry of Darkness or Evil dead posters! I am going to have a 48 poster panel rack going up in my room eventually so I can enjoy every poster! lol

[@ghostme1635]

That hat is dope !! Brains..brains..

[@AVAPopCulture]

thank you! yeah I saw it on Fright Rags months ago and jumped all over it lol

[@paulbirkbeck1790]

I like that lewis pullman is a everyman not a huge bodybuilder or a total pretty boy just a believable hero, and no technology to spread the word about the vampires due to it being the 70s, there is a 3 hour cut of this film i hope they release it.

[@AVAPopCulture]

totally agree!

[@hustlefrost127]

I enjoyed this movie. I like the original series too but this one will be the one i come back to from now on.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@hustlefrost127 yeah I think I will have no problem revisiting this pretty frequently! Glad you had fun with it!

[@jonathanchappell1254]

Havent seen the movie yet as im in uk its looks like it hasnt covered all the characters like the 79 version and isnt at all long enough

[@arlem525]

It was originally a 3 hour cut. So maybe we can see that eventually

[@AVAPopCulture]

I bet we will on a 4k release!

[@sentientnpc0]

Been such a while since i got to see a good horror movie(after all the bad ones that keep coming) and a vampire one at that which is even more surprising. Great movie, i recommend it to horror fans.

[@Thatshorrorible]

Although, I haven't seen the original in 30 years. I still think it blows away this remake. As a child, the window scene and the Mike in the rocking chair scene (which they omitted) scared the crap out of me. They failed to mention the history of the Marsten House and Hubie Marsten and how "if a house could be evil and retain that evil and attract evil." They also left out that he came back mainly for the Marsten House to study it and that after all those years, he still wasn't free from the pull of the house. They never touched on the house at all. As a fan of King, the book and the mini-series it has too many flaws, obviously the lack of character development and the rush feel and the quick end. If I had watched it as a modern day vampire movie without it being a remake, I might have not judged it so harsh and overall seen it as a decent vampire movie. I came in watching the movie, hoping it would be great but, ultimately disappointed. Thanks for the review.

[@goatsandroses4258]

I'm so glad someone else said something. I simply couldn't get into this new version. (And I'm not saying the old one was without flaws) The new one seemed to take for granted that people knew the story about why Ben was obsessed with the Marsten House. The lack of at least a nod to that backstory was a real loss, I felt. The theme of the "bad place" drawing evil is such a part of King's work. Then, too, I much preferred the older, more polished, version of Straker in the earlier film. I don't know what it is, but the characters in the new version in general just don't catch my attention. On the plus side, my husband and I both applauded the inclusion of real 1970s culture, such as the S&H Green Stamps store sign. On the whole, though, we just felt the new show was "Mr. Mediocre."

[@Thatshorrorible]

@@goatsandroses4258 Totally agree, I get that they had to make some changes to cater to the new younger horror audience but, they omitted too much that made the original story what it was They did have the newspapers in the beginning showing articles about the house but, it was fast and if you didn't know the backstory then you would have missed it. I even said to my wife who hadn't seen the 1979 mini-series about how I preferred the older, more sophisticated, "air about him" Straker compared to the new one who they barely even gave any character development too. It was just a disappointment.

[@EddieBloecher]

Man in 79 that window scene made me scared to walk past window to get to the pisser!!! Lol But hell I was 10 lol

[@AVAPopCulture]

that scene haunted me and still does lol

[@EddieBloecher]

@@AVAPopCulture Oh it still creeps me out a bit. After being in the Infantry for years I don't scare as bad now. Lol

[@glentor3]

No. Ot needed to be at least an hour longer. A format similar to the related Chapelwaite TV adaption would work best. So much important information and subplots from the novel were cut. Hopefully there will be an extended edition at some point.

[@Horrorgirl-dv3ou]

Hi Chase I watched Salem's lot last night after creepshow I liked it it was very gothic which I love it did feel a bit rushed the kid actors were great 🎃😁👻

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@Horrorgirl-dv3ou glad you enjoyed it! I loved the Gothic feel of it in parts for sure! Definitely a tad bit rushed though

[@bmg5015]

I haven’t seen this one, but it sounds decent. I’ll check it out soon

[@AVAPopCulture]

just dropped on HBOMax today!-one of the few streaming services I have because it comes with my cable/internet package lol

[@bmg5015]

Good idea

[@bobprice6274]

It was good, I liked it.

