I've always been drawn to heart-of-darkness stories, and King's novella "The Mist" is a a great new take on that genre (if it can even be called a "genre") - as it forms isolation not by the usual means (a return to nature), but by the introduction of a sci-fi based opressor.

I was excited to see the film, and rushed out on opening night. I read the novella in high school and *loved* it. I was not disappointed, and spent much of the film literally at the edge of my seat; the tension is tangible! I was captivated by the strong ensemble and the solid performances turned in by all (Toby Jones steals the show, though). Darabont uses the camera well, the SFX guys are on fire, and the depiction of the alien species is interesting (though I wonder how much of it borrowed from Wayne Barlowe's "Expedition").

Darabont plays up the alien threat a bit more than the novella, but for the most part, he's true to the bulk of the story (as I remember it, at any rate; it's been 15 years). But more importantly, he's true to the themes - which are fascinating and horrifying. I was gripped.

But why, oh why... Why would you change the ending of the novella, which was *perfect*? Darabont's last 2 minutes of film muddies the theme in the worst way, and ends the movie on a really stupid/contrived/convoluted note that's inconsistent with itself. I respect Darabont as a director - and I'm sure he could argue his reasoning. I'd just love to hear it...

Still, a well-told story - albeit it graphically violent. Don't expect to be uplifted, and don't go in expecting a thoughtless horror movie. Some bleak statements about humanity here. Which sadly, I believe to be pretty true to life... Check it out.