Instant Classic! Pleasant surprise! Darabont & King rule!

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2008)

I went to see this movie on a day when I just wanted to go out. I didn't expect much. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a fantastic horror movie. It has everything a fan could want in it: great visual effects, creepy mood, scares, suspense, dramatic tension, & a few delightful surprises & twists. I genuinely got caught up in the mood and was scared! One word of advice, to get the full effect, you'll want to see it on a BIG SCREEN -- either, in the theater or on a High Definition Big Screen TV. That way, the atmosphere will surround you and you'll enjoy the full effect of the horror; the same goes for SOUND. This is one of those pictures when surround sound really makes a difference, adding to the feeling of claustrophobia and being "surrounded" by a dangerous evil. It is directed flawlessly. The director, Frank Darabont, works well with Mr. King and elevates the story to top quality in every respect. Darabont, as a filmmaker, has a way of visualizing things which is equal to King's power as a writer. Their 3 projects together so far (Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist) testify to this. I found it as enjoyable as I did "The Green Mile," their last collaboration. The DVD is #1 on my Wish List. This movie does not disappoint. I consider it an instant classic & must see. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.