Your review is spot on. B monster movies... probably as good an explanation as any. King has said more than once; if he can’t scare ‘em he’ll go for the gross out. This one certainly fits that bill.
I've always thought "Grey Matter" (the one where the dad drinks the warm beer and turns into a grey blob) was just as....strange. And gross. And typical King.
If you write for a living, I guess there are days when you have to make do with whatever comes to mind? Not my favorite either, but you can’t fault him for lack of imagination. 😬
I went through a late middle/high school King phase, as many nerds have. Frankly I think he was properly rated in the 80's as an uber successful shlock/horror guy. But now he's seemingly a Great Man of American Letters, which I find ridiculous. (Not to say he isn't talented.)
In any case I read this story in high school and, as is my wont, I identified more with the Lawnmower man himself. Since that day maybe 32-ish years ago have never mowed or thought about mowing a lawn without considering removing all my clothes first. I think I'd wear a cup. But otherwise I'm down.
Your review is spot on. B monster movies... probably as good an explanation as any. King has said more than once; if he can’t scare ‘em he’ll go for the gross out. This one certainly fits that bill.
I've always thought "Grey Matter" (the one where the dad drinks the warm beer and turns into a grey blob) was just as....strange. And gross. And typical King.
I am glad you read the story so we dont have to. I was disturbed even reading this article. Weird is right.
Thanks, you've saved me getting that one.
If you write for a living, I guess there are days when you have to make do with whatever comes to mind? Not my favorite either, but you can’t fault him for lack of imagination. 😬
A blazingly great review, Shaina! Me thinks you had more fun writing it than you did reading the story!
I liked the review, never having read the story. But I have read some of King's books.
Sadistic, sarcastic, satire.
Hey folks, life goes on, turn the page. Slam.
I think I skipped this story, maybe because of the reason you mentioned––please, Stephen King, not yet another demonic machine!
But thanks for reading it through and providing one of your terrific and careful summaries.
You make Bad King interesting.
I blame cocaine. I think that’s how this story came to be.
I went through a late middle/high school King phase, as many nerds have. Frankly I think he was properly rated in the 80's as an uber successful shlock/horror guy. But now he's seemingly a Great Man of American Letters, which I find ridiculous. (Not to say he isn't talented.)
In any case I read this story in high school and, as is my wont, I identified more with the Lawnmower man himself. Since that day maybe 32-ish years ago have never mowed or thought about mowing a lawn without considering removing all my clothes first. I think I'd wear a cup. But otherwise I'm down.
I never read this story but saw the movie, which was... not to my taste. I like Stephen King, but some of his stories just feel so rushed.