*no spoilers will be present in this review* Like many novels or novella that get the big-screen treatment, I proceeded into the theatre with caution, for I've walked out dissapointed or sometimes outright angry.  So, once the commercials (ARGH!!!) were over and the trailers finished, the film began.

I was, like the others who reviewed this picture,  surprised at how the film flowed and stuck to the novel's format quite well.  Not to mention this film wasted NO time in getting down to business.  As a matter of fact, some of the theatres' patrons didn't even open their treats yet when they first began to squirm in their seats. 

The terror and panic was palpable, almost as if the Mist itself was oozing it's way through the screen and ensnaring all of us within the theatre.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching my friend inch closer to the screen as he anticipated another scare or "jump" scene that was fast-approaching.  Thomas Jane and Andre Braugher played well off each other, and I have nuissance neighbors so I found their exchanges very believable; however, as someone else pointed out, the scene or film-stealer is really Marcia Gay Harden.  What a powerhouse!  It's truly been awhile that I've been witness to a theatre (sold out show) packed with patrons groaning, shouting, even cursing out loud to an on-screen character so much so, I could almost feel the tension within. 

Frank Darabont truly delivers on yet another King interpretation and having been very familiar with the story, I too am quite pleased with the result.  The ending was for me, perfect.  In fact, Darabont was quoted recently as saying: "This really was the ONLY way to end this movie."  Frankly, I agree.  However, this isn't simply a horror film about unidentifiable monsters wreaking havoc on a small town (castle rock); it's also the story of human nature and the beast and demons that lie within.  Thomas Jane's character, David Drayton, says it best: "You put a man in the dark and scare the hell out of him, and you'll see just how primitive he gets..."