The Stand Miniseries

[Schatten]

I've heard mixed reviews about this, a lot negative and a lot positive, but I absolutely adore this movie, especially the first two parts. (The Plague, The Dreams). The first time I saw it was years ago on USA, and I looked at the length and was amazed when I read that it was 8 fricking hours long. It's not so much as a miniseries when you think about it because whenever they play it on TV, they play the whole thing in one continuous bit. It's actually 6 hours long though when you watch it without the commercials.

I think the first two parts are terrifying and mysterious, and are great because they introduce the characters in a way I can't describe. (That's King for you, great character development) and by the end of the movie you end up wishing that it would never end...but the last two parts are a bit slow and very dark. I guess I like the last two parts as much as the first two, they're just really different in a way.

Definitely one of my favorite films ever, I watch it at least once a month...

What are your thoughs on Stephen King's The Stand?

[Darth Dzikowski]

one of the best books I've ever read and a pretty good adaptation. An excellent King adaption if there ever was one not directed by Frank Darabont.

[Fisting Ackbar]

LOVED the first two parts, HATED the last two. It started off promising and ended in campy, ridiculous, over the top scenes. 5/10 overall.

[Schatten]

I understand what you're saying. It's like near the end the film lost it's darkness and mystery. There weren't as many questions to be answered and that left most people feeling dry.

[Heavenley]

I just bought the book and will start reading it. I did see the miniseries, and really liked it about halfway through. The second half wasn't too good with all the supernaturel stuff. it kind of shifted a different way.

[Schatten]

Most people on average will say that the book is better, although I like both of them pretty much the same.

[syxxpac]

The book was amazing.

The film isn't as good, but it's decent. I felt it was too watered down, though.

[sleeping_dragon]

i still think that this is one of kings masterpeices
i dont have a lot of time for his books but the movies(although low budget) are stunning.
one of my favs is the langoleirs...if u aint seen this i advise you get a hold of it and give it a chance. how evewr..t there have been a a few flops as well, namely the night flyer. this is one of the worst novel adaptions ever.

[KcMsterpce]

I really enjoyed The Stand. When I first saw it when it premiered, I wasn't that impressed. I watched it again a couple times over the last 4 years, and now I know exactly why I don't like it as much as I should:

The most important and monumental scenes are the ones that fall flat on their face. Such as the scene in Vegas with 'The Hand of God', or the jail scene with Psalm 23, and other moments... The one that got me the most aggrivated was the 'Hand of God'... Jesus, I hated that scene!

Anyways, for the most part it's a very solid flick, and it's a great story. I just wish they wouldn't have gotten lazy with the movie where it counts.

[PsycoPat]

The Book is one of my all time favorites.

My big problem with the mini-series (which I didn't care for) was the casting:

Gary Sinese as Stu Redman: I like Sinese as an actor, but that is not how I pictured Stu at all. I had Stu pegged as a little younger and better looking, but still I could deal with it if it were not for....

Frannie played by Molly Fucking Ringwald?!?

Look I was I teenager in the 80's and loved John Hughes movies like everyone...But let's face it. Old Molly,bless her heart is a little limited as an actress. She damn sure was not qualified to play such a pivotal role.


Corin Nemic (AKA Parker Lewis) as Harold. He played all wrong with facial tics and what not. he was not nearly slimy enough.

Rob Lowe woulda been fine as Nick except wasn't he supposed to be all beat up and missing he front teeth throughout the story?

Like I said I was dissapointed...

However...

If ya loved the book I would say check out the mini-series and decide for yourself.

[KcMsterpce]

Originally posted by PsycoPat
The Book is one of my all time favorites.

My big problem with the mini-series (which I didn't care for) was the casting:

Gary Sinese as Stu Redman: I like Sinese as an actor, but that is not how I pictured Stu at all. I had Stu pegged as a little younger and better looking, but still I could deal with it if it were not for....

Frannie played by Molly Fucking Ringwald?!?

Look I was I teenager in the 80's and loved John Hughes movies like everyone...But let's face it. Old Molly,bless her heart is a little limited as an actress. She damn sure was not qualified to play such a pivotal role.


Corin Nemic (AKA Parker Lewis) as Harold. He played all wrong with facial tics and what not. he was not nearly slimy enough.

Rob Lowe woulda been fine as Nick except wasn't he supposed to be all beat up and missing he front teeth throughout the story?

Like I said I was dissapointed...

However...

If ya loved the book I would say check out the mini-series and decide for yourself.

You know, I agree with ya on every one of those points except for Rob Lowe.

He was the saving grace of any faults that came with the other actors. He fucking blew me away! I loved him in this movie! I don't care that he wasn't missing teeth; it doesn't affect the story that much - especially since he's a mute! He doesn't have any lines to fuck up! HAHAHA!

But you're right about the others. I agree 100%.

[drdash]

my alltime favorite book and a worthy tv miniseries. the only complaint i have with it is i'd like to see a new dvd of it but in the widescreen format.

ciao
drdash

[Saruman]

The novel is my all time favorite. I watched a bit of the miniseries. I was never around when it was on so I don't really have an opinion on it.

[Ted Pikul]

It was pretty good but I still think 'Salem's Lot (David Soul) & It are better King TV adaptations.

Also how much did Ed Harris get paid for his 2 minute cameo?

That must have been the easiest pay check of his entire career. Show up, say 2 lines then blow his brains out.

[Schatten]

He had a larger role than 2 lines, but yes, it was a very small part for a good actor.

[Danny L]

Rob Lowe saved it all. The guy playing Randall Flagg, I don't know...

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by Danny L
The guy playing Randall Flagg, I don't know...

Came across IMO as a laughable redneck instead of the incarnation of evil.

[KcMsterpce]

Originally posted by Danny L
Rob Lowe saved it all. The guy playing Randall Flagg, I don't know...

I don't know if I remember right - but I'm almost completely sure - that Stephen King said in one of his books, or an interview (I remember hearing him say it) that his vision of Randall Flagg was Christopher Walken.

I could be wrong about King mentioning that, or if it was a magnificant incarnation from one fan boy (me) to another (a friend), or vice/versa...
But I think that would have been pretty kickass. This was before the big huge Walken Revolution as I like to call it - as of ten seconds ago. This was the mention of Walken around the time when I liked him in Deer Hunter, Brainstorm, Biloxi Blues, Communion, and The Dead Zone. You know, the quirky Walken who did the best monologue on earth in Annie Hall - THAT Christopher Walken! :p

Well, whoever mentioned him as Flagg, I think it's a cool concept. I wish it would have come true.
:rolleyes:

[Schatten]

Yeah...he would have made a good Flagg. Just look at him in Sleepy Hollow.

[syxxpac]

Originally posted by KcMsterpce
I don't know if I remember right - but I'm almost completely sure - that Stephen King said in one of his books, or an interview (I remember hearing him say it) that his vision of Randall Flagg was Christopher Walken.

My copy of The Stand has a foreword by King in which he says Robert Duvall would make a great Randall Flagg.

I guess his decision changes over time :p