Originally published in the anthology Dark Forces and republished in his collection Skeleton Crew, it goes without saying that Stephen King’s novella “The Mist” is my favorite tale from the author.  Not long enough to enervate reluctant readers and engaging enough to warrant a single-episode reading, I return time and again to this marvelous narrative.  It never ceases to captivate me.

So imagine my utter delight some years ago when reading on his site that a movie was to be made from this work.  How delightful!

I’m the first to admit King does not always translate well to the big or small screen.  Some adaptations… well, they suck.  Some, however, provide splendid entertainment honoring the original work.  “The Shawshank Redemption” is a perfect example, as are “The Green Mile,” “Apt Pupil,” “Dolores Claiborne,” “Storm of the Century,” “Christine,” “Hearts in Atlantis,” “Carrie,” and “Misery.”  Others simply should have never been made, such as “Rose Red,” “Sometimes They Come Back,” “Dreamcatcher,” “Maximum Overdrive,” “Sleepwalkers,” and “The Shining” (both versions).

Blame it not on the author.  His works stand on their own.  The issue stems from those responsible for taking the original and turning it into something else.  Mostly they demonstrate a lack of vision admired only in wet dirt.

Still, no matter how bad I think it’s going to be, I have to see his movies.  If I get up and walk out, so be it.  At least I tried.

And I own them all no matter how poorly they were made.  Such is the fate of a Stephen King fanatic.

But let us return to “The Mist.”

The movie hits theaters next month.  I will go see it.  From the trailer, it appears some effort has been given to honoring King’s work in the adaptation.  This should come as no surprise when one understands the film comes from Frank Darabont (screenwriter and director), the same man who adapted and brought to us “The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption.”  He already has my vote!

I know what you’re asking.  Where’s the beef?

How about the trailer?

Go here.  If your computer supports the HD videos, I strongly recommend one of those versus the embedded, low quality version.

My only hope is that the film stays true to the story.  If so, this should be one fantastic ride.

By the way, if you’ve not read the original, I strongly suggest you do that before you see the movie.  No adaptation can compare with what our own imaginations can do.  King’s writ and your own mind will provide the best adventure you can experience; the big screen version can only add an element of surprise by adding visions you never thought of.