Devastating

Rating: 8/10 (25 October 2012)

Don't read this if you haven't seen it but still intend to.
Have had the bad habit for a good few years of letting "professional" critics and Metacritic do my research for me.
I remember this movie coming out to ordinary reviews. As someone who had long enjoyed the writing of Stephen King, I vaguely remembered the original story as being part of a collection of shorts , or "novellas" as King always called them.
After seeing so many filmed versions of Kings stories that hopelessly fell short of whatever I had imagined in my mind, I had already decided against ruining my memories of whatever I classed as his great stories.
Apart from "Misery" it had always been slim pickings. I had decided against seeing "The Shining" despite its reputation because I presumed it would be more a great Kubrick film than the story I read.
So after seeing the bland reviews for this movie I was happy to pay it no mind. It would be just another cash-in from idiot producers who had purchased the rights to one of many King stories.
My biggest mistake was being jaded enough to see the name "Frank Darabont" attached to it yet still ignoring it.
It will not be for everyone but it is a fantastic movie. It is a great story, told exceptionally well. The narrative is excellent, the characters are presented in way that is a credit to both the actors and the writers and the star Thomas Jane makes a mockery of those who have snootily knocked him in the past.
I would say that whoever made the film only had x amount of dollars to spend on the special effects (98% of the movie is set within a confined place), and they should be proud of both the special effects and how effectively they were incorporated.
Knowing that someone gushing with praise for a film can inadvertently diminish expectations, I have noted this review as having spoilers. I am sorry if anyone reads this beforehand and is disappointed; I am just trying to convey how good this movie is when you view it with diminished expectations. And, yes, the irony of that last sentence is not lost on me.
Here's hoping that others saw the movie under similar circumstances and agree with my sentiments.