[@SharonDuke-l4q]

I really enjoyed it .

[@AVAPopCulture]

I had fun with it too

[@ghostme1635]

I liked it. It was fun and pretty good I thought

[@AVAPopCulture]

agreed! very enjoyable!

[@ghostme1635]

@@AVAPopCulture it took me back to my childhood. In a strange way. Im 36

[@BeinGabriel-bf2zm]

To me, this version of Kurt Barlow looks scarier than the original.

[@beatstrangler]

Thanks for the spoilers! Never seen it before.

[@AVAPopCulture]

LOL there are no spoilers in here... I didnt show anything you cant see in the trailer

[@AVAPopCulture]

also, it is based on a book and there have been 2 versions of this movie put out already....so....

[@beatstrangler]

@@AVAPopCulture Maybe leaving the part out about antics dealer for starters. A spoiler alert warning would be most helpful.

[@beatstrangler]

@@AVAPopCulture I was seven when the original came out. Needless to say, it's not something any responsible parent would allow their seven year old to watch.

[@FreeLunchFreddy]

Who u giys like better 79 barlow or 24 barlow

[@VicariouslythroughChrisceil]

Even though the characters continued to make the worst decisions, I have watched it thrice due to how beautifully shot the movie was. I am a huge Salem's Lot and subsequently, Midnight Mass fan.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I had fun with the movie and some of the shots are just so cool and old school horror

[@VicariouslythroughChrisceil]

@AVAPopCulture Same. I love the classic Vampire, Witch, and Werewolf movies. I also love Eastern European origin Vampire movies.I cannot wait for Nosferatu. My husband isn't as much of a horror fan as I am. I have to fight to get him to the theatre.

[@CaptainRedShift]

This movie seriously needed to be something like a Netflix limited series by Mike Flanagan..The novel has too much character depth, and there is no way to squeeze so much of the real story into a film just under 2 hours..Barlow looked ok, but looked too much like they just overlayed a cgi face of The Nun on top of a bald cgi head…Too much cgi for Barlow imo, but overall he looked alright..Overall, I think this film was entertaining..It had some VERY cool scenes a few times..I just didn’t like how FAST everything had to move in order to try covering as much as it could with the runtime given..

[@AVAPopCulture]

the rushed nature was my biggest drawback...needed to be 2 movies or a 4 or 5 part limited series - espcially if it was just going to streaming anyway

[@mrhyde2484]

I rank it 3rd. Too short, they squeezed a few back stories into a single line sometimes to lay groundwork. I like both longer versions with more character development. It was ok though.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@mrhyde2484 the rushing was my biggest negative for sure

[@katiejackson2178]

Just finished it. I thought it was really good. For a better movie experience watch it the way i did. Late at night, alone, with your back less than a foot from an open window😂

[@AVAPopCulture]

@katiejackson2178 bwhahaha that will certainly add a creep factor to thw experience 🤣

[@roosterguy4958]

Ok I have to write this I have waited for this movie for decades . after the other failed attempts to live up to the original and years of waiting after hearing they were coming out with a new version back in 2018 to a few weeks ago when I saw the trailer for the realse on HBO. I was pumped . To me this was once again a major let down. They rushed the story way faster than the original with characters that they really didnt introduce to the audience. The c.g.i vampire affects made the vampires way less scary than the original . I'm sorry but if you have seen the original you cant walk away from this feeling satisfied in any way I could probably keep going on and on but I hope some day this will get revisited again but this time it final gets the justice it deserves and is directed and made right . If Stephen king gave this a thumbs up in my opinion he has to be losing his mind . This has like a. D movie feel something that was very low budget and didnt cost a lot to make and it shows that way I'm truly bummed sorry my guy but you need to watch the original I'm questioning your movie ratings .

[@AVAPopCulture]

LOL dude I am probably older than you and grew up with the original... but you are comparing a Mini-series to a movie...I said it was rushed and I didnt like that but again, this is a movie NOT a mini-series you cannot compare the speed of the 2... this movie felt rushed for it's own sake regardless if you knew anything going into it or not... I dont know what you mean by CGI because there were more porblems with CGI in the 2004 version than this...there was a lot of "in-camera" and practical fx done on this one too mixed with CGI... if you are a big fan of the original, you'd remember that countless people over the decades have complained about it being too slow and trying to add in too much from the book...so in other words, they will never win with a feature film version because anything they do is being compared to a book and a mini-series..... comparing a mini-series to a feature film is like comparing a marathon runner with a sprinter...

[@Carlos-gc4hb]

I love the original!

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@Carlos-gc4hb me too

[@arlem525]

And I watched it six times the first day.

[@AVAPopCulture]

I had fun with it!!

[@jimbrown2688]

I'm a devotee of the book and Tobe Hooper adaptation. This new one is complete excrement on evert single level. They should be embarrassed by it. Any reviewer saying it's great or the best ever should be checked for mental health issues. I'd happily debate and destroy this rubbish with anyone.

[@AVAPopCulture]

LOL you cant destroy someone's opinion on "art" ...art is subjective.... also, if you were such a devotee of Tobe Hooper's version, youd know it was trashed for years for being too slow and adding things in from the book that werent needed for the story and changing big things from the book...go back and look at old reviews... just remember, when adapting a movie from a book, there are as many versions of that out there as there are readers who imagined everything about the story in their minds when they read it...and if you set out to compare a mini-series with a single feature length film, you are building in your own disappointment...it is not possible to do everything in 1 movie that you can do in a mini-series Widgett Walls Needcoffee.com Rotten score. A truly unfortunate adaptation. Was the head vampire supposed to be scary? Oh sorry--my bad. a vintage review: - it carries the burden of being made for television in the late 70’s so every jump scare is unsubtlely highlighted by a prolonged fart of high pitched trumpets and crashing percussion another from the Cleveland Plain Dealer Unfortunately, it changed the look of King’s lead vampire from a cultured villain to a ghoulish beast recalling Max Schreck’s makeup in “Nosferatu” (1922).

[@dylanshorrorchannel1378]

Why would you put a spoiler picture of Barlow on your thumbnail?

[@AVAPopCulture]

that picture is everywhere dude... how do you think I got it lol

[@Ryan-kc5pl]

Was the Rob Lowe one that bad? Lol. Dont remember it

[@AVAPopCulture]

I don't think it was that bad...I enjoyed it...

[@davrosdavros7198]

This version stunk although some of the acting was good especially bill camp. It felt rushed it changed way 2 much. Not a single jump scare. Midnight mass had way more atmosphere. I can see why it was bumped to tv . What a shame

[@davidjeffreys6646]

When I think which is the worst, 2024 or Return to Salems Lot... honestly can't say. At least Return did it's own thing.

[@timothylowe5603]

The worst was the theatrical release of the original miniseries

[@davidjeffreys6646]

I disagree

[@davidhunt2937]

A decent watch. Lacked in depth of characters and scenes moved to fast. Good but could have been a lot better.

[@dremunoz2600]

I have to say the original is MUCH better. The remake isn't bad but the kid Mark did things I would only view an older teen doing. Also this one moved too fast so it felt smashed into a 2 hour movie.

[@AVAPopCulture]

the rushing was one of the biggest issues for sure

[@allthingshorrorrelated]

I loved it. Cant understand the hate

[@AVAPopCulture]

The negative hype train "hive mind" got triggered on it...now, a lot of people just want to go with the popular group-think opinion lol

[@henrywoods52]

Is it a movie or series?

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@henrywoods52 a movie

[@tonyrogo227]

2024 version seemed rushed, not enough character development and the vampire in this version just seemed more like feral animals then evil predators. But that's just my 2 cents.

[@AVAPopCulture]

the rushing was my biggest issue for sure

[@xalba5245]

Not at all. There are good aspects on it (creepy vampires, good visuals, overall setting...), but as a book adaptations its clearly a failure. Many of potentially scariest and notewhorthy scenes (Danny Glick on the window, Mike and Mr. Burke encounters, Father Callahan vs Barlow, the final battle against Barlow...) are notably worse than the original TV series of 79. Just a 2 hours film proves to be insufficient to adapt this book, and you clearly fell the fast pacing and lack of character depelovement and dialogues undemine the final result. Its not bad, but neither good. Decidedly, below his old predecessor. Maybe better than 2006 version. Like and horror film its decent, and could be enoyable for casual viewers. But as an adaptation of one of Stephen King most memorable book (which I strongly like), its less than satisfactory.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@xalba5245 But did I ever say it was the best LOL? I never said it was! I asked a question to open up discussion

[@xalba5245]

@@AVAPopCulture Just joining the discussion, dude, giving my own personal answer to this issue. No particular argument for anything you say in the video, wich for that matter I mostly agree with.

[@6324jorge]

Is this a remake of the original movie

[@restlessbohemian26]

It's more a reimagining. It take a LOT of liberty with King's story and Tobe Hopper's mini series. Shallow and fun, more action driven that actually scary.

[@shaolin95]

Not even better than the 2004 in some areas much less the original. Zero of the tense atmosphere of the original. Rushed scenes...zero buildup

[@AVAPopCulture]

rushed I firmly agree with...way too rushed...but I disagree on atmosphere...I feel like it had a lot that

[@noybeeswax]

It’s the best version, but are we finally realizing that maybe Salems Lot doesn’t make great film? I mean it was okay, honestly I thought it was rocking right up to Matt Burke’s death, and then after that it felt lack lustre and rushed. Oh well.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@noybeeswax I think it needs to be a 2 part film

[@ops7917]

If you've actually gotta ask that question, if the 2024 version is the best adaptation of the classic novel, you ain't someone I should be listening to. The 2024 version is hot garbage whereas the original had James bloody Mason and David Soul.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@ops7917 then hit the door...

[@ops7917]

​@@AVAPopCulture I'm not hitting any door cause you say so. You are in the review business passing judgment of things in a public forum. If you can't handle the comments of someone not from your sheep echo chamber and instead gives you criticism, then it's you who should hit this door and let that raw nerve I whacked calm down. There's nothing wrong being lame in praising a crap film, just expect someone not from your flock to put holes in your chute.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@ops7917 lol I am fine with difference of opinion and discussion, personal attacks are different story...understand YOU think it is lame, doesn't mean people who disagree with you are wrong or shills or whatever- that is a crazy take...

[@andreasplosky8516]

"Is Salem's Lot 2024 the BEST version of Stephen King's classic Vampire Novel? " No, it is the worst version. It has bad pacing, bad dialogues, rushed plot etc. etc. It is a disgrace.

[@AVAPopCulture]

everyone has their opinions... I said being rished was a big negative for me BUT if anyone is going to compare the pacing of a Mini-Series with the pacing of a stand alone feature film, they are setting themselves up for disappointment -the movie itself isnt doing that - it is one's own unrealistic expectations

[@DeepakSharma-tz2kz]

One time watch with a family. But alone I would watch something better than this. Not good but not so bad as redd8t reviews make it out.

[@davecrawford1]

Movie was completely rushed. Even with a 2 hr runtime, they could have fleshed out the characters, history and lore of the town slow burn style for the first hour then they could have went balls deep after establishing its universe but it was very boring and bland to me

[@AVAPopCulture]

@davecrawford1 the rushing was my biggest issues

[@edizenver6406]

What a total letdown this film was no wonder it wasn’t released for 3 years utter crap compared to the original….rushed production….stupid casting ….story doesn’t gel the list goes on

[@byteseq]

Best? You means worst I hope

[@AVAPopCulture]

everyone has different opinions but visually alone it beats the 2004 version...it beats it on atmosphere too....

[@mikefisher2673]

The 79 version was a two part ni miniseries and was very popular. The Lowe version is very forgettable and only should be watched if for purists. The new one I will give it a watched, but if takes place it in the 70s I will be checking i if it feels the period or not.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@@mikefisher2673 they would have nailed the period feel without the slick Contemporary "sheen" over top

[@mikefisher2673]

@@AVAPopCulture I look for clothing, haircuts and things that are 70s related since I know to look for.

[@Phil5150Bower]

Let’s be honest the new version ain’t very good the reason it’s been held back is very clear upon watching, stick with the 1979 full version.

[@AVAPopCulture]

@Phil5150Bower for you it may be honest to say it isn't very good but I had fun with it and a lot people will too....the original is better but this one was not bad

[@Phil5150Bower]

@@AVAPopCulture I’m glad you enjoyed it, some of Kings movie adaptations are hit and miss I think that some of his works need the full attention to story IT worked great over two movies and I think Salem’s Lot is the same to do the work the justice it needs a specific release and run time.