If contentiousness had a patron saint, it’d probably have to be Stephen King, who has as many defenders as incredulous detractors. He’s the first “grown-up” author many people discover and, even though his novels can be really great — intelligent, exciting, moving, terrifying — many will always associate his name with adolescence. It’s frustrating for his educated, adult admirers (of whom there are plenty) to engage with those who have decided he writes silly monster stories for 15 year-olds.
So, it’s fitting that the 25th selection into our Heroes of Contentiousness is a film based on one of his short stories. 2007′s The Mist was directed by Frank Garabont, also behind the massively popular adaptation of King’s The Shawshank Redemption. With an ensemble cast that features Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden, The Mist opened to mostly positive reviews and a mostly successful run in theaters.
At Criticker, the film is one of those that has nearly as many “red” rankings as “green”. With a FCQ of 48.88, it’s one of the most contentious films in our database (FCQ = Film Contentiousness Quotient; details on the math here). The positive reviews tend to emphasize the screenplay’s intelligence and psychological terror, while others couldn’t get over cheap-looking production values and unconvincing characters.
The Mist
- Great! (75%, 30 Votes)
- Terrible! (25%, 10 Votes)
Total Voters: 40
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Knowlesey – “While some might say this film may only be remembered for the ending I feel it was a very strong film overall. Slow in some parts yes, but the characters, especially Mrs. Carmody, really draw you in and make you pay close attention. Some stand-out acting as well, obviously from Marcia Gay Harden, and I also thought Lauire Holden did a very good job. As for the ending, it’s fair enough to say it will shock you like no ending had before. Well worth watching and overall a great film!”
Dean Franz – “Yawn inducing siege film with all the usual clichés intact. What the hell happaned to Marcia Gay Harden? She used to be solid. I blame Darabont for ruining one of the five or six good actresses in Hollywood.”
Last time, Bad Santa was put to the vote. You liked it! We’re glad.
I cannot understand why so many people not only like this film but think it is something fantastic, it is shockingly bad on so many aspects!