Not the worst...but

Rating: 1/10 (24 November 2007)

I was looking forward to a Sci-fi movie that would be thrilling and, maybe, a cut above. To some extent, that is what I got.
However, there was a lot more in this film that I wasn't expecting, and had no need for.
While the special effects were good and the feeling of terror genuine, this film also took the time to launch into an anti-Christian tirade (what Hollywood movie doesn't do that, these days?). I forgot that this is one of Stephen Kings favorite subplots.
Firstly, the proliferation of foul language was unnecessary and detracted from the movie. Surely, there are more than just a few people who are able to operate in a crisis situation without spouting curses with practically every other word.
As an acting role, Marcia Harden did a splendid job of showing a quirky person who, in the face of unbearable pressure, quickly descends into madness. However, Stephen King saw fit to intertwine her descent into madness with Christianity, thereby embracing another false stereotype that Hollywood loves to indulge itself in. Mrs. Carmody was shown to, in one moment, spew the Old Testament and Revelation with equal spittle while, in the very next moment, spewing invectives and obscenities. The shallow characterization got so bad that, when she was shot by one of the store employees, several people in the theater cheered and clapped.
Finally, the ending was, at best, convoluted. Yes, I can understand that these people did not want to die in the same manner that they had seen others die. However, at the time of their "agreed upon" suicide/murder, they were not under any kind of attack. As a matter of fact, we learn just scant minutes later, that this is because the Army is moving in and driving the beasties back. Are you telling me that the people couldn't at least wait and see if they were going to be attacked? They had to die right then!?!? This could have been a better than average movie. I guess there is some consolation in the fact better it was better than The Langoliers. And now, it has Skyline to keep it from hitting bottom.