Graveyard Shift

Graveyard Shift released in 1990 is based on Stephen King's short story of the same name, from the Night Shift collection. Graveyard Shift is about a textile mill in rural Maine with a rat problem. People keep dying or disappearing, causing there to be frequent job openings at the mill. A drifter who came to town, fills one of those job openings. The story then follows the clean up crew who is charged with cleaning the basement of the mill during the graveyard shift, our drifter is one of those people, as is his love interest who also works at the mill. While cleaning the basement, they find a sub basement and they also find a giant bat/rat creature that starts killing and eating the crew, the foreman at this point, who is unhinged on the best of times, totally loses his mind and goes bat shit crazy. But can they get out and save their lives or will they all be devoured by the bat/rat creature? I saw this movie as a kid, and actually remembered liking it, like I seemed to like most Stephen King movies that I saw. I have seen it several times over the years, and it became a part of my collection in 2017 during the Halloween season. I watched it again, and it really stuck with me how great this film really is. That being said, the critics tore this movie to shreds and it has an abysmally low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But here's the thing, yes this film has a low budget feel to it, and there is no real big star to lead the film, I would say that this film is pretty nearly a b-horror movie, though it was actually a big release. The film doesn't look impressive, the monster looks ok, but I have seen so much better, and the acting is acceptable but not amazing. That being said what makes a movie good anyway, I have fought the critics many times in my views, as we all should. So is a good movie the technical side being top notch and cutting edge, is it superb acting by talented performers, is it impressive effects, great story telling? To me what makes a movie good is really simple, did you enjoy it, and how did it make you feel, was it fun, was it sad, did it trigger any emotion in you. Graveyard Shift by technical standards is not a good move, but what it is is an enjoyable movie to watch. The film doesn't need explosive effects, it doesn't even need A-List actors, because the film has a good story and tells that story in a way that keeps the viewer interested. If you want a polished hollywood turd, then don't waste your time. But if you want a movie with an interesting story, that has a bit of a gritty look to it (which fits the tone perfectly), if you want a film with practical effects that look good, and a cast that plays the part adequately enough that you can see the characters as real people, then this film is for you, and it is definitely for me. I don't know if I would say that I love this movie, but i really like it a lot. I also love that they filmed this movie in Bangor, Corrina, and Harmony ME. I love when Stephen King movies are shot here in Maine, I mean he wrote these great books that take place here, and it is a travesty that the film adaptations are not filmed here as well. The setting helps to give a great vibe to the film and make it even more believable and identifiable. I have watched this film many times over the years and will watch it many more, it might not be great, but I really enjoy this film. Would I recommend this movie? Yes, I would recommend this to any Stephen King fan, and to everyone who appreciates b-horror movies. This isn't a film for everyone, but I really do like it a lot, and will continue rewatching it.