I was pleasantly surprised

Rating: 8/10 (1 December 2008)

Steven King writes the best books.
But...the folks who adapt them, including King himself, sometimes have trouble in placing the vision onto the BIG screen. This one, I was really surprised as how it did better than I thought it would.
Frank Darabont had some challenges in bringing "The Mist" to a captive audience, but I was captive. Granted there were a few bumps here and there, but I left the theater talking about it, disturbed by it. And wondering what I would do in the same situation. Who would I side with? And that I feel is the point. It was more than about "the monster(s)" it was about people and Frank Darabont took the high road to concentrate on them and their conflicts more than "the monster(s)". That's what made it interesting to me. What the people had to do, what they were armed with, their thoughts, their beliefs, their selfishness or non-selfishness, panic or calm, and what to do in a crisis. Who becomes ALPHA, and who gets just nutty.
I can identify with those who do not plan, cannot plan on the go, cannot devise plausible strategies and think that by saying "we are a team" means you ARE a team. There is an "I" team -- and that is the talent you bring to the table that others need to form that team. Without it, you make fatal decisions. Fatal decisions were done here, as well as wise ones. Again, what you chose delivers your destiny. "The Mist" was very effective in telling this side of the tale.
Which is why those who are seeking more of a "story" may like this. Those who want the horror of "monsters", well, "The Mist" lets you decide what monsters you want to focus on. And yes, finally a twist ending worthy of saying..."disturbing twist ending".
Rod Serling would be proud.