Firestarter (2022) - Decent enough little horror film

As someone who seemed to miss the original 'Firestarter' back in 84, I found the 2022 remake on a streaming service and I therefore can't really compare the two.  However, this version is perfectly serviceable within the landscape of modern horror films, despite not really being a stand out which will break new ground.

Zac Efron is a father of a child with supernatural powers (his daughter can summon fire when she gets angry, in case you didn't guess).  Efron is desperate to protect his daughter from those who want to exploit her dangerous powers and the actor does a decent job here, delivering a solid performance, but it's clear that the role doesn't demand much from him. He's come a long way from his High School Musical days and a more dramatic script would certainly be within his capabilities.

The real focus of the film is, of course, on the young girl, Charlie, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Her portrayal is a bit hit or miss.  At times, she's actually pretty watchable, but at other moments, her performance can feel a little forced or inconsistent. Given that Charlie's emotional journey is central to the story, this unevenness does impact the film's overall effectiveness.

The actual story is nothing that new, i.e. following a child with superpowers as she struggles to control them while being hunted by nefarious forces.  I guess if that's all you're looking for then you'll find a certain degree of entertainment here, even if it doesn’t bring much new to the table. The film’s pacing is generally fine, though it can feel a bit slow in places, and the tension doesn’t always build as effectively as it could.

I'm now tempted to seek out the original as it would be interesting to compare this version to the source material, especially considering how Stephen King's work has been adapted differently across various decades. While this 2022 remake is far from bad, it also doesn't stand out in the crowded field of recent horror releases. It's a watchable film that delivers some thrills, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

6/10