Cheap Misery (DVD) (James Caan, Kathy Bates) (Rob Reiner) Price

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Misery is a 1990 suspense drama released by Castle Rock Entertainment, directed by Rob Reiner, with a running time of 107 minutes. Based on a Stephen King novel, this drama is considerably enhanced by the performance of its leads, James Caan (Paul Sheldon) and Kathy Bates (Annie Wilkes).
The tale is really very simple. Paul Sheldon is a successful writer whose career has been made on the back of a series of novels about a 19th century heroine that he is growing weary of, called "Misery." Although she has been the focus of a hugely popular series of novels, Paul wishes to 'retire' the character and focus on writing something more personal. After finishing his latest book, Paul sets out from a Colorado lodge nestled in the Rocky Mountains and begins his drive back to the city during a horrible snowstorm. Let's just say he doesn't make it.
As luck would have it, former nurse Annie Wilkes is passing by and drags him from the wreck. When he comes to, he is in bed being tended to by his 'number one fan' (Annie) in her home. Annie assists Paul in his recuperation, as both legs and an arm are broken as a result of his accident. His gratitude soon turns to concern though, as it become increasingly clear that her love of his Misery novels is far from normal. This unhealthy obsession is only too apparent as she finishes his latest manuscript where Misery dies. To say she becomes outraged would be an understatement. Her rage and insistence that he should rewrite the book leads him to becoming a prisoner in her home.
You would think that a movie centered on two characters in one room wouldn't offer much in the way of excitement, but you need to see this movie! As it becomes quite clear to Paul that help is not on the way, the movie takes on claustrophobic urgency. You find yourself yelling at him, trying to help him escape. As Annie spirals slowly into insanity, things begin to look even bleaker for Paul.
Kathy Bates deservedly took home an Oscar and Golden Globe award for her performance as Annie, and James Caan is wonderful in what must have been a difficult role to play, since he spends most of his time in casts lying in a bed.
Misery is not your typical dramatic movie. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you second-guess whether you would really like to be rescued, in a snowstorm, by a "good Samaritan." I give the movie a 4-star rating and recommend it for all viewers, especially Stephen King fans.

A masterpiece of suspense!
I would find it hard to believe that too many people haven't seen this Stephen King classic, but if you haven't this is an absolute must see. James Caan is a novelist struggling to make a break for the mold he has been placed in because of the success of his series of romance novels based on his character Misery. Caan goes on vacation in the mountains to finish his newest book, which is supposed to an edgy break from his previous work. After a terrible car accident Caan is rescued by Annie Wilkes (Played by Kathy Bates), a seemingly kind and sweet nurse who offers to get him back on his feet. Annie, as it turns out, is the world's biggest Misery fan, or should I say the world's biggest deranged fan. What ensues is some of the most shocking and frightening moments in cinema history. I promise that you will be sitting on the edge of your seat for this entire movie, and there will be times that you will not be able to watch.

Kathy Bates deservedly won an Oscar for her portrayal of the devoted "Misery" fan. Her swing from one emotion to another is believable, and terrifyingly real. She does a tremendous job of making her character seem like your average next door neighbor, then like your worst nightmare. James Caan is perfect as the writer held captive in the home of this obviously unbalanced woman. He portrays a breadth of emotion as he tries to cope with his captivity. From the apprehensive beginnings, to the desperate attempts at freedom, to his eventual courage to fight back. (I also love the casting of Richard Farnsworth as the local sheriff. Has he ever played a character you didn't like?)

Rob Reiner's direction is terrific and always keeps the action moving even in the most intricate of scenes. You can see that he let's both Caan and Bates play their respective roles, and move the film along like the consummate professionals they are. The screenplay adapted from King's novel is superb, and makes this movie a suspense classic. Of all of the Stephen King novels that have been turned into big screen features, this one is very true to the book, which is what gives it its intensity. If you have never seen this movie, you really should, and if you haven't seen it for a while pick up a copy. I bet it will still shock you.

Fantastic
The scary thing about Steven King's novels is that they're not that ridiculous. This one in particular, could very well happen. Just remember the penguin always looks south.