Stephen King's Storm of the Century

I can't help it, but for me, this is just another King film, and I felt like I was watching something between It and The Stand. It was the fact that it evoked something I had already seen that spoiled the experience for me. But it has to be said that it has some excellent dark moments and Colm Feore proves himself as the main villain. (08/30/2016)

I have hesitated for a long time when it comes to reviewing this because in my opinion, the series deserves between three and four stars and it is possible to look at it from various perspectives. On one hand, Stephen King's Storm of the Century can be criticized for the typical flaw of King's TV adaptations, namely excessive length, where each episode could be cut by fifteen minutes without affecting the story's logic. On the other hand, when compared to similar TV projects, such as Rose Red (by the same director), The Langoliers, or the pitiful It, Storm of the Century easily takes the lead, and with a significant advantage. I don't know if it is due to the quality of the source material, the cast, or the fact that Craig R. Baxley was inspired during the filming, but the series maintains the King-like atmosphere of mystery, increasing tension, and creeping fear throughout. An isolated island with no escape, a mysterious stranger who knows the islanders' past perfectly, a manipulator knowledgeable in psychology and possessing a special power, who comes with shocking demands – all of this creates a feeling of confinement that stays with the viewer even after they are done watching. Most TV adaptations of King's works fail to instill fear, but Storm of the Century succeeds at least in some scenes. Among the ensemble cast, Colm Feore's performance as the mysterious stranger deserves to be highlighted for his adept portrayal and a great dose of negative charisma. Overall impression considering the TV nature of the series: 65%. (12/07/2007)

1/3 is mainly concerned with the arrival of one of Flagg’s compadres on Little Tall Island. It seems that Andre Linoge wants something and it’s clear that he won’t give up on it just like that. So far it’s a classic King tale which unfortunately wasn’t published as a book (I think that it would have all looked better on paper), but the story is catchy enough to draw an audience even on the TV screen. The acting performances are also solid. So far Colm Feore is out and out the best. I also liked seeing Torri Higginson of Dr. Weir fame. The special effects are really impressive for 1999. Especially the storm in the harbor. I’m intrigued to see the next third. 2/3 The tension is rising, the dead mounting up. I liked the reference to Dolores Claiborne and the explanation of the origin of the mysterious stranger. LEGION... 3/3 The last part of Storm of the Century was certainly no disappointment. For those who know King, the end was no surprise, but it had energy. I’m still unhappy that I won’t ever be able to read the book. Steve is still a better writer than screenwriter. (01/04/2008)