The Stand (1994)

An experimental deadly virus from a government laboratory is accidentally released which devastates the country killing everyone except for a chosen few who are immune (their immunity is never satisfactorily explained). However, the survivors find themselves choosing sides in what will be a stand between good and evil. Based on the novel by Stephen King (who adapted it for the mini series format) and directed by Mick Garris (SLEEPWALKERS). As a writer, the epic novel (800 pages plus) of THE STAND may be King's greatest achievement. When I first read the novel soon after its publication, I envisioned the first epic horror movie with a big budget, wide screen, A list stars and running around four hours with an intermission. Alas, what we got is a pale imitation of the book. It's not as bad as the film version of THE SHINING (what could be?) but it's a weak adaptation. It's 6 hours long but there's a lot of flab that could have been cut. The casting is also weak with a lot of bad performances. I could overlook Adam Storke's lousy pop singer but the casting of Jamey Sheridan as Flagg is disastrous. In the book, Flagg was a dark and intimidating presence, the personification of evil. Sheridan is about as scary as Don Knotts and sometimes unintentionally funny. Maybe someday someone will remake it and get it right. There are some good performances, notably Ruby Dee as a 106 year old visionary and Shawnee Smith as a crazy freak. The large cast includes Molly Ringwald, Ed Harris, Gary Sinise, Rob Lowe, Kathy Bates, Ossie Davis, Ray Walston, Laura San Giacomo, Miguel Ferrer