A Fantastic, Truly Scary Ride!

Rating: 10/10 (9 November 2007)

I've been a Stephen King reader since I was about 8. I've read almost everything the man has written. I'm also a HUGE Frank Darabont fan after what he did with SHAWSHANK and GREEN MILE.
It takes a lot to scare me, but this movie really creeped me out. From the moment The Mist rolls in over the lake toward the small town, I was hooked. Thomas Jane is fantastic in this. In fact, the entire cast knocks this one out of the park because of how realistically they play each moment. Never once did I feel like I was watching acting on the screen. Darabont sets a mood of realism with the hand held shots inside the grocery store and the organic suspense that creates.
Darabont has added some elements not found in the King story, but each one of them is spot on. Especially the end. It will leave you sitting in your seat, awe struck.
I can't recommend this film more. The FX are outstanding by Greg Nicotero and Cafe FX. The creatures are great, complex and frightening. The Mist itself becomes a character.
The feeling of dread I got each time a character went into The Mist is such a tribute to how wonderful and masterful this film is.
And finally, Marcia Gay Harden and Toby Jones. Harden's character is so despicable I really began to hate her as the movie went on. But the realism of what unfolds with her, and the group of people stuck in the store, is so fantastic. And Toby Jones as Ollie was my second favorite behind Jane's character. Jones looks like he would be the quiet type, but he quickly becomes the audience favorite.
See this movie ASAP. And a special thanks again to Frank Darabont, Greg Nicotero, AICN and the Alamo Drafthouse for bringing this awesome film to Austin for us to see FIRST!!!!!