Possibly mild spoilers!

I have to say that I'm extremely puzzled regarding the review scores for this film. What were they watching? Can't have been this, that's for sure. (Because I know best)

I know a lot of people probably won't agree but I loved almost every minute of it with a few exceptions; those relating to cat heaven, pronouns and the ever infamous "Liar, liar pant's on fire" line featured in the trailer.

I never liked the 1984 adaptation all that much. To me, it always felt too long and sleep inducing. Thankfully, this version remedies that by removing all the pacehalting obstacles that make the 84' version feel like it's 3 hours long. A pretty brave decision on the filmmakers' part . Another brave decision concerns the ending, which is sure to be devisive. I for one, loved the ending.

Brave.

As an adaptation, I feel it safe to say that the 84' version sticks much closer to the source material, for better or worse.
This is not the book, and that's OK.

Efron and Armstrong, which share great chemistry together, are both really good and they sold every scene they're in. Michael Greyeyes' Rainbird steal the show for me though. I love the look of him and what they did with the character's arc.

Visually, it's a great looking film. The combination of John and Cody Carpenter's bass heavy score and the raw, forceful VFX that feel like an explosion of fire etched into your retinas leave you with an immense feeling of satisfaction that lasts all the way through the end titles.

Pros: The actors, the score, the pacing, the streamlined plot,the brave new ending and shirtless Efron.
Cons: Cringeworthy dialogue (from the writers of Halloween Kills) in two scenes.

8/10 - Great