I was amazed at how this movie was able to tap into so many of my emotions.

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 1999)

I did not expect to like this film very much. Unlike the rest of the universe, I did not care for Darabont's THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (check out the IMDB posts in the Classic Films section for my many reasons). I usually trust Roger Ebert and was therefore willing to give Darabont another try thanks to his positive review. I'm very glad that I did. The acting is incredible all around. Micheal Duncan and Micheal Jeter stood out particularly. I am not usually a great Tom Hanks advocate and consider him generally overrated, but I thought he did a fine job of carrying the lead role in this film. The movie is slowly paced, as was the serial novel by Stephen King, and takes its' time developing characters and events. We really feel the breadth and scope of the tale. It feels important and monumental as it is being watched. The photography (as in THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION)is top notch. The incorporation of TOP HAT (which I don't recall being used in the novel) in several scenes moved me to tears. I have seen well over 2,000 films in my life and less than ten have made me cry (that would make a good topic for a conversation thread). The antagonist from th e nursing home which existed in King's novel was wisely removed. I found that subplot distracting when I read it. On the converse, I felt that the most powerful moment in the novel was the heart-wrenching death of the Hanks character's wife. I was disappointed that this was also excised for the film. My only real complaints (why I give this a 9 instead of a 10) is the gratuitous use of computer generated effects. They did not coincide with the look, tempo or ambience of the film. Particularly the glowing lights, incessantly exploding light bulbs (yes I know, these were NOT computer generated) and the black swarm of insects that Coffey expels from his mouth. I realize that this is how it was described in the book as well, and I did not buy it then either. These scenes would have been more powerful if done on the low key. Is it a classic? Time will tell, but through most of the picture I felt that I was in heaven.