The screenplay.

Rating: 3/10 (22 May 2008)

I had watched The Mist based on a recommendation and was left shocked.
Not by the ending, not by the scary monsters or the acting, but by the screenplay.
Surely real people would not respond in such ways as was depicted in this film.
**Contains spoilers** Where an obviously large creature, not familiar with the workings of a garage roller door tries to force his/her way inside, the stunned hero of the movie who witnesses this lets others (that weren't there) know that he'd 'heard a noise'.
Consequently, somebody dies thinking it's OK to go outside. Now, that just seemed so silly it was pretty much a plot hole.
But mostly it was the time line that ruined this for me. Too much happened too fast. People just aren't that stupid that quickly.
Sure if people were confronted with the events of this movie over a much longer period of time - like a month - then I wouldn't question how most in a supermarket might turn to an evangelist for answers - but not in two days, not when there is plenty of food to mellow folks out. I mean, what benefit was there to be had in killing a woman and her child . . .
And what was with all the black people in the supermarket not believing the white - though all they had to do was go into the next room and see the remains of an alien - and then consequently wandering off into the mist to die? I don't look to the next whitey to find out what to do next. Or do the opposite of the black guy next to me. I'm still cringing about that.
You generally don't even make it to the supermarket if you can't think for yourself.
And the ending. I'm a Dad. I wouldn't put a cap in my son, it's just not what we are programmed to do (most of us). But I could have accepted this ending, but then of course - the mist cleared in seconds to reveal the heroes folly.
I laughed. Obviously some that watched this movie were actually 'shocked' reading the reviews. However the films reviews have been the most shocking. Folks - 7.5/10?
And the scene where this large monster comes out the mist - grabs a guy - rips him apart - and then walks away to the amazement of onlookers. What about the onlookers? How about maybe KILL THEM TOO!!! What was the purpose of your cameo? To prove you're random? Random makes poor horror.
Now I've had a chat to my mate who recommended this film and he continues to see something in this that I don't. There is some social commentary that is enlightening for him - like the people in the supermarket were more scary than the monsters outside - but for me the regurgitated stereotypes, the stupidity and the unrealistic time line ruined this film.
Could have been much, much better.