Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW
The Mist
MPA Rating:
for violence, terror and gore, and language.
for violence, terror and gore, and language.
Reviewed by: Christopher Johnston
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Extremely Offensive |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Adults Teens |
| Genre: | Horror Thriller Adaptation |
| Length: | 2 hr. 7 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2007 |
| USA Release: |
November 21, 2007; DVD release: March 25, 2008 |
Relevant Issues
FEAR, Anxiety and Worry—What does the Bible say? Answer
How does viewing violence in movies affect the family? Answer
Why is the world the way it is? If God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and loving, would He really create a world like this? (filled with oppression, suffering, death and cruelty) Answer
Discover God’s promise for all people—told beautifully and clearly from the beginning. Discover The HOPE! Watch it on Christian Answers—full-length motion picture.
Hypocrisy in the Church — “I would never be a Christian; they’re a bunch of hypocrites.”
What advice do you have for new and growing Christians? Answer
| Featuring | Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Andre Braugher, Laurie Holden, Toby Jones, William Sadler, Frances Sternhagen, Jeffrey DeMunn |
| Director |
Frank Darabont |
| Producer |
Bob Weinstein Harvey Weinstein Frank Darabont |
| Distributor |
“Belief divides them, mystery surrounds Them, but fear changes everything”
Castle Rock, Maine is just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill lakeside town. And David Drayton is a successful artist with a loving wife and little boy who live in a nice home by the lake. Little does David know that a strong storm will turn his little town—and life completely upside-down and shaken.
You see, a strange, thick mist rolls over the lake and into the town. David has driven his son, Billy and Mr. Norton, his next door neighbor to the local supermarket to buy supplies to repair storm damage back at the house when the mist hits. The only problem with the mist besides not being able to see through it is some very unfriendly—and hungry critters from another world. David, his son and a large crowd of locals find themselves trapped in the supermarket trying to keep whatever is out there from coming in.
What follows next is a couple of hours of screaming, gore, lots of profanity and a very liberal dose of God’s name being used in vain. It’s bad enough for David to try and calm down his terrified son, but things really go downhill when the local lunatic, Mrs. Carmody, starts preaching to the people in the store, and tells them that God is pouring out His Wrath on all humanity. She eventually succeeds in forming a little cult that wants to do human sacrifices to appease God and send the monsters away. And David decides it’s time to try to escape the supermarket with his son and whoever will follow him to get as far away as possible from town and hopefully, the mist.
The plot in the movie is somewhat weak. It was hard to understand where the mist came from until the middle of the movie, when a trapped soldier in the supermarket vaguely confessed to a military experiment that went wrong up on the mountain. Dubbed the “Arrowhead Project”, military scientists on the mountain lost control of the experiment and allowed a whole legion of uglies to enter Castle Rock and the surrounding region via the mist. It’s not possible to know if the mist is localized, or covers the entire country.
There is a lot of profanity in the movie. There are no less than 18 F-words, 28 S-words, 8 A-words, and 7 other bad words and obscene sexual references. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg in offensiveness.
The character Mrs. Carmody makes an absolute mockery of God and Christianity in general. The makers of this movie have her portrayed as an insane lunatic who preaches the Word and blesses her subjects with liberal amounts of obscenities. Mrs. Carmody makes God out to be a vengeful, bloodthirsty being who is bent on destroying humanity by sending hungry monsters. Even a biker in the store looks at her and says, “Lady, I believe in God, but I don’t think he’s the cosmic A** that you make him out to be.” Mrs. Carmody spends a good amount of time telling people to repent, turn from their sins, or else God’s wrath will come upon them in a most unpleasant way. She completely misses the point in that God has already paid the price of sin through His Son Jesus Christ. And speaking of Jesus, it’s very unfortunate that His name is only used as part of a swear word or an exclamation of surprise.
The Bible is very clear about keeping God’s name holy. This movie trashes His Holy Name. And another thing that people need to be aware of when they consider this movie is: Jesus Christ came down to Earth from Heaven to give His Life so that we may be saved. God loves us so much that He was willing to send His only Son to die a horrible, painful death as payment for our sins. And if we confess His name and believe that He died for us, we will spend all eternity with Him. The Bible promises that.
If there is anything positive to say about the movie, it’s the strong bond between father and son, and the selflessness of several other people who put themselves in harm’s way to save others. But that’s about it. Everything else about the movie is extremely negative. Spoiler Warning: There is no happy ending. This movie will leave one depressed and feeling hopeless when it’s over. They should put up a banner over the theater entrance that says, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here”.
In conclusion, if you’re considering seeing “The Mist,” think again. I found this movie to be very offensive and blasphemous. It’s depressing and full of despair. The movie sends a strong message that Christians are nothing more than loony fanatics who preach about an angry God out for blood. My convictions will not allow me to recommend this movie to anyone for any reason.
- Violence: Heavy
- Language: Very Heavy
- Sex/Nudity: None
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
Positive
Positive—I can’t believe all the negative reviews here! This was a good movie! I am a Christian, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The nutty religious lady is not supposed to be a portrayal of Christianity in general. Rather, she is a kind of Christian who really does exist, and yes, her brand of religious fervor really is to be avoided at all costs. The actress who portrayed her was spot-on, by the way. I have known people like her. In fact, I hope that seeing this film might help people avoid that kind of religious fervor which can truly destroy one’s joy.
For my part, I really enjoyed watching this. The character development was wonderfully done, so that you really cared and sympathized with the protagonists, esp. toward the end, which I won’t give away here, but will say that it was the most disturbing, chilling, shocking twist I’ve seen since “The Sixth Sense.”See all »
Offensive / 4½
For my part, I really enjoyed watching this. The character development was wonderfully done, so that you really cared and sympathized with the protagonists, esp. toward the end, which I won’t give away here, but will say that it was the most disturbing, chilling, shocking twist I’ve seen since “The Sixth Sense.”See all »
Offensive / 4½
Tim Blaisdell, age 44
Positive—…One character even says he has no faith in human nature, we are sane when the machines are working and 911 is reachable, but once law and order is gone, we are reduced to our primal nature. As is truth, human nature is sinful, only God is pure. I think this is a wonderful overtone for the movie, as this sparked much discussion about the true human nature among my friends who I saw this with and was a great witnessing opportunity.
…A lot of you said you were upset about how this movie bashed Christianity… well if that is Christianity to you, I am sorry to say you have a surprise awaiting you once your life ends. The woman in this movie who claims to be a follower of Christ is an extremist, and mentally unstable at that. In no way do I believe she is meant to be an accurate representation of Christianity. Sadly though, I see lots of people like her that go to different churches and claim to follow Christ. I think the issue here is how shocking the scenes with her are. They are difficult to watch and very challenging, but since when is this a bad thing? On the contrary, those who feel this is an insult to their faith or is offensive to their beliefs have either a very shallow grasp of Christianity, or are on the extreme fundamentalists themselves. I believe this opens up a tremendous opportunity to discuss Christianity and to reveal how Christ came to love us, and to dispel the feeling of hatred and judgmentalism that the Church in America so often sends to any non-Christian.See all »
Average / 5
…A lot of you said you were upset about how this movie bashed Christianity… well if that is Christianity to you, I am sorry to say you have a surprise awaiting you once your life ends. The woman in this movie who claims to be a follower of Christ is an extremist, and mentally unstable at that. In no way do I believe she is meant to be an accurate representation of Christianity. Sadly though, I see lots of people like her that go to different churches and claim to follow Christ. I think the issue here is how shocking the scenes with her are. They are difficult to watch and very challenging, but since when is this a bad thing? On the contrary, those who feel this is an insult to their faith or is offensive to their beliefs have either a very shallow grasp of Christianity, or are on the extreme fundamentalists themselves. I believe this opens up a tremendous opportunity to discuss Christianity and to reveal how Christ came to love us, and to dispel the feeling of hatred and judgmentalism that the Church in America so often sends to any non-Christian.See all »
Average / 5
Daniel, age 20
Positive—I’m a Christian, and while watching the movie, I already expected many Christians will react to the lunatic woman claiming to be “God’s vessel.” So, yes, I agree that it is offensive, I was offended but not that much. I viewed it as a movie, no more and no less. I watched it as it is, 'what’s the story?' In the end, The Mist (movie adaptation) is about ethics, morality, human nature. Sad it may be that it shows the “evil side” of humanity, but as a Christian, I can use this movie to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a good example of the evilness of the world and of sin. Just look at the end of the movie, “mercy killing.” I whispered to my girlfriend and told her, 'next scene, he’ll be shocked there are still humans left fighting the monsters from another dimension', and so it was. How did I know that? I already understood the whole movie. It may not be the intention of the director and the writer, but our not-so-hero do not have faith in God. So in the end, he found killing his son and three companions as “solution” to “escape the pain” of getting eaten alive.
If he believes in God, but not definitely NOT the blood-thirsty god of the lunatic woman, he knows that killing will not “save” them. He knows that there is hell. He will use the gun for last ditch effort to survive should a monster attack them, or die of hunger and thirst, definitely not by killing.See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
If he believes in God, but not definitely NOT the blood-thirsty god of the lunatic woman, he knows that killing will not “save” them. He knows that there is hell. He will use the gun for last ditch effort to survive should a monster attack them, or die of hunger and thirst, definitely not by killing.See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Jc John Sese Cuneta, age 26, Philippines
Positive—Before reading this, know that I am an atheist who frequents this site because I feel, that if a movie can still be rated well by people who are completely opposed to the movie’s message, that there is a very high level of objectivity by the reviewers in regards to quality. That is, they do not let their beliefs get in the way of their quality rating of a move and are thus more trustworthy than secular reviewers.
The Mist is unlike many other movies in that it very accurately portrays how humans would behave in such a difficult situation. The actors beautifully revealed every relevant human emotion at the right times in a realistic manner. It is extremely rare that movies bring out this high quality acting so it is definitely worth noting. The graphics could have been shoddy and I would still give this movie a high rating. See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
The Mist is unlike many other movies in that it very accurately portrays how humans would behave in such a difficult situation. The actors beautifully revealed every relevant human emotion at the right times in a realistic manner. It is extremely rare that movies bring out this high quality acting so it is definitely worth noting. The graphics could have been shoddy and I would still give this movie a high rating. See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Tek, age 20
Positive—Many people watching The Mist make a grievous error in the role of Mrs. Carmody, perceiving that her portrayal is an indictment of Christianity and all Christians. It is not. Mrs. Carmody is an indictment of the sin of pride above all else. You can hear it when she prays—she is not trying to listen to God’s words, she is putting words in His mouth. The key to her character is laid out from that first scene where she is praying in the bathroom. 'If I can just save one soul, my place in Heaven will be assured.' And yet when moments later, her prayers are interrupted by one person, she does not take it as a sign, as others might. She has no interest in saving that woman’s soul, having already determined she is a slut. She has taken upon herself to decide who is “worthy,” and in so doing, demonstrates that she is a Christian in name only.
“Let He who is without sin throw the first stone.” Mrs. Carmody casts rocks left and right. Even if the blonde woman is a slut, didn’t Jesus hang out with the sinners? Yet Mrs. Carmody sets herself in judgment over her fellow man, exercising extreme hubris in pronouncing death sentences of guilt. She reveals herself to be an insane, old-testament Bible-thumping fundamentalist who is NOT Christian in deed, or even really in word, and who has turned AWAY from the true teachings of God in her insistence that she alone can interpret His words. She has no faith that people are saved through Jesus. She instead turns to the idea of blood sacrifice—aping the words of the Old Testament without any recognition that God has asked no such thing of her, and that the greatest sacrifice was already made when His son died on the cross.See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
“Let He who is without sin throw the first stone.” Mrs. Carmody casts rocks left and right. Even if the blonde woman is a slut, didn’t Jesus hang out with the sinners? Yet Mrs. Carmody sets herself in judgment over her fellow man, exercising extreme hubris in pronouncing death sentences of guilt. She reveals herself to be an insane, old-testament Bible-thumping fundamentalist who is NOT Christian in deed, or even really in word, and who has turned AWAY from the true teachings of God in her insistence that she alone can interpret His words. She has no faith that people are saved through Jesus. She instead turns to the idea of blood sacrifice—aping the words of the Old Testament without any recognition that God has asked no such thing of her, and that the greatest sacrifice was already made when His son died on the cross.See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Linda H., age 39
Positive—I am a Christian, and, honestly, I felt very differently about the film. Yes, there was the fringe “angry God” woman who felt that revenge and wrath was the way of Christ. But I don’t believe that was the focus of the film. In the end, the lead character (who had maintained faith for so long) lost faith in the end—to terrible, terrible consequences. Had he maintained strength and faith for just a bit longer…. the ending would have been VERY different. So in my opinion there were two very different messages in the film. Both of which can be viewed from the quiet, firm belief of some characters and the angry, vocal vengeful belief of others. I don’t believe this was “offensive” to Christians (other than the language and the violence)… if anything it had a very strong Christian message. Just my take.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
BC, age 36 (USA)
Neutral
Neutral—I cannot recommend this film. Mainly because, as with so many other Hollywood movies today, I feel like I’m watching something scripted from the enemy and it makes my soul/spirit feel very heavy. I honestly feel like I need to read the Word now… yes, there was a lot of swearing and foul language (let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths) and was fairly graphic and violent…
As a Christian, I am personally saddened and disgusted that so many are offended by the so called Christian portrayal. I honestly can’t believe anyone would trully believe that this woman even remotely portrays Christianity-even those critical of our faith. She honestly did not offend me in terms of her making Christianity look bad. I believe that we should instead look at ourselves and see if that attitude doesn’t lie within… Are WE the pharisee? Do WE judge based on law without the Love of Jesus? Without love, I am/have/can do nothing… to me, she was a perfect demonstration of how ANYONE can become if they have the law with no love-Paul before becoming Paul, I believe, was probably very similar. A zealout by his own admission. He was a legalist and proud, even going so far as to supporting the murder of Christians (which I feel was represented by this woman’s character).
What did offend me was the notion that killing somebody when hope SEEMS to be lost is the better solution than holding onto hope (these three remain-faith, HOPE, and love)…
**SPOILER**
When the main character decided to “keep his promise” to his son and not let the monsters get him, and ended up killing all of his other passengers too, this to some may have seemed “merciful” but it was initially a very disturbing element because so many movies-million dollar baby being one, portray assisted suicide, among other methods, as a better alternative. We are becoming deadened to the fact that God himself tells us 'I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. CHOOSE LIFE so that you and your children may live!' And also we are told that death is the final enemy… death is NOTHING to be embraced and should be SOLEY left to God to decide. We have NO RIGHT to take another life or our own, EVEN IF circumstances seem dire-as in 'The Mist'… however, the very end was poetic justice in that it proved even in the midst of despair, there is still hope. I don’t know if that was the purpose on the director’s part, but that is what both my husband and I got from the ending.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
As a Christian, I am personally saddened and disgusted that so many are offended by the so called Christian portrayal. I honestly can’t believe anyone would trully believe that this woman even remotely portrays Christianity-even those critical of our faith. She honestly did not offend me in terms of her making Christianity look bad. I believe that we should instead look at ourselves and see if that attitude doesn’t lie within… Are WE the pharisee? Do WE judge based on law without the Love of Jesus? Without love, I am/have/can do nothing… to me, she was a perfect demonstration of how ANYONE can become if they have the law with no love-Paul before becoming Paul, I believe, was probably very similar. A zealout by his own admission. He was a legalist and proud, even going so far as to supporting the murder of Christians (which I feel was represented by this woman’s character).
What did offend me was the notion that killing somebody when hope SEEMS to be lost is the better solution than holding onto hope (these three remain-faith, HOPE, and love)…
**SPOILER**
When the main character decided to “keep his promise” to his son and not let the monsters get him, and ended up killing all of his other passengers too, this to some may have seemed “merciful” but it was initially a very disturbing element because so many movies-million dollar baby being one, portray assisted suicide, among other methods, as a better alternative. We are becoming deadened to the fact that God himself tells us 'I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. CHOOSE LIFE so that you and your children may live!' And also we are told that death is the final enemy… death is NOTHING to be embraced and should be SOLEY left to God to decide. We have NO RIGHT to take another life or our own, EVEN IF circumstances seem dire-as in 'The Mist'… however, the very end was poetic justice in that it proved even in the midst of despair, there is still hope. I don’t know if that was the purpose on the director’s part, but that is what both my husband and I got from the ending.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Angelica, age 23
Neutral—I was disturbed that the audience clapped and cheered when Mrs. Carmody was killed. Everyone knows that she does not represent a true Christian, but she is still a caricature of a Christian, though very skewed. This is nothing to be cheered at. Many Christians in counties where Christianity is outlawed are killed because of their beliefs. If Jesus were going to watch this movie would he laugh and cheer at her death? The survivors at the supermarket reacted to Mrs. Carmody in a similar way as people do when a Christian shares the Gospel. Sometimes people react with anger at the Gospel and others accept it. When people laugh at this sort of thing it only reinforces the idea that violence solves everything. Of course this is a horror movie and violent situations are to be expected, but can we please react to said situation in a more mature manner. If you want to see a Stephen King movie that better represents Christians then I recommend “Desperation.”
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Julia Micheals, age 21
Neutral—The mist is most definitely NOT what I expected to see. It was more gory but definitely more of a “brain teaser” than I had anticipated. The acting in this movie was actually pretty good and the plot was believable enough.
As far as christian values goes I don’t believe this movie directly goes soley against the bible but gives a realistic depiction on what could happen when people get into a similar situation. In the beginning, they despise the crazy religious woman but throughout the film, people start looking for something, anything to believe and they choose the only thing that offers any hope, no matter how cultish it is.
One thing that was the hardest for me to get over was the ending. I won’t spoil it but it really disturbed me and I walked out of the theater and went home still an awe of such an ending. As I thought about it more I came to the realization that the ending they portrayed was probably one of the most realistic endings that could have been.
I will say this, be careful when choosing to see this movie as it does have some disturbing and thought provoking situations. But other than that the movie is realistic as much as it can be according to the situation. You should not expect a Hollywood ending however in this movie so if you like the “and they lived happily ever after” where the good guys win, be careful because this movie is definitely not that.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
As far as christian values goes I don’t believe this movie directly goes soley against the bible but gives a realistic depiction on what could happen when people get into a similar situation. In the beginning, they despise the crazy religious woman but throughout the film, people start looking for something, anything to believe and they choose the only thing that offers any hope, no matter how cultish it is.
One thing that was the hardest for me to get over was the ending. I won’t spoil it but it really disturbed me and I walked out of the theater and went home still an awe of such an ending. As I thought about it more I came to the realization that the ending they portrayed was probably one of the most realistic endings that could have been.
I will say this, be careful when choosing to see this movie as it does have some disturbing and thought provoking situations. But other than that the movie is realistic as much as it can be according to the situation. You should not expect a Hollywood ending however in this movie so if you like the “and they lived happily ever after” where the good guys win, be careful because this movie is definitely not that.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Emily, age 18
Neutral—The message in this flawed (frequently poor dialogue) yet not dismissible film seemed clear and mostly inoffensive to me even, as a Christian. I’m actually surprised at the numbered of people offended by the film… especially those who exited the theatre before seeing what I thought was a rather appropriate, yet difficult ending. My only real problem was seeing the desperate followers so willing to sacrifice the poor military guy… a scene I thought was completely unrealistic in its vision. However, it’s clear that Hardin’s fanatical character was an extremist who failed to pay any heed to Christ’s teachings and not surprisingly brought upon her own destruction.
As for the characters who tried to escape… they were the other end of the spectrum… those who didn’t have faith in God and faced an even more unbearable fate. The message was actually as positive as “Shawshank Redemption”… have faith and therein lies hope, and always go with God’s grace. The only difference this time around was most of the characters failed to do so.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
As for the characters who tried to escape… they were the other end of the spectrum… those who didn’t have faith in God and faced an even more unbearable fate. The message was actually as positive as “Shawshank Redemption”… have faith and therein lies hope, and always go with God’s grace. The only difference this time around was most of the characters failed to do so.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
B. Brady, age 48 (Canada)
Neutral—I’m a little confused by these reviews. The creatures left the religious lady alone, as if they knew she was holy or sacred. Wouldn’t that be pro-God?
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
Bill, age 41 (USA)
Neutral—I just watched this movie (The Mist). I am a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ. I read all of the comments here before watching the movie. The woman, Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden) was obviously a religous fanatic that does not have a clue what being a Christian truly means nor does she have a clue about being a wittness for Jesus Christ. I think her character is a classic example of a person that was raised on hell fire and brimstone only and was taught to fear God and was never taught anything about the love of God. The characters were believable.
The other Bible lesson I saw in this movie was that we sometimes get into a situation and instead of trusting God we lose all hope and faith and think we can take care of the problem ourselves, instead of being patient and waiting for God to move. As the end of this movie clearly shows, our belief that we can fix it ourselves is usually the wrong decision and we soon realize He was in control all along. This part of the movie just re-enforced my faith that God is still in control and that I need to trust Him in all things and be patient. “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
The foul language was offensive. I believe that at times when some viewers may have thought the Lord’s name was being “taken in vain” the character was actually calling out to God. The gore was not that bad if you see it for what it really is… a movie. If you are offended by foul language or taking the Lord’s name in vain or moderate gore then this movie is not for you. I do not recommend it for anyone under 18. I do not recommend it for anyone that is not grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ. Otherwise I thought it was a good Steven King thriller. I did not come away from the movie with bad thoughts or feelings that I wanted to forget it.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
The other Bible lesson I saw in this movie was that we sometimes get into a situation and instead of trusting God we lose all hope and faith and think we can take care of the problem ourselves, instead of being patient and waiting for God to move. As the end of this movie clearly shows, our belief that we can fix it ourselves is usually the wrong decision and we soon realize He was in control all along. This part of the movie just re-enforced my faith that God is still in control and that I need to trust Him in all things and be patient. “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
The foul language was offensive. I believe that at times when some viewers may have thought the Lord’s name was being “taken in vain” the character was actually calling out to God. The gore was not that bad if you see it for what it really is… a movie. If you are offended by foul language or taking the Lord’s name in vain or moderate gore then this movie is not for you. I do not recommend it for anyone under 18. I do not recommend it for anyone that is not grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ. Otherwise I thought it was a good Steven King thriller. I did not come away from the movie with bad thoughts or feelings that I wanted to forget it.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Phyllis Devers, age 61
Negative
Negative—Don’t watch this movie! Very blasphemous and offensive. They make God out to be harsh and Christians to be lunatics. Very disturbing and unpleasant to watch! True Christians do not behave like the one portrayed in this film nor is God anything like the movie portrays him!
Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
DB, age 56 (USA)
Negative—I found “The Mist” to be very offensive movie although a very effective movie for it’s genre. The movie is basically a monstermovie, which depicts residents of a small town battling horrific creatures that dwell within an un-earthly mist that descends upon the town. Like many other Hollywood movies, this one contains graphic, foul language throughout the film as well as depictions of extreme violence, death, and terror. However, what disturbed me the most about this movie was the way the “christian” was portrayed in this movie.
At the beginning of the movie, about thirty town residents are trapped in a grocery store by the mist that suddenly envelopes the town. A bloodied man runs out of the mist into the store screaming that there is something in the mist that’s dangerous and warns everyone to stay in the store. A woman steps forward and immediately states that the mist is a judgment from God (glory cloud) and from there on proceeds to convince most of the other people in the store that the mist and the subsequent deaths are divine justice because of man’s sin, rebellion, haughtiness, and refusal to submit to Him. The major theme of the movie is about how the people in the store split are into two groups. The ones who follow the christian woman and those who believe the woman is forming a cult that will lead to there deaths at the hands of the christians.
The charasmatic woman is portrayed as so hateful, judgmental, and un-loving that her true message of repentance and divine judgment is completely lost and despised by the others. The woman’s followers even kill a young man and throw his body outside the store as a blood sacrfice to appease god’s judgment (monsters). At a critical point in the movie where the “un-believers” decide to leave the store, in an attempt to reach safety, the woman and her followers attempt to stop them from leaving so that they can use them for further sacrifices. In the insuing struggle the woman is shot in the stomach and that’s is where I witnessed something very chilling. The entire movie audience cheered at the tops of their lungs and applaused widely. The woman was shot a second time in the head and the audience roared again. I’ve seen countless movie villains get killed but I’ve never seen such joy at the death of a villain.
On our way home, my wife and I discussed the movie’s message and content in detail and we determined that the extreme anger at the woman and joy at the death of the woman in the film was because of the fundamentally Christian message that was being espoused by her. The audience, unknowingly were actually venting there anger at the christian message, not the movie villain. What is disturbing to me and my wife is that in the real world Christians will say exactly the same thing in regards to divine judgment in a sinful, fallen world and from the reaction we witnessed in the movie theater gave us short although clear window into people’s hatred of God and a spirit of anti-Christianity that marks our age.
Very Offensive / 5
At the beginning of the movie, about thirty town residents are trapped in a grocery store by the mist that suddenly envelopes the town. A bloodied man runs out of the mist into the store screaming that there is something in the mist that’s dangerous and warns everyone to stay in the store. A woman steps forward and immediately states that the mist is a judgment from God (glory cloud) and from there on proceeds to convince most of the other people in the store that the mist and the subsequent deaths are divine justice because of man’s sin, rebellion, haughtiness, and refusal to submit to Him. The major theme of the movie is about how the people in the store split are into two groups. The ones who follow the christian woman and those who believe the woman is forming a cult that will lead to there deaths at the hands of the christians.
The charasmatic woman is portrayed as so hateful, judgmental, and un-loving that her true message of repentance and divine judgment is completely lost and despised by the others. The woman’s followers even kill a young man and throw his body outside the store as a blood sacrfice to appease god’s judgment (monsters). At a critical point in the movie where the “un-believers” decide to leave the store, in an attempt to reach safety, the woman and her followers attempt to stop them from leaving so that they can use them for further sacrifices. In the insuing struggle the woman is shot in the stomach and that’s is where I witnessed something very chilling. The entire movie audience cheered at the tops of their lungs and applaused widely. The woman was shot a second time in the head and the audience roared again. I’ve seen countless movie villains get killed but I’ve never seen such joy at the death of a villain.
On our way home, my wife and I discussed the movie’s message and content in detail and we determined that the extreme anger at the woman and joy at the death of the woman in the film was because of the fundamentally Christian message that was being espoused by her. The audience, unknowingly were actually venting there anger at the christian message, not the movie villain. What is disturbing to me and my wife is that in the real world Christians will say exactly the same thing in regards to divine judgment in a sinful, fallen world and from the reaction we witnessed in the movie theater gave us short although clear window into people’s hatred of God and a spirit of anti-Christianity that marks our age.
Very Offensive / 5
Jerry Smith, age 34
Negative—This movie is one that I wanted to walk out of at least 3 times. It is filled with propaganda through out the movie. It portrays Christians as hypocritical and psycho. It is a very weird movie that tries to confuse the individual on what they believe. In one scene there is a military man that is accused of being the reason for God’s wrath upon the Earth, so they proceed to stab him over and over again. If you are a true Christian, you will be completely appalled at this movie. I enjoy movies and have no idea why I thought this would be entertaining. I actually asked people on the way out of the movie if they were going to “The Mist” to warn them away from it. I am a Branch Manager for an Insurance Company and will be warning them and every other person that I meet away from this horrible movie.
Extremely Offensive / 1½
Extremely Offensive / 1½
Doug Bunting, age 42
Negative—THE MIST is anti-religious, anti-science, and anti-politics, but not anti-government. THE MIST is all of these and then some. THE MIST is based on Stephen King’s novella of the same name. It is a story about fear and community. It is about the unknown and self preservation. It is a dark and gloomy tale. It is so foreboding that when the end comes, it will not be good.
After a night of heavy storm, the Drayton family wakes up to a damaged home and a ruined property. David (Thomas Jane) and son, Billy (Nathan Gamble), with neighbor Brent Norton (Andre Baugher), all going to the store for supplies, leaving David’s wife Stephanie (Kelly Colins Lintz) behind. While they were in the jammed packed store, a mist descends upon them. A bloodied nosed Dan Miller (Jeffrey DeMunn) crying and pleading for everyone to return back in the store and locked the door for there is something in the mist. From here on, fears settle in, and as the body count rises and strange and giant creatures appeared, more than the deadliest monster, the venomous Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), a hysterical, Bible thumping Old Testament with a vengeful God, starts a cult among the group. A Christian villain that is more evil than the Wicked Witch of OZ, or Cruella DeVille. She calls for blood and her followers will do anything for her.
I knew that this movie portrayed a believer as a religious nut, but from the same author who gave us THE STAND with a God fearing character as a safe haven, I gave it a try. THE MIST is far from THE STAND. Coming out of this film, I have gathered four things. Read the above intro. It is anti-religious because religion gave us false hope. It is anti-science because, it was science (The Arrowhead Project) that created the deadly mist phenomenon. It is anti-politics because, everyone have their own idea about what is best and it’s their-way or no-ways. The ending strays far from the mysterious ending of the novella. We aren’t left with an open ending. We are left with something like a crude joke and no one is laughing (or crying, seriously).
The technical aspects of the film are top notched. The acting are credible and the story is gripping. Frank Darabont delivered some scary scene and atmosphere, much better than John Carpenter’s THE FOG (both classic and the remake).
Despite the negative review of the religious mockery, to its credit, David did not have a sexual affair with Amanda Dumfries (Laurie Holden), as described in the novella. Instead, she became a surrogated like mother for Billy.
I have lost count of the profanity after the sixth of seventh times in the first ten minutes. God’s name is used in vain multiple times and countless gores, bloods, and violence.
This is probably my most negatively detailed comment about a film. It was just such a good production film with a really bad downer of an end.
Extremely Offensive / 4
After a night of heavy storm, the Drayton family wakes up to a damaged home and a ruined property. David (Thomas Jane) and son, Billy (Nathan Gamble), with neighbor Brent Norton (Andre Baugher), all going to the store for supplies, leaving David’s wife Stephanie (Kelly Colins Lintz) behind. While they were in the jammed packed store, a mist descends upon them. A bloodied nosed Dan Miller (Jeffrey DeMunn) crying and pleading for everyone to return back in the store and locked the door for there is something in the mist. From here on, fears settle in, and as the body count rises and strange and giant creatures appeared, more than the deadliest monster, the venomous Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), a hysterical, Bible thumping Old Testament with a vengeful God, starts a cult among the group. A Christian villain that is more evil than the Wicked Witch of OZ, or Cruella DeVille. She calls for blood and her followers will do anything for her.
I knew that this movie portrayed a believer as a religious nut, but from the same author who gave us THE STAND with a God fearing character as a safe haven, I gave it a try. THE MIST is far from THE STAND. Coming out of this film, I have gathered four things. Read the above intro. It is anti-religious because religion gave us false hope. It is anti-science because, it was science (The Arrowhead Project) that created the deadly mist phenomenon. It is anti-politics because, everyone have their own idea about what is best and it’s their-way or no-ways. The ending strays far from the mysterious ending of the novella. We aren’t left with an open ending. We are left with something like a crude joke and no one is laughing (or crying, seriously).
The technical aspects of the film are top notched. The acting are credible and the story is gripping. Frank Darabont delivered some scary scene and atmosphere, much better than John Carpenter’s THE FOG (both classic and the remake).
Despite the negative review of the religious mockery, to its credit, David did not have a sexual affair with Amanda Dumfries (Laurie Holden), as described in the novella. Instead, she became a surrogated like mother for Billy.
I have lost count of the profanity after the sixth of seventh times in the first ten minutes. God’s name is used in vain multiple times and countless gores, bloods, and violence.
This is probably my most negatively detailed comment about a film. It was just such a good production film with a really bad downer of an end.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Mang Yang, age 35
Negative—I saw this movie on opening night. I had expected a full theater, but it was mostly empty. That should have been a warning, I suppose. The movie had numerous curse words. I lost count of the times the f-word was used. There were a lot of other curse words, including taking the Lord’s name in vain. There was a lot of gore, and the movie had a hopeless feeling to it. The woman who was supposed to be representing God was portrayed to be a crazy fanatic. I wanted to walk out of this movie, but didn’t want to make my husband feel bad since this was our date night. I would steer away from this one, for sure!
Very Offensive / 4
Very Offensive / 4
Wendy, age 42
Negative—I’m ashamed to say that I took 3 of my teenage children to see this movie. I had read the short story by Stephen King years ago and immediately thought it would make a great movie. I was excited to hear that it was coming to theatres. Unfortunately, I had not considered how far from the original an “adaptation” might deviate. The changes in this story were disturbing and in NO WAY beneficial. My children were as shocked as I was, and we spent the rest of the evening trying to put the movie out of our minds. I still believe the original story would have made for a great movie, I’m just extremely disappointed in the Hollywood minds that thought the changes made to the story could be considered “entertainment,” on the contrary, my children, and I left the theatre feeling violated.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
Kate, age 40
Negative—My husband and I saw this movie on opening night because I was very excited to see how the novella would transfer over to a film. Well, much to my displeasure, I was very disturbed. As usual, Hollywood has depicted the “Christian” character as a raving lunatic and not even remotely close to what a true Christian represents. One scene in particular calls for a certain person to be handed over to the creatures outside just after the mob of people (ordered by the raving lunatic) beat and stab him repeatedly. I was truly ashamed to be sitting in the theater at this point. As for the ending, once I figured out what was going to happen, I leaned over to my husband and said I would meet him in the lobby. I certainly did not want to see the final few minutes. From one Christian to another, please steer clear of this movie. It will not help you grow spiritually and all it will do is leave you with images and feelings you would much want to shake off, never to subject youself to again.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
Marcy, age 30
Negative—Bashing Christianity at every turn. I am glad I went to see this movie so I can warn others not to waste their time and their money. The story starts with an interesting note and with a good premise; however all of this is buried under the ridiculous portrayal of a “Christian” character/ leader and rhetoric. If this is the image of what Hollywood perceives as a Christianity then it is sad how lost some people really are. The Christian(s) were full of such hate, hypocrisy, condemnation, skewed and false take on scripture and contradiction it was almost laughable if it wasn’t so pathetic. The lead “Christian” character is so vile where she speaks to God of doing his will then on the other side says the vilest and disgusting things to a non Christian who tries to comfort her. This character is so annoying and repulsive that the audiences I was in the theatre with actually broke out into applause when she gets her due. The story is depressing and hopeless offering no redemptive qualities .Aside from the portrayal of Christianity there are other “digs” as well from the good, loving and smart, sane non believers who also make statements about making up religion. If you hold your faith strongly to you, do not waste your time unless you feel like be bashed over the head with liberal media “enlighten” and a good dose of using the Lord’s name in vain at every turn.
Extremely Offensive / 1½
Extremely Offensive / 1½
Laura Calruso, age 30
Negative—The film and the book is blatantly anti-Christian, promoting the hateful stereotype and lie of Christians as violent and psychotic and falsely portraying Christianity as a religion that promotes human sacrifice. This is a blatant lie. Human sacrifice is repeatedly condemned in the Bible and its ritual practice is tied to pagan religions/tribes. God hated it. Only twice is human sacrifice tied with Christianity. The one being by God/Jesus Christ Himself and the other being Abraham/Isaac. Out of these, the calling of Abraham to give a human sacrifice is disturbing but is mitigated once one understands the parallel to God/Christ’s sacrifice for mankind. In short, Abraham’s calling was to be the Father of the nation of Israel and his call to sacrifice his son was God testing Abraham to see if he would be willing to do what God was willing to do.
As is, God intervened to prevent the sacrifice. In both cases, the sacrifices involved voluntary acts and no where are either events ever cited as something Christians are to engage in. That both events are extremely unique circumstances is quite clear to anyone with a quarter of a brain or conscience. Likewise, absolutely no where is non-Christians let alone human sacrifice at all taught as something Christians are to practice. Nonetheless, stories continuing to portray the monstrous, hate mongering myth of “deeply devout Christians” calling for human sacrificial killing.
The makers of the film even one up the book by tying Mrs. Carmody to various political positions that Christians are often in the opposition of. The film clearly seeks to tie the psychotic Mrs. Carmody as the type of person behind Christian political issues by such issues having her proclaim that the mist is God’s judgment for 'we have tampered with God’s power, we have split God’s atoms, used God’s stem cells and allowed abortions and now those responsible must suffer.'
Apparently, under the liberal, “progressive” mind set, if you disagree with their positions, then they are justified to paint you as a violent, human sacrificing psychotic… how “compassionate” and “tolerate” of differences Hollywood progressives are, following in the fine tradition of their fellow western tradition and religion hating progressives in Russia, China and Cambodia. How is their hate promoting propaganda that much different. Underneath this film there is a good story someday worth telling but the piling own of the hate promoting and dishonest portrayal of Christianity and twisted taking out of political frustrations in such monstrous portrayal is not something any Christian or anybody with some sense of decency should reward Hollywood for with their hard earned money
Extremely Offensive / 4
As is, God intervened to prevent the sacrifice. In both cases, the sacrifices involved voluntary acts and no where are either events ever cited as something Christians are to engage in. That both events are extremely unique circumstances is quite clear to anyone with a quarter of a brain or conscience. Likewise, absolutely no where is non-Christians let alone human sacrifice at all taught as something Christians are to practice. Nonetheless, stories continuing to portray the monstrous, hate mongering myth of “deeply devout Christians” calling for human sacrificial killing.
The makers of the film even one up the book by tying Mrs. Carmody to various political positions that Christians are often in the opposition of. The film clearly seeks to tie the psychotic Mrs. Carmody as the type of person behind Christian political issues by such issues having her proclaim that the mist is God’s judgment for 'we have tampered with God’s power, we have split God’s atoms, used God’s stem cells and allowed abortions and now those responsible must suffer.'
Apparently, under the liberal, “progressive” mind set, if you disagree with their positions, then they are justified to paint you as a violent, human sacrificing psychotic… how “compassionate” and “tolerate” of differences Hollywood progressives are, following in the fine tradition of their fellow western tradition and religion hating progressives in Russia, China and Cambodia. How is their hate promoting propaganda that much different. Underneath this film there is a good story someday worth telling but the piling own of the hate promoting and dishonest portrayal of Christianity and twisted taking out of political frustrations in such monstrous portrayal is not something any Christian or anybody with some sense of decency should reward Hollywood for with their hard earned money
Extremely Offensive / 4
Richard, pub. of Christianconcerzine, age 42
Negative—Most of the negative comments on this board center around the idea that the film is anti-Christian. This is absolutely true, but everyone seems to miss out on the most disturbing aspect of the film. The film bashes our U.S military, making the military out to be the carriers of the devils work. There is a particulary UNNECESSARY scene where a U.S soldier is stabbed repeatedly and sacrificed. The film makers should of left that scene out. I don’t care if the novel had a soldier killed in it or not, showing it on film is demeaning. I am rather upset that not many people are offended by the negativity the film places on the U.S military. If you support the military and our soldiers, don’t waste your money on this trash. If you don’t support our military, feel free to move to Canada.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Jay, age 23
Negative—Alright, if you folks want a waste of time, this is the movie to watch! I was very offended by the way the film portrays Christian’s to be psychotic, morally twisted individuals. The film’s worst antagonist wasn’t the freakish aliens found within the mist, but a psychopath “christian” woman. She twists the scriptures of the old testament in order for her to appear to the terrified individuals around her as an answer to their fears in the form of a vessel from God! Crazy? It gets better. She eventually turns nearly everyone around her (about 50 people seeking refuge in a grocery store) against anyone who doesn’t agree with her. She says the mist is a punishment for everyone’s sins from God, and the only way to get rid of it is through blood sacrifice! What kind of message is this supposed to give those who assume all Christians are the same? Okay, okay, getting off my soap box, the rest of the movie is filled with heavy profanity. The F-bomb being used countless times, the lord’s name in vain, vulgar references (by our lovely preacher) and many many more. As Christians, we have no business filling our minds with this garbage, whether or not your faith is strong. Besides, it’s in the Bible, 'Let no unclean thing come before your eye’s.’ If there’s those of you who consider that micromanaging, take it up with the big man himself. Okay, I’m done. God Bless y’all.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Bobby Dowling, age 20
Negative—I am not a Christian, nor am I naive, and I was completely appalled at this movie!!! It should be advertised correctly. It looks to be your common, everyday, horror flick. Not so! It was absurd and ridiculous the way they played this out. I really cannot even think of the right words to say how this movie made me feel. I would have never taken my 15 year old daughter to see it, if I had known what it was truly about. I, as well, left the theater when I knew what was about to happen at the end.
Extremely Offensive / 3
Extremely Offensive / 3
Janet, age 42
Comments from young people
Neutral—THE MIST is a relatively well-made little monster film based on the STEPHEN KING novella of the same name and directed by FRANK DARABONT, director of THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and THE GREEN MILE (two other KING adaptations), so with these two A+ minds behind the film… what went wrong? Oh the films looks good, the effects are great, the acting is at least an A in most places, B in a few others, so what are my complaints. Really, its the places with B acting (not including MARCIA GAY HARDEN, delivering an excellent, convincing performance), pacing that is all over the place (especially if you’ve read the novella), over-done clichés (that were NOT in the book), and, the one major thing above all the others that I can’t get over, the ending.
Now the main problems many Christians are gonna have is MARCIA GAY HARDEN’S character MRS. CARMODY, a religious, nut case filled to the brim with the apocalyptic crazies. She may not have the wrong idea, but she is set about every thing the wrong way. Her character is viewed as stereotypical crazy Christian, but the problem is, that’s how we are often viewed; if we don’t try and change our self-image, then who are we too complain and what are we suppose to expect? I have to admit the character is so hateful and, in the end, simply evil that even I clapped at her demise (along with everyone else in the theater), all I can say about this is A) If even a Christian can clap at this then there is definitely a problem with how we are viewed and we need to change that. And B) MARCIA GAY HARDEN is one heck of an actress! Her performance is absolutely amazing and MORE then worthy of an oscar!
With that done and out of the way, lets get to the content. VIOLENCE: HEAVY / LANGUAGE: MODERATE / SEX and NUDITY: NONE
The violence took me off guard in some places, after reading the book which had very little violence, the film turned out to be very bloody. In one scene a man is attacked by tentacles which literally rip chunks of him off, before dragging him away. One man, with a line wrapped around his waist, walks out into the mist, the line jerks around some, and when it is pulled back, only half of the man if left. Another man is stabbed multiple times in the stomach before being “sacrificed” to the creatures. And some others.
There is an array of f-bombs throughout, but the language is more easily forgivable then in other films considering the situations these people are put in. Luckily there is only one scene where there is some kissing but it doesn’t lead to anything, the films is very clean is that category. This is a mature horror film with a lot too say about a lot of things. In an day and age where most horror movies are stupid, tasteless, pointless and just plain nasty (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake, SAW, HOSTEL), that is a plus. The ending is the only real thing that put me off in this movie (and I won’t ruin it), but if you are able to get past that (which I am slowly getting to accept my self) then I would suggest going to see this film, just don’t take little Billy and Jamie to see it, it’s simply too bloody.
Very Offensive / 4
Now the main problems many Christians are gonna have is MARCIA GAY HARDEN’S character MRS. CARMODY, a religious, nut case filled to the brim with the apocalyptic crazies. She may not have the wrong idea, but she is set about every thing the wrong way. Her character is viewed as stereotypical crazy Christian, but the problem is, that’s how we are often viewed; if we don’t try and change our self-image, then who are we too complain and what are we suppose to expect? I have to admit the character is so hateful and, in the end, simply evil that even I clapped at her demise (along with everyone else in the theater), all I can say about this is A) If even a Christian can clap at this then there is definitely a problem with how we are viewed and we need to change that. And B) MARCIA GAY HARDEN is one heck of an actress! Her performance is absolutely amazing and MORE then worthy of an oscar!
With that done and out of the way, lets get to the content. VIOLENCE: HEAVY / LANGUAGE: MODERATE / SEX and NUDITY: NONE
The violence took me off guard in some places, after reading the book which had very little violence, the film turned out to be very bloody. In one scene a man is attacked by tentacles which literally rip chunks of him off, before dragging him away. One man, with a line wrapped around his waist, walks out into the mist, the line jerks around some, and when it is pulled back, only half of the man if left. Another man is stabbed multiple times in the stomach before being “sacrificed” to the creatures. And some others.
There is an array of f-bombs throughout, but the language is more easily forgivable then in other films considering the situations these people are put in. Luckily there is only one scene where there is some kissing but it doesn’t lead to anything, the films is very clean is that category. This is a mature horror film with a lot too say about a lot of things. In an day and age where most horror movies are stupid, tasteless, pointless and just plain nasty (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake, SAW, HOSTEL), that is a plus. The ending is the only real thing that put me off in this movie (and I won’t ruin it), but if you are able to get past that (which I am slowly getting to accept my self) then I would suggest going to see this film, just don’t take little Billy and Jamie to see it, it’s simply too bloody.
Very Offensive / 4
Joshua, age 14
Positive—“The Mist” is definitely one of Stephen Kings’s best. Now, me, being A HUGE horror fan (and Stephen King), I decided to watch the movie for myself and was actually impressed. I was disappointed that they had to add the crazy so called Christian woman and the language, but, seriously, when you’re in a situation like that? What are you most likely going to say? and it’s a Stephen King movie, of course there’s going to be language (For people who don’t read his books, he has a tendency to add unnecessary language.)
The movie was extremely well made. It was like there was on script and everyone did a great job being scared.
I am a Christian and was disappointed in some points, but it still made a good movie. Now would I suggest it for kids under 15? no… but do I have friends that have seen it which are younger than me? Yes, but I wished they wouldn’t have.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
The movie was extremely well made. It was like there was on script and everyone did a great job being scared.
I am a Christian and was disappointed in some points, but it still made a good movie. Now would I suggest it for kids under 15? no… but do I have friends that have seen it which are younger than me? Yes, but I wished they wouldn’t have.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Jakob Wolf, age 14 (USA)
Comments from non-viewers
Negative—Regarding THE MIST, I have read the positive comments and am utterly amazed at the naivety of some of some of them. I work in the entertainment industry and can tell you quite plainly that there is a well known disdain for Christianity among studio execs and filmmakers.The Christian lady portrayed so negatively was a big selling point as to why this movie was produced. It fits in well with the secular hedonistic worldview of most execs. Christ is a threat to men of such world views because He threatens their lifestyles and power. Their time is short. People will only put up with poor quality entertainment for so long, especially during hard times. I did not have to watch the film its entirety to witness its blatant misrepresentation of faith and message of despair. I don’t need a movie to remind me of the tragedy of the human condition. I need one to temporarily let me escape from it and give me hope.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2½
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2½
John Chiogna, age 42 (Canada)
My Ratings: Offensive / 5