a) Stephen King stories make great movies!
b) Stephen King stories make horrible movies!
c) Stephen King stories make okay movies.

I’m going for d) All of the above. When he’s good, he’s very good (The Shining, Carrie, Misery, The Green Mile, Stand by Me, The Shawshank Redemption). When he’s bad, he’s very bad (Cujo, Dreamcatcher, Hearts in Atlantis, Pet Sematary). When he’s okay, he’s just okay (Needful Things, The Stand, Delores Claiborne).

In Secret Window, King has sampled from some of his best work: Misery and The Shining. This is another King story that focuses on the solitary life of the writer. A life that is challenging for any director because of its isolation and lack of action. Writing is a largely mental activity and movies are all about action, so crafting action out of writing is always an arduous task.

The other challenge in this movie falls squarely on the shoulders of Johnny Depp, who is in practically every scene and even acting against himself in several. As writer, Mort Rainey, Depp gives an understated, concentrated performance with just a hint of irony. Playing off of Depp’s understatement with psychotic intensity is John Turturro as the sinister John Shooter. I enjoyed watching both of them, even though I figured out the final plot twist pretty early on.

It was nice to see Timothy Hutton again. It seems as if it’s been ages since I’ve seen him in a movie. As the lover of Mort’s estranged wife, Amy (Maria Bello), Hutton gives an enthusiastic turn as the possessive new boyfriend who wants Mort to sign the divorce papers and get out of their lives for good.

I overheard several audience members complaining of boredom. I didn’t find it boring but Secret Window’s strong suit is more psychological terror than physical thrills and chills. If you need a high body count and buckets of blood and gore, this isn’t the movie. If you are fascinated by the inner workings of a man who’s life is falling apart, this is more for you.

While I did figure out the big plot twist early on, the ending was still satisfying. It didn’t sell out and it ended on an ironic and darkly humorous note.

Much better than the thrillers that have preceded it -- Twisted and Taking Lives -- but still leaving a bit to be desired. I’m recommending it for Johnny Depp fans and those who like a little thought in their thrillers. As far as King stories goes, this is definitely a c).