Wonderful

Rating: 10/10 (29 November 2009)

I remember reading King's novel when it came out in monthly parts, piecework style. It worked well like that.
But it works equally well when taken as a whole, and Frank Darabont's adaptation gives no idea of the fragmented nature of the source material.
Two things come across when revisiting the movie. One is the strength of the ensemble cast - this is a big cast, of performers who are either well established names, or who have made their names since (and perhaps because of) this film. Every part is well cast, and brilliantly performed. I sometimes think you can tell how good a cast is by reference to how much you loathe the baddies, and Doug Hutchison and Sam Rockwell deliver in spades. But every part - down to Bonnie Hunt, Gary Sinise, and King/Darabont regular William Sadler - is simply excellent.
The second thing which comes across is how well constructed the story is. Every single element o the story is essential to it working properly, and the separate parts fit together like a precision watch.
Wonderful stuff.