When it comes to Stephen King adaptations we usually associate them with either the horror or suspense genres but every now and again we get ones like these that are more character driven with a bit of a supernatural twist similar to films like The Green Mile or The Dark Tower. Mr. Harrigan's Phone fits right in with that. A story about connections never dying through of a supernatural event. However, where those elements worked in films like The Green Mile, I thought those elements in here didn't really work. I found the first half to be very interesting and heartfelt seeing this relationship build between an elder and a youngster. I really think that if the film wasn't a Stephen King adaptation and it was just its own thing, and making the entire film about these two characters and their relationship it would have been much better. Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell have wonderful chemistry together and the relationship wonderfully evolves with thoughtful direction from John Lee Hancock. But as soon as we reach the second half of the story where the supernatural elements take place, the film just grinds to a halt like smacking a brick wall. I felt so bored and un invested the emotions I had from the first half were sucked away, and was just waiting for it to end soon so maybe I can be salvaged, but it just kept going and going, dragging on for much longer than I hoped. Nothing happens in the last half, a typical bullying dilemma we've seen a thousand times already, and the rest is just sitting around moping and doping, boring conversations, no chemistry between any of the other characters. Martell tries to keep it afloat with his acting skills, but the story more than lost its way. In the end, I was so disappointed. I really enjoyed the first half, thought the rest of the film would live up to it, it didn't, and rarely do I go from liking a film so much, to feeling quite annoyed I wasted my time on it when I could have watched something more fulfilling. I hate saying all this because I really like John Lee Hancock and his direction for the most part. Sutherland is excellent in here, Martell still has his best years ahead of him. The second half of the story is what hurt the film badly for me. I think this is one of the rare moments where Stephen King's influence got in the way.
Review of Mr. Harrigan's Phone
