Sarah Vincent Sarah G Vincent Views Jun 9, 2024

“Firestarter” is at its best when Scott seizes central focus, and if people remember the movie fondly, his performance as the two-faced killer. We seamlessly see him as he truly is and as he wants Charlie to see him.

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Noah Berlatsky Everything is Horrible (Substack) Mar 17, 2023

At a time cinema movie screens are saturated with formulaic superheroing, it is intriguing to go back and watch a movie that so obviously didn’t get the memo about where superheroes are supposed to go, and how quickly.

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Jenn Adams Rue Morgue Magazine Feb 18, 2023 C

While FIRESTARTER has its problematic elements, the character of Rainbird alone could fuel many think pieces on appropriation and stereotyping, it is a story of female rage and patriarchal control.

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Cheryl Eddy io9.com Sep 14, 2022

Firestarter rests on the shoulders of Barrymore...It’s repetitive yet visually arresting, as Barrymore’s hair blows back, her eyes widen, and every adult around her begins to sweat profusely and panic.

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Alan Jones Starburst Aug 1, 2022

The most mediocre adaptation so far.

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Tom Cassidy Common Sense Media Jun 8, 2022 3/5

While the direction is dry and non-showy, there's enough room for emotional moments to seep through and elevate the movie.

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Matt Brunson Film Frenzy May 24, 2022 2.5/4

George C. Scott's casting hints at the dichotomy at play in this schizophrenic project. Like the movie itself, he's eminently watchable but also scarcely believable.

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Tim Brayton Alternate Ending May 24, 2022 2/5

Unwatchably dull.

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Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com Sep 15, 2020 2.5/5

Although not exactly a hidden gem from the glory days of American studio horror, Firestarter is still worth a watch (if mostly for the notability or notoriety of its cast).

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Sergio Benítez Espinof Aug 29, 2019

The original material is not the best that Stephen King has published, but one could have taken more advantage of it than this skeletal entertainment result. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Tyler Smith Battleship Pretension Jul 26, 2019

No surprises, no revelations, no twists. In fact, there really aren't even any character arcs.

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Gary Arnold Washington Post Oct 17, 2017

Even before it begins laying waste to the reputations of cast members, "Firestarter" is promptly exposed as a derivative embarrassment of a conception.

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Rob Vaux Mania.com May 13, 2014 C

Firestarter wasn't great, but everyone involved survived... as you will if you ever feel the need to give it another look.

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Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Feb 2, 2011

While no means a masterpiece, it's a Stephen King film worthy of viewing once or twice...

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Chuck O'Leary FulvueDrive-in.com Jan 23, 2006 3/4

A scene-stealing performance by a menacing George C. Scott and a terrific musical score by Tangerine Dream elevate this entertaining companion piece to 1978's The Fury.

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Randy Shulman Metro Weekly (Washington, DC) Jun 30, 2005 2/5

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Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall Apr 18, 2005 2/5

corny and overblown

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Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Feb 14, 2005 2/5

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Robin Clifford Reeling Reviews Nov 19, 2004 2/5

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Michelle Alexandria Eclipse Magazine Nov 10, 2004 3/5

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