Mr. Harrigan's Phone by John Lee Hancock
Review by Penelope B., Youth Reviewer
For the start of autumn, I watched the Netflix movie “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”, directed by John Lee Hancock. The film is based on the novella of the same name, part of the collection “If It Bleeds”, all of which were written by Stephen King. “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” is under the horror, mystery and drama genres. The stars of this movie are Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell.
Craig (Jaeden Martell) is hired to read to Mr. John Harrigan (Donald Sutherland) - an old retired businessman who keeps to himself. They became good friends after a few years of meeting three times a week. Craig wins the lottery from one of the lottery tickets Mr. Harrigan gave him for the holidays, and he buys him a phone. However, it’s not long after that that Mr. Harrigan passes away. As time goes on, Craig gets bullied severely by Kenny Yankovich during his journey through high school. After being beaten up badly by Kenny, Craig is desperate for some advice. Knowing he won’t get an answer, he calls Mr. Harrigan’s phone, the same phone he had buried with him at his funeral. But when alarming things happen after Craig makes the phone call, Craig is determined to know why and how to end it, along with learning more about the mysteriously hated Mr. Harrigan.
What I really liked about this movie is that it is entertaining but still creepy on a level that doesn’t leave you having nightmares. Other films to watch, like “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” would be movies based on books by Stephen King, like “Stand By Me”. But one thing is for sure, I am definitely rewatching “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” again during this season.