Too bleak for me

Rating: 4/10 (31 December 2008)

I enjoyed the novella on which this film was based very much and, after hearing lots of good reviews, had high expectations of the film. Writer/Director Frank Darabont winds up the tension admirably. There are lots of horrific, even harrowing scenes, the character development is interesting and the special effects are never less than good.
So I wasn't totally disappointed, but I did feel that the film's downbeat tone spoiled it. Frank Darabont is well known for his adaptations of Stephen King stories, but his two previous films - "The Shawshank redemption" and "The green mile" - had hope and optimism, despite being tragic.
The mood of "The mist" is relentlessly bleak. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but I'm not revealing anything you won't already know by saying that it isn't a happy one. Yes, it's both clever and ironic, but I agree with some of the previous posters - it feels to me like a cheat. In my opinion, it would have been better left "open" - unresolved, as in the novella.
I watch all films hoping for a positive, life-enhancing experience, and Frank Darabont's have given me that so far. I feel a bit let-down and disappointed by the depressing outcome of this one.