Stephen King's The Stand

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: May 8, 1994
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7

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User Reviews

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  1. 123unded
    Apr 4, 2017
    9
    Try and watch all in one go for the total post apocalyptic effect. Though this is over twenty years old I would recommend for the storyline and actors.
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 30, 2018
    9
    When the world ends, the battle between good and evil begins. Based on the post-apocalyptic novel from Stephen King, "The Stand" is quite an undertaking at a whopping 6 hour running-time. It's a mini-series worth watching though. There's a cast worth caring about, the author's special brand of horror, and one of the most memorable villains ever created. Plus, unlike most Stephen KingWhen the world ends, the battle between good and evil begins. Based on the post-apocalyptic novel from Stephen King, "The Stand" is quite an undertaking at a whopping 6 hour running-time. It's a mini-series worth watching though. There's a cast worth caring about, the author's special brand of horror, and one of the most memorable villains ever created. Plus, unlike most Stephen King adaptations of the time, this one had some money behind it. Especially in comparison to the other made-for-TV offerings.

    Personally, I think this did a better job of telling The Stand's story than even the book did. Despite often being listed as among King's best works, I do not consider myself a fan of the written version. This cinