The Mist - Review

Check out this LookingForClues movie review of a good old-fashioned horror movie, The Mist. Haven't seen it? Why not buy a copy! It's out on DVD - Own it now! Plot Synopsis: Writer-director Frank Darabont, who showcased the softer side of Stephen King in his film adaptations of The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, turns to darker material for The Mist, his latest King adaptation about a group of ordinary townspeople trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious fogbank. Thomas Jane is top-billed as a Maine illustrator who attempts to calm the frightened shoppers, but his job is cut out for him from the get-go, first by the discovery of malevolent creatures lurking in the mist, and then by the mad mutterings of Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), a local eccentric who calls for Old Testament-style sacrifices to appease the supernatural forces. Read More... Please read our review of The Mist, below. To own your own copy of the movie, please click on this ad, or click on one of the other DVDs for sale at Amazon.com.

The Mist: Not Just Another Fog Bank by Lynda Rey    5/2/08 "Something in the mist!" a bloodied man yells to a large group of unsuspecting neighborhood folk. I couldn't have said it better myself. There's definitely something in that mist. But what is it exactly? How long will it hide? And what can we do to stop ourselves from going crazy trying to figure out what actions to take? Should we run or continue to hide? Should we fight or take cover? These are the questions that may flood your mind should you find yourself in such a situation as the characters did in Stephen King's "The Mist." And thus, after the initial viewing of this fine movie, my newest obsession in movies was born: first-hand perspective, the thrill of my movie life. To watch a movie is one thing, but to be a part of it is something altogether different. There's nothing like a movie that makes you feel like you're a part of it somehow. And when you exit the theater pondering the events of what you just saw, then you know the movie did its job. The title of the movie is self-explanatory. After a mere 10 minutes or so into the movie, a mysterious mist heads full-force into the nearby small town, trapping many of its residences inside a grocery store. The aforementioned bloodied up man screams in terror about something being in the mist, and thus triggers a panic among the people present in the store. They scamper about trying to make sense of the matter, but not a one fully knowing what steps to take in doing so. So what looms in the mist? You'd have to see it to believe it, but the creatures sure aren't too pretty a sight. They are mysterious, deadly monsters but you don't quite know where they hide or when they'll strike. And like the characters in the movie, you go crazy wondering what dangers threaten their safety. You want to stay hidden in the store too, but at the same time, you can't help but demand answers to what imprisons you. While we're all led to believe that "The Mist" tells the story of whatever mysterious, deadly creatures lurk about, there's a far more intricate storyline behind this movie other than monsters on the outside. In fact, the monsters themselves are not the real issue to be dealt with; they are barely even the point of the movie at all. The creatures are more the catalysts to trigger an even nastier monster: fear itself. They are less of a threat than what humanity will do when they're scared out of their wits with nowhere to turn for answers. As the movie progresses, the characters' fears of the unknown begin to shake them up so much that they lose all hope and faith in each other while clinging to whatever else makes the most sense. As the events fall into play, several characters begin to devise theories and probable solutions, but none as demanding as the incessant pushiness of Mrs. Carmody, (Marcia Gay Harden) a local resident with a rather unhealthy obsession with old-world religion, complete with human sacrifices to appease the divine. A more sensible character is David Drayton, a father and protector with a good head on his shoulders, played coolly by Thomas Jane. He, among a handful of others, is aware of what other dangers threaten the people trapped inside the store, knowing full well that fear itself is the real threat in the long-run. As they fall victim to it, fear becomes reality as the townsfolk witness first-hand what happens when they're tortured by the dread of what they cannot comprehend. As if the actual beastly monsters aren't enough of a danger, now there's human panic to deal with. "The Mist," though fictional, so cleverly depicts what may happen in today's day and age where technology and even heroes aren't around to rescue those in trouble. This is about what people can do when they're overwhelmed with fear, doubt, uncertainty, and whatever else. This is about what can happen if too many people lose focus, lose faith, and most importantly, begin to fear that even their fellow man are would-be enemies. This is fear at its worst, when there are no answers to be had, no heroes to save, and our most primal of emotions are our only solution if we're not careful. This movie was a very pleasant, yet horrific, surprise for me. I loved every minute of it, especially the fact that it wasn't just about the monsters that lurked in the gloom, but also about people's response to those monsters. The visual effects weren't the best I've seen, but they sufficed. It was the practical effects that were more fun; they reminded me of old-fashioned horror movies, complete with gore. I squirmed and writhed so much in my seat, one would think I was sitting on broken glass. It should also be noted that though the music score for "The Mist" is minimal, certain scenes were far more intense for that very reason. And I of course cannot forget to mention the extremely intense conclusion of the movie, which is by far, the most unpredictable ending to a movie I've ever witnessed. It is definitely a memorable ending, the sort that will either be truly loved, or very much hated for the very same reason. I found it to be a very fitting end for the general horrific theme of the movie. What would you do in the face of fear and the absence of hope? "The Mist" is certainly a movie that can make you think about that question for years and years to come. Grab hold of the 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD and you'll be sucked in even more. It's complete with deleted scenes, trailers, mini featurettes, the making of the movie, the creation of visual and creature effects, and for the truest of classic horror film buffs, a black and white version of the film. It is the perfect finished project that does the film justice, and is sure to keep you plenty busy. Explore for yourself just what exactly looms in the Mist. Lynda is 26 years old, lives in Indiana, and hopes to one day pursue a career working with animals. She enjoys many forms of self-expression, including art, poetry, and writing, which is one of the latter additions to her list of hobbies. Comments

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