dex-12

THE SHINING mini-series was a vast VAST improvement over the original film, which I've seen a couple times and never thought highly of beyond a great (but over-the-top) Jack Nicholson. The version, much more faithful to the novel, was a gazillion times better, so much so that I actually taped it and have seen it at least 10 times since it's premiere. After so many years on WINGS, Steven Weber shines wonderfully in a serious dramatic role, proving what a great actor he is, and I found his interpretation of Jack much better than Nicholson's. Rebecca DeMornay also thankfully erased the memory of Shelley Duvall in the original.

Read the book, watch the first film and get disappointed, then watch this great mini-series to get the satisfaction of seeing a great novel done justice. *****/*****

Along with C.S.I., this is the best new show of the season and the only one worthy of an audience. Daly is great, and while I'm not wild about the casting of Gerard, I'll give it time. Although I was slightly disappointed that the series is more an adaptation of the original and not the film (contrary to "other" reviews), it looks like it'll still work. Actually, it's a combination of both, with the technology of the 90s being worked in as well. The dialogue between the two leads was great, and the opening sequence with flashbacks intercutting with Kimble's escape is the best sequence of a television series I have ever seen (and I've seen a lot).

Great acting, great writing, great action and suspense, and great music all ad up for a great series that is the best of the new shows this Fall. Don't miss it!

God, was there even a story to this? And what was the whole point of the sick friend who dies and other friend stuck in an affair subplots that had nothing to do with the story? And, sorry Alba fans, but talk about mis-casting. And how many times do we have to have the sidekick/informer character who's wheelchair-bound before a bank of computer monitors? Cameron must have something against guy's, too, with some of that dialogue.

I just hope they release Joel McNeely's soundtrack so that SOMETHING good can come of out this thing.