Welcome to Horror 101

Rating: 8/10 (30 April 2008)

I had wanted to see this film for a long time, and was not let down. Like many others, I am a King fan on both page and screen, "The Mist" scores on all levels. Okay, I understand some people's problems with the CGI effects, and I had the same problems as well, but the CGI was not used constantly or whenever something frightening was happening. What we are left with is old school horror... First building characters that the audience can identify and care about, then putting them in the most horrific circumstances imaginable. Director Frank Darabont delivers this to us in heavy doses, as I sat on the edge of my seat through most of the film. I also believe the mood of a horror film is important, and Darabont sets it up quickly and elevates it throughout the remainder of the story. I think it would have been just as creepy had they not shown the creatures (perhaps even more), but I can't complain about how it turned out. The acting is superb by everyone involved. Down to the smallest extra, the cast gave an exceptional portrayal of what people might act like in such a predicament. In the end... This is "Horror 101", and the best King adaptation I have seen in quite a while. Highly recommended to those who are looking for a quality evening with some priceless horror.