If you're a fan of the Stephen King novella you are bound to be disappointed by this big screen, Hollywood adaptation of that movie. Sure, there are scenes that keep you on edge and the insect monsters are suitably icky, but those moments aren't enough to keep the film going. Thomas Jane gives a good, heartfelt performance as a father trying to protect his son--and becomes the hero of the film, by default. The crazy Evangalist woman who starts her own cult among the survivors in the grocery store was way too much and I kept on having this feeling that I saw this all before. Then again, the story is like CHILDREN OF THE FLIES with adults, crossed with the NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD scenario.
The biggest mistake is the extended ending, which goes beyond the book. The "surprise, shock ending" that's tauted on the tv ads isn't all that surprising and is too similar to a pivotal scene in 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, which was just released last month.
This is director Frank Darrabont's most disappointing movie. And I was indeed disappointed, considering all the great Stephen King adaptations he's done before.
If you're a fan of the Stephen King novella you are bound to be disappointed by this big screen, Hollywood adaptation of that movie. Sure, there are scenes that keep you on edge and the insect monsters are suitably icky, but those moments aren't enough to keep the film going. Thomas Jane gives a good, heartfelt performance as a father trying to protect his son--and becomes the hero of the film, by default. The crazy Evangalist woman who starts her own cult among the survivors in the grocery store was way too much and I kept on having this feeling that I saw this all before. Then again, the story is like CHILDREN OF THE FLIES with adults, crossed with the NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD scenario.
