A drop dead amazing adaptation and one of the best films of the year

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2007)

In an absolutely astounding year at the theaters with some incredible 9 outta 10's and 10 outta tens out there it's great to still see some incredible movies coming during the typically slow time. Even if they aren't cleaning up at the box office they shouldn't be ignored. I had really high expectations for this film adaptation of one of my favorite Stephen King novellas. I suppose that if anyone could do the story justice director and writer Frank Darabont would be able to do it having previously adapted two very successful King films. It has been some time, more than a year or two since reading the short story so I had the benefit of not being overly influenced by the book. The Mist was shocking, twisted, depraved, haunting, beautifully filmed and one of the best action drama, sci-fi horrors of the year hands down with some truly incredible special effects the likes which haven't impressed me this much since my first viewing of Jurassic Park. The acting was spot on even if it was almost campy and overdone it just fit the film. This was Stephen King movie-dom at it's very best. The eerie isolation, the small town, the close knit neighbors and the religious fanaticism. And the fact that Darabont wrote a completely new ending that is downright disturbing and twisted and even King himself heralded as terrific makes it all the more worthwhile.
Thomas Jane (who I have always thought has an amazing performance in him) does a terrific job as the rugged alpha male hero of The Mist. He is the perfect Stephen King leading man...flawed but yet perfectly heroic in every way. Jane commands the screen and his performance draws you in to the very last moment. In a perfect world he would deserve an Oscar Nomination (even though it'll never happen.) When I first saw Marcia Gay Harden stumble onto screen in a very vivid and lively religiously fanatical performance I thought 'Oh man, she is overdoing it a lot' but then as the story unfolded and her character came out more I realized that this was Mrs. Carmody, her character. Overdone, fanatical, loud, sanctimonious and dangerous. It turns out Harden gives on hell of a performance and may indeed deservingly so get an Oscar nomination because she is the perfect anti-villain and is amazing. She is the perfect 'in-the-flesh' adversary for Jane's David Drayton. Laurie Holden is also very good as the female heroine. She's strong and gutsy and still looks good and plays her part very well. To me these were the stand out performances and I wish I could go through each person because there were some really terrific supporting cast members including Jeffrey DeMunn, Toby Jones, and more. If anything The Mist is a sure fire nomination for Best Ensemble Cast.
There isn't a single moment of lag in this film which clocks in at a deliciously perfect 2 1/2 hours and doesn't try to cut anything out to save time. Just when you think the climax must be over the ending completely blows you away as the desperately try to flee The Mist. In one of the most stunning displays of special effects and jaw dropping movie moments you get to see the Beast that lies in the mist and it is AMAZING!! The film moves at break neck speed and I haven't found myself whispering at the screen this much in a long time 'Look Out' 'Oh my gosh' and so forth. This is just a truly breath taking film and unfortunately it won't likely get it's just rewards or even make a lot of money but I have to encourage any King fans, Horror/Sci-fi fans or just anyone looking for a truly great film experience...you must see this. It's one of the best this year hands down and period. 10/10