Some Annoynaces Abound, But the Movie Packs a Punch

Rating: 7/10 (9 December 2007)

A group of people get trapped in a grocery store after a mysterious mist rolls down from the hills after a storm. Some get scared, some turn religious and others become heroes. What caused this mist and how can anyone survive it? You'll have to watch to find out.
This film contained a lot of actors who are largely unknown or have a face you might recognize but not the name. In a film that has an "ensemble cast" this is probably the best way to make all characters equal. Thomas Jane ("Punisher") is the lead, and others you might recognize appear such as William Sadler ("Shawshank Redemption", "Demon Knight" and the Grim Reaper from "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey"). Overall, though, these are lesser-knowns.
I will give you my honest reaction to this film: I wanted to walk out on it. I really did. It had fade-in and fade-out like a TV movie, it had a large group of people in an apocalyptic setting which is such a Stephen King cliché. And when the tentacle showed up, I saw some truly awful CGI work (although it got better with the bugs... at least a little). But after the walking out feeling faded (which I haven't felt since "Herbie Fully Loaded") I started to think it was okay...
When it was okay, I thought the idea was good and the characters were alright. I mean, all the characters were so one-dimensional ("the oppressed minority", "the bumbling hick", "the hero", "the religious nut") but it worked alright. The religious lady was so over-powering that I was unsure if she was a really good actress or overdoing it. I wouldn't have written / directed it to be such a strong character, but that's just me. Again I waited, and it got better.
Of course, as always, the ending must remain a secret. But that's the reason I ended up giving it a decent rating, because all the bad things about the film seem to be forgotten once the very dramatic end comes around. I expected better from the man who brought us "Shawshank" and "The Green Mile" (I mean Darabont, not King) but it was still beautiful in its own way.
There isn't much more to say about the film. It's suspenseful, it has some gore (no nudity). It's not really very scary, and there's not much reason to watch it twice. I mean, it's really good, but it's nothing that screams "movie of the year". It's a group of people trapped together to face certain death. If you've read King or seen his movies, this is old news to you. But I recommend it for one viewing. I guess if you want to watch it again, that's your choice... I don't plan to see it again unless I get tricked into it or get paid or there's free dinner involved.