Stephen King's The Stand

Rating:
Summary: A bit uneven, but watchable
Review: My favourite Stephen King novel by far is "The Stand". In the back of my mind I always suspected that someone would make a movie of it one day. It was something I both hoped and dreaded at the same time.

Actually I was quite surpised at how this mini series turned out. I can only describe it as hot and cold. The best part, like in the book, is when the plague is killing everybody and the country is in chaos. At other times (like in the book) the story lulls.

This adaptation is obviously based on the cut version of King's book. I thought that was a bit of a pity. It might have been interesting to see an actor's interpretation as "The Kid". (One of my favorite parts in the book was when Trashcan Man was travelling west with The Kid.)

When I first read the novel in 1992 I imagined Corin Nemec as Nick Andros. Two years later I saw him cast as Harold Lauder. I found that very weird. In general the story seemed a bit toned down from the novel. After the plague it felt more like a Western than a horror story.

It was a nice touch to include Crowded Houses' "Don't Dream it's Over" in the soundtrack. (A song by one of my favourite groups.) Jamey Sheridan gave a good performance as the dark man. He was an actor I had never seen before. After the dark man's defeat the story slowed down again.

Fortunately this adaptation hasn't spoiled the personal picture I have in my mind when reading the novel. But I don't know if I'd read the novel if I'd seen the movie first.

Rating:
Summary: The Stand
Review: I thought this movie was very very good it was a classic a great movie terific rent it as soon as posible

Rating:
Summary: TV series without the commercials
Review: The Stand is not a movie experience; it is rather a television experience without the commercials. Special effects are wanting, and the acting can at times be sub-par. The first half is by far superior to the latter half, in that it actually provides mystery and tension. Overall the movie wasn't a complete waste of time, but I could think of better ways to spend six hours. I haven't read the book, but I would be willing to bet it far exceeds the caliber of this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Great disc
Review: You might not like the movie, or made for TV movies, but you can't deny this is a great disc for those who appreciate The Stand. What more could a fan ask for than to have the whole 6-hour movie on one disc? And with a 6 hour long commentary track? I admit, the track is spotty, but at 6 hours what can you expect.

Rating:
Summary: A cinematic acheivement
Review: The Stand is the longest movie I have ever seen, yet it is one my personal favorites. Sitting through all six hours is not a problem. King keeps you on the edge of your seat with real, believeable characters and scenarios. The suspense is great, but there are also slow points where you can really get to know the characters. Gary Sinise gives a very talented performance. The special effects are also good. I give it two thumbs way up!

Rating:
Summary: CAPTIVATING; NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU SEE IT!
Review: First of all, let me start out by saying THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL BLOOD AND GUTS/HORROR MOVIE! There's just so much more to it. In This movie, a government "super-flu" wipes out most of the population of the world, except for two small armies of people that will eventually engage in the ultimate battle between good and evil! (Which side will win? This is a question that has plaqued man-kind for centuries)! There is a little bit of EVERYTHING in this movie: drama, fear,suspense, love, friendship, craziness, sex, and yes, even THE DEVIL HIMSELF, taking the form of an obnoxious, wise-cracking cowboy! Sure this movie is long, but never, NEVER does it get boring! The plot literally sucks you in,until you practically feel yourself becoming part of the story! I never grow tired of analyzing all the character's different personalities. In addition, this movie also makes you think: If Armeggedon really did happen like this, where would you fit in? Which side would you be on? Definitely Steven King's BEST work-to-date! (After watching, you'll never be able to look at a plain old black crow in the same way)!

Rating:
Summary: Waiting For the Remake
Review: For fans of the book like myself (at least the first half), this is a must see. But it must be said... this is so disappointing. It's superficial and shiny, like a horror version of Dallas or Dynasty. Theres no real sense of society unravelling or the horror that is rolling across the world. The characterisations are shallow and unconvincing, but still, but still.... It's a visualisation of one of the most exciting books of our age. Still, I'd love to see what Chris Carter (he of the X-Files) could do with this story.

Two questions I'd like to ask Mr King, if he's reading. (1) Is the character of Harold in any sense autobiographical ? The path not taken, the cup of poison set aside ? No offence Sir, I too know the angst of teenage acne... (2) Did you ever see a 70's BBC drama series called 'The Survivors' about a group of people with natural immunity, trying to cope after a virus has wiped out 99% of humanity... (just curious)... Mail me at: [e-mail] if you feel like satisfying my curiosity.

Rating:
Summary: A truly wonderful journey into the horror of it all
Review: As a very big fan of Steven King,I loved "The Stand". I taped the movie when it first was televised and have watched it numerous times since. I had read the book for years. Only King can do King and he did a wonderful job. The thing I like most about it is the characters. They are corny and scared and every other emotion possible. Gary Sinise, Rob Lowe, Adam Stroke, Jamey Sheridan, and Ray Walston are stellar. Its a great story. I particularly enjoy the way the friendship grows between these people and they eventually know what they must do and in the end, the meek do save whats left. There were certian things left out, such as Kojaks adventure and dreams as he traveled alone to find his master, and the omission of Frannie's diary. I found Molly Ringwold a big dissapoinment as Frannie. I recomend this movie to anyone. Its a great adventure between good and evil and is truly a wonderful journey into the horror of it all.

Rating:
Summary: What if all this happened in reality?
Review: Stephen King's The Stand is a terrifying movie, from beginning to end. When you see all the dead scientists in the laboratory in the introduction, you are shocked. The shocking thing about The Stand is that this could really happen. We also have something to learn from it. The chaos in the movie, all the riots and the military, kill more people than the virus itself if something like this happens. Why do people kill each other instead of helping each other? That's a question I ask myself when I see movies like this.

Nevertheless, this is a superb movie. Good actors (Gary Sinise among others), scary plot and the terrifying stuff you see in it make it one of the best horror-movies of all-time and I truly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A Made for TV Movie Finally Done Right
Review: In the long running history of horrible Made for Television movies, this stands out. Everything in it is done well. The acting is great, as well as the story line. It stays true to the book as well as exploring new horizins. The extra features do wonders for the DVD, and it's a shame not many people will see this. It's length and general slow pace will deter certain people from watching it.

Although it is defintely not a Hollywood movie, it's television flaws surface from time to time, but the writing more than compensates for them. If you have Six hours to kill, I highly recomend this movie.