Rip-off

Rating: 2/10 (15 December 1999)

Doesn't anyone else remember the episode of Amazing Stories called "Healer" which starred Patrick Swayze? Stephen King must certainly have had this story of a death-row prisoner who can heal with his touch. It was a great half-hour, and there was a memorable shot of Swayze touching the hands of other inmates on his march to death row in order to "heal" them. That was a half-hour in 1986. Why does Stephen King take 6 novellas and Frank Darabont over three hours to tell the same story with less impact. Suckers who bought into the shameless "Shawshank Redemption" will no doubt place this film high on the top 250. Well kids, one thing it sure is not--original.