For me "The Stand" and its miniseries starring Gary Sinise and Molly Ringwald are my favorites. It really is the American "Lord of the Rings". It is packed with memorable characters, the story is mythic and grand, and the depiction of God and the supernatural are wholly original and respectful. Who would expect God's chosen adversary to a malevolent, monstrous, domineering demon to be a frail old woman and a rag-tag group of skeptics? That only scratches the surface of the profundity of King's magnum opus. The miniseries I thought was perfectly cast (especially Jamey Sheridan as Randall Flagg), the production values were respectable, it got in most of the story and had a magnificent, haunting soundtrack featuring W.G. Snuffy Walden.

Here's the great opening sequence:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NERZO_STxeo

By the way, Scott, that might be an idea for Dialogue of the Week: favorite lines from Stephen King adaptations. I'll see if I can rustle some up.

JD, that's a great idea for Daily Dialogue. Let's see what people can rustle up and shoot for that for the week of 5/31-6/6.

King was a huge influence for me. I started reading him when I was 12, and he introduced me to the world of horror. I still remember my first story of his - from Different Seasons. Apt Pupil. I put the story down after the microwave kitty scene. It hit me so hard. Loved everything of his until I think he got into the drink and drugs. Cujo on, very spotty. And now I still read his stuff and really enjoy it, for the most part. The Cell was great fun, and the latest In the Dome is an excellent read.

But I think in the end he'll be remembered for books like The Shining, The Dead Zone, Salem's Lot and Misery. Gerald's Game was a great read too. Like all writers, he has his good stuff and his mediocre stuff. And I don't think he'll get the respect he deserves as a writer until after he dies...

"On Writing."

"The Boogeyman" is one of the creeeeepiest stories ever committed to the page. Just thinking about it gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Film wise: Obviously "Misery", "It" and "The Shining" come to mind.

I love movies with its protagonist name as the title. When you think of "Christine" you don't think horror. Women aren't necessarily seen as threatening or anything. So for Christine to be this demonized car is brilliant.

Awesome site Scott, I am addicted and checking in daily from Australia. I love Stephen King - I wish I had his talent in making characters come alive. I started reading his books at the age of twelve, and have and constantly reread all of them. My favourite? too many: Different Seasons, Carrie, Pet Sematary,Dark Zone, The Shining. Favourite line from adaptation? HERE'S JOHNNY!