Dimension Films and Darkwoods Production presents this R rated over two hour Stephen King novel piece directed by Frank Darabont and starring Thomas Jane (David Drayton), Andre Braugher (Brent Norton), Marcia Gay Harden (Mrs. Carmody), Laurie Holden (Amanda Dunfries), Toby Jones (Ollie), Gregg Brazzel (Tom Brazzel) and Nathan Gamble (Billy) with Alexa Davalos (Sally), Jack Hurst (Joe Engleton), David Jensen (Myron Lafleur), Kelly Collins Lintz (Stephanie Drayton), Susan Malerstein (Hattie), Brandon O'Dell (Bobby Eagleton), Chris Owen (Norm), William Sadler (Jim Grondin), Ron Clinton Smith (Mr. Mackey), Andy Stahl (Mike Hatlen), Frances Sternhagen (Irene), Buck Taylor (Ambrose Cornell), Robert C. Treveiler (Bud Brown) and Sam Witwer (Wayne Jessup).
After a violent electrical storm rips through a small northern town reeking havoc and destruction upon the citizens homes, a mysterious mist flows across the lake down from the mountains engulfing the entire town and possibly beyond. David Drayton, his son Billy and Neighbor, Brent Norton, head into town for supplies at the local grocery store. Little did they know that this store would possibly be the last place they visit on earth.
Since the power is out in the town, there is a large amount of people in the food store stocking up on supplies. A local running from the mist screams, "something in the mist took John Lee" and seeks refuge in the store telling everyone to close the doors and not to go outside. The town alarm is sounding, people are frightened and the unstable bible thumper, Mrs. Carmody, is already flapping her lips that "it's death" calling. Men, women, children, young, old, of all races and beliefs are held up within the walls of this store, which makes for an interesting weave of developments throughout this suspenseful horror film.
Trapped in a small store, surrounded by locals and out of Towner's, what would be your thoughts? This story follows the inner fears and anxieties of many of the characters waiting for what fate may bring there way. The film is very strong on character development making you think about the inner demons that lie within the bodies of strangers and people you have just become to know. There are not only monsters on the outside of the food store walls but also inside amongst the trapped people based on the decisions they choose to make. Some speculate it could be the end brought on by God or possibly by the military base located on the outskirts of town. Some of course, have no perception other than what others may instill within their own feeble minds.
As one person states, "it appears we may have a problem of some magnitude here" is quite the understatement. People are starting to be killed whether due to stupidly, fear or wrong judgments. By the looks of things creatures from some unknown origin have inhabited this town and decided to pray on not only each other but the lesser species as well, humans. But it is the lack of faith in humanity that runs through this story line like the blood that spills from the veins of its victims. Truly as a species, man, is fundamentally insane and this well written analogy by King proves the theory. Even in this day an age, beyond the literature of the Bible, people are still stoned for their beliefs. Since the store carries no stones a can of peas made due. Actually after some time, personally, I think I would have used a bigger can!
Overall, religion has not only been the creator of wars but that of monsters as well. Thomas Jane does an exceptional job with this film as the main character fighting to keep peace and hope of survival for his son and the others. Marcia Gay Harden and Laurie Holden are both a strong support that help move this thriller from one scene to another. Of course if you're looking for monsters they are laced throughout and create scenes of gore but it is the human mentality that really takes full focus. Stephen King definitely touches on some hot buttons dealing with issues that surround our daily lives. Even though the direction was sufficient, I still found the film to be slightly above the level of a made for television event. But looking beyond all the blood, sweat and tears this film is laced with a story line that once again only the King himself could present, filled with monsters and demons from all windows of the world. In the end, God's vessel meets the maker and life for a small group is truly running on empty. Albeit one gun, four bullets and five people and only one decision.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.