Very disappointing.

Rating: 2/10 (3 December 2007)

First of all let me say, I love Darabont, sometimes love King, and like Thomas Jane. When I first heard of the mist I was extremely excited. Great concept, great talent behind it, should be a great film. However, it fails on almost every level. The only positives that I can say about the film is the absolutely perfect cinematography, and the overall very decent acting. Some of it was over the top, but basically pretty good. Now on to the bad points of the film. First of all, the CGI looked TERRIBLE. I really mean that. It looks pre Jurrasic Park. Every time there is a digital creature, you can instantly tell its digital. Why not use practical effects?
Next, we have the terrible character development. I didn't truly care for any of the characters in the film, save for possibly Ollie, the cashier at the store. Characters with no prior screen time would show up, do something completely bizarre, and then basically disappear again with no building or explanation as to why they had done this. The only explanation given is their conversion to religious zealotry, but this happens so fast that it holds no weight. There is no real suspense, and overall, really bad dialog. Top it off with an ending that should have made me want to fall down and weep, yet only made me (and many others in the theater) laugh out loud. One of the most disappointing films I've seen in years. Too bad, considering the talent involved.