Many people are shocked that Zac Efron, the beloved star of the High School Musicals films, is at an age where he is playing a father in a film. Yet, the 35-year-old is no longer Troy Bolton, and his acting has grown and evolved as he has.
This film Firestarter is based on the Stephen King Novel, and it was filmed and produced excellently.
The storyline
The film is a dark tale of a family who, due to the parents being tested on for an experiment whilst at university, has a child with powers, just as they do.
Her power involves being able to set anything on fire. However, as she is a young girl, she cannot control her power. Due to being a child with highly sensitive responses, these reactions cause fires when she doesn’t mean to.
The dramatic film is thrilling yet has a creepy undertone that makes it an even better watch. The film only runs for an hour and 37 minutes which, in this case, is the perfect length.
Some horror or thriller movies can run on for too long and the believability of the story becomes less enjoyable. This is the perfect length for this type of movie.
Efron plays a loving, yet protective father who is trying to do anything possible to protect his family, and save his daughter from the scientists who made them this way.
Although the ending of this film is somewhat unexpected, the final scene can come across as a tad rushed. Perhaps this is due to a second film being possible, or due to the ambiguity of the end leaving interpretation up to the audience.
Overall, I would highly recommend going to see this film. It has twists that you wouldn’t expect and is quite ruthless with its character choice of who dies and who lives.