DVD review: The Mist

The Mist
(2007)

The Story

After a brutal thunderstorm pounds a small town, the residents discover a malevolent mist hangs over their homes, killing anyone who remains outside. Trapped in a grocery store, a band of survivors must make a stand against the deadly fog. Based on a story by horror maestro Stephen King and directed by multiple Oscar nominee Frank Darabont, this spine chiller stars Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden and Andre Braugher. – Netflix

The Deal

This movie was written very closely to the book, which is rare in modern cinema. Usually they shorten for time, or create elements for merchandising (Jurassic Park). However, the last fifteen minutes of the movie gives us an ending that is completely different from the King’s book.

Lots of extras on this DVD. We get a few commentaries, a good bit of deleted scenes, and trailers for other movies. I wish it had an alternate ending, but then it would have been perfect…

The Bottom Line

This is a tough choice for PASS or RENT. I will go with RENT. The movie is excellent. You get the typical clique of folks in the store, which seams to happen during disasters. The religious fanatics, the angry racial group, the cool headed townies, and the evil military personnel are all represented in force. Great special effects, good monsters (very Cthulhu looking), and great acting. The ending just screwed the whole thing up.

Semi Spoiler Alert*
In the story, you never know what becomes of the “hero(es)”. You just know that they left their story behind and it was found. In the movie, they give us a “bullet to the brain” ending that seems rushed. Like the said, “Well we got five minutes to end this thing, let’s just have them give up”.

It would be the same feeling if the Rebel Alliance just went ahead and set their ships on fire in the 3rd movie, because there was a shield around the Death Star.


Best Quote

“The question on my mind is; what was that tentacle attached to?”