The Mist (2007)

Adequate adaptation of King's novella

After a raging storm that knocks out all power, David Drayton and his young son Billy head into town for supplies. Along for the ride is neighbor Norton, whom David doesn't normally get along with. Before leaving home, David and his family wonder about the strange mist hovering over the lake. Once in town, he discovers the power is out there too, and the checkout lines in the grocery store are long.

Then, they notice the mist rolling across the store's parking lot. They hear screams, and a large earthquake-like thud shakes the store and silences the air raid siren. A man runs into the store from the mist, informing the people that there's "things" out there. Now trapped inside the store, the large crowd wonders what to do and who to believe. Shopper Mrs. Carmody, a crazy lady from town, works the desperate crowd into a frenzy of religious fanaticism. There ARE things in the mist, tentacles and large bugs and flying daemons, and as Mrs. Carmody preaches the end of the world and expiation via blood, David must find a way to save himself and his son, and the few who follow him.

I can't help but compare the movie to the story, which I've read several times and consider it one of King's best stories (before he lost his talent and began writing drool). In the book, King really captured the crowd mentality when people are shoved together in a tight place. It didn't work as well in the movie translation. In my summary of the plot, I tried to stay true to the movie, which in all fairness follows the book quite well until the ending. I was disappointed in the movie for several reasons. The director used all unknown actors, no big names to anchor the film. The acting was rather wooden, and Mrs. Carmody should have been older and fatter (plus I miss the bright yellow pantsuit she wore in the book). The FX was ok but not spectacular. The scriptwriter changed the ending, and not for the better. What this film really needed was a bigger budget to make it work; it's not grisly enough to be 'B' horror, and not performed well enough for mainstream films. All in all, it turns out to be just a mediocre film that didn't live up to my expectations. Rent, don't buy. Enjoy!

October 4, 2008

misty eye...(contain spoilers, you have been warned!!!)

I love this movie based on the short story from Stephen King. I didn't expect much from "The Mist" since nearly all Mr.King's works had turned into bombs upon bombs, but fortunately, there are a few good and really excellent ones too.

Still, the interpretation of the amazing written works of Stephen King were not justified whenever they're turned in either a couple of miniseries,a-made-for-tv movies and movies to satisfy the cravings of the cinemagoers.

With "The Mist" the characters and plot blended so well that I can even forgive the half-hearted CGI that is being done on the many creatures. What makes this film one of the greatest in its genre is the ending. I'm so surprised and shocked with its ending.

You don't know whether you wanted to jump with joy that help is just a couple of minutes away, or to cry out loud and be so mad at the higher people who did this catastrophe. *It's so right and wrong at the same time, when this film ends, it kept popping back in my head and makes me think about the last scene that gave such an impact to my humane senses. I still think about it, but I like this gem of a film.


It is simple straightforward story without any of those pretentiousnes. The characters are real and believable. The plot is top notch. Humbly, recommended!
October 3, 2008

never screw with a good thing !

I waited for years to see this made into a film , and had high hopes for it . but some idiot thought he knew better than the author of the story how it should end ! and by changing the ending totally ruined it ! why would you produce a rather decent film from a great story ,and then rip the very heart and soul from it ? this fool should never be allowed to produce another film ! October 3, 2008

One of King's Best Short Stories Finally Made into a Movie

I read The Mist in Skeleton Crew as a kid and immediately wanted more of the story. For years people have wished King's short story was longer and a maybe even redone as a full length novel. We also wanted to see it on the big screen but alas we had to wait quite some time. With King stories turned into movies you never know if it is going to be great (as with Misery, The Shawshank Redemption (also based on a short story) and others. Or just plain disappointing compared to the novel (such as the butchering of one of King's best novels with movie version It. So maybe in hindsight its not a bad thing we had to wait so long and some B grade director didn't make a cheap movie of this classic short story.

The major feel of the short story was still here, obviously being a short story other scenes (and an ending) had to be added to make a feature length film so you knew that going in. I think the additional scenes pay great respect to the King story. If you watch the extras on the DVD particularly A Conversation With Stephen King and Frank Darabont you'll learn King loved the film, especially the controversial ending (and I'm not spoiling that for those who haven't seen it like so many reviewers seem to enjoy doing). I thought the ending was well done and excellent way to wrap up the film. You'll also learn Frank Darabont thought Stephen's name was Stefan when he came across his first King novel experience - The Shining.

Other special features you get with this DVD package are an audio commentary with Frank Darabont (director). The Making of the Mist documentary titled When Darkness Comes which is quite interesting. Plus a few theatrical trailers.

The movie alone is worth the price of the DVD. Definitely one of Kings best ever stories brought to film. Well done to all those involved.

Basic plot if you've got no idea what the movie or short story were about is after a vicious storm residents of a small town converge on the local supermarket to get supplies and prepare for the next one which is also coming with a thick mist. As they queue at the checkouts a terrified local man runs into the supermarket telling them to shut the doors and that another local was killed by something in the mist. Many doubt there is anything to fear but it soon becomes evident there are things in the mist that make going outside suicide. Inside the supermarket power struggles and paranoia mean that maybe the town folk have more to fear from each other, than what's outside!
September 29, 2008

dumb ending

i like just about any horror film and i acquire any film that even smells like it has lovecrafty parts to it.

the problem with this film is the ending, not that i wanted a tidy hap liv ely aver efter ending, i dont like those either but the issue for me was that i never felt they were really at the end of their rope for such a drastic measure. he wasnt compassionate and doing the right thing, he was a loser who couldnt take it anymore and assumed the boy felt the same way, Lord save us from good intentions. fight or flight? well this idiot chose neither, his solution ruined the movie. September 29, 2008

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