Firestarter

(15) ★★★

110 MINUTES, IN CINEMAS 13MAY STARRING: Zac Efron,

Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Sydney Lemmon DIRECTOR: Keith Thomas

THE PLOT: Parents Andy (Efron) and Vicky (Lemmon) have long sought to protect their daughter Charlie (Armstrong) from a US government agency, who want to exploit her gift for pyrokinesis. But as Charlie turns 11, her power becomes harder to control. WHAT’S RIGHT/WRONG WITH IT? Adapted from a Stephen King novel, the film benefits from production by genre kings Blumhouse – and we liked director Keith Thomas’ 2019 indie horror movie The Vigil.

VERDICT: The previous attempt to make a movie of Firestarter (in 1984, with Drew Barrymore) has a mixed reputation. Let’s hope this one finds more love. CHARLES GANT