Friday, July 10, 2020

THE STAND 1994 (CBS)

A great mini series based on the best book Stephen King ever wrote.

The DVD is a two disc set and it contain four chapters. The story is pretty basic actually.

A "Super Flu" is accidentally released from a military base and it quickly spreads all over the country killing thousands. The Government is powerless to stop the spread and soon over 3/4th of the population is dead.

The survivors soon begin having dreams of both a woman named Abigail Freemantle (Ruby Dee) and an evil demon known as Randall Flagg (Jamie Sheridan).

The story centers around both groups of people. Those who choose to go see Mother Abigail and those who choose to go the way pf Flagg. Finally as all sides are chosen 4 men must journey on foot from Colorado to Las Vegas for a final showdown with the very evil Flagg and his many minions.

I know this is a very simplified write-up, but I could literally take pages to do it justice. It is an incredibly well made show and it have never failed to suck me in every time I see it. Mick Garris directed this classic and the cast has so many people that do such an excellent job.

The cast includes Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Ray Walston, Laura San Giacomo, Ossie Davis, Corin Nemec, Matt Frewer, Adam Storke, Rob Lowe, and so many more. There are cameos by John Landis and Ted Raimi as well as Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

There are many great set pieces including a haunting tour thru the Lincoln Tunnel, a disease control center in Maine and a few dream sequences involving Randall Flagg and Mother Abigail just to mention a few. The music is excellent as well and includes "Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult, "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House and "Boogie Fever" by The Sylvers.

Of all the characters in the movie you will never forget "Trashcan Man" played to the hilt by Matt Frewer. This follows the book as faithfully as anything I have ever seen and all I can say is this is a MUST for any King fan. It runs 6 hours, but is NEVER slows down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

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