La tempesta del secolo

Stephen King created an unnerving miniseries with "Storm of the Century", about a blizzard in a Maine town bringing a stranger (Colm Feore) who tells everyone "Give me what I want and I'll go away." And this guy isn't kidding. Not only does he know everything about everyone, but he's got something ugly in store for anyone who challenges him. Some scenes in the movie are very likely to make your blood freeze. And I agree with a previous reviewer that people shouldn't complain about the ending: things can't always be sugar-coated (this is Stephen King, remember).

All in all, this is really impressive, and you're sure to like it. You may never trust anyone again after watching this. Also starring Debrah Farentino, Casey Siemaszko and Jeffrey DeMunn.

I guess that we're all little teapots in some way or other...

Castle Rock, a recent series also by Stephen King, also has a stranger in town/trouble premise, though not the only one. There's something about both shows that really makes one think, as if such horror was not quite as far away as other horror movies you might have seen, sort of eerily familiar. Anyway, that's how it bites me. Nuts and bolts is easier. The acting holds this piece above many others. It's very very good. And it's a very large cast, so hats off to casting as well. There are so many (necessary) close-ups that any hint of wooden or uncommitted performance would be tagged straight away. As that never happens, hats off to the director too, it must have been gruelling. I could only get hold of the second half, and I thought that was too long. In the third quarter the effects are brilliant, and nicely edited as well, particularly where two timelines needed to be related. The last quarter is where I docked a point. There were effects that simply did not need to exist, as if the director had an incurable soft spot for old theatre pulley effects. If ever this movie is redone that needs to be thought about. It didn't spoil the ending in any intellectual way, I enjoyed the ending, but I thought it noticeably old-fashioned. On the plus side, the storm itself is a marvel of cinematography. All up this is classic horror from a very inventive mind, and, if you are lucky enough to run across it, well worth chasing.

Stephen King's 'Storm of the Century' is more than I expected. Compared to Stephen King's other movies (that he himself adapted/wrote), I place it up there with 'The Stand' and 'Rose Red.' An offland Maine island is under attack from two forces (or are they really one?): a fierce storm and the mysterious André Linoge. The former takes out the power lines and radios, forcing the townsfolk to gather together in the basement of the town hall. The latter shows a mysterious power to manipulate the objects (and people) around him. I was very impressed by the performance of Tim Daly in this. He did a great job as the lead role. The real charm of this movie to me was the community spirit the town showed. The characters (as in all Stephen King's works) are very believable. The way they pull together in this miniseries was particularly endearing. Overall, I'd give it a 9/10. Not something you should miss if you ever have the chance.

Beginning with Salem's Lot in the 1970's, there have been scads of memorable TV adaptations of prolific horror author Stephen King's books and short stories.

STORM OF THE CENTURY could very well be the best of the bunch. It excels due to King's uncanny ability to insinuate unthinkable horrors into believable small town settings. Here, he captures the life of Little Tall island, complete with its personalities and local flavor.

The characters are built up and fleshed out, so that it actually matters when bad things start happening to them. Tim Daly is quite convincing as the sheriff, as are the other residents.

Colm Feore is exceptional as the mysterious stranger, Andre Linoge, one of television's all-time greatest horror villains. His slow takeover of the town is systematic and wickedly effective.

Network TV owes a lot to Stephen King, especially in this case. The "mini-series" format is perfect for this story. It allows it to unfold in a more natural, unhurried way.

Highly recommended...

No Spoilers here. One of my favorite 10 movies, and easily the best made for TV movie ever. Storm of the Century reaches the highest level of suspense of any movie I have ever seen. I have watched it 5 times now, and am amazed at how linear it is for its length. Not a minute is wasted.

As with every great film it is not for everyone, but keep in mind that no movie is rated above 9.0 here, and that some people will not like it because it was made for TV, is Stephen King, is long, isn't packed with CGI or gore, or isn't a comfortably predictable Hollywood story. Don't let the fact it isn't rated 8.0+ fool you-this is an outstanding movie.

Absolutely anti-Hollywood (I love it for that as well), this is much more like an independent film not trying to be artsy. Few big name stars, no wasted sub-plots to draw in general audiences, no special effects wedged awkwardly in, not packed with pretty people who cannot act or out-of-place one-liners. This is a pure horror/suspense movie.

If you want a movie you can predict the ending to within 10 minutes, or settle down comfortably to another familiar rehashed horror story, pass on this one-it is original, chilling, and as gripping and memorable as any movie you will see. Like any horror suspense movie, you won't get the full effect if you have it on at noon while surfing the net and chatting on the phone. I most closely would compare it to Silence of the Lambs or The Ring in tension and flow, but without the shock value. The tension and eeriness this movie creates is palpable.

This is not a slasher/gore movie, and you will get a chance to know the main characters of Little Tall Island, as well as see an original portrayal of antagonist Colm Feore (who perfectly nailed his role). Yes, Anthony Hopkins would have ALSO been great for this role, but I don't think better. If you are chilled by hearing "I'm a Little Teapot, short and stout..." afterwards, you'll be here posting great reviews as well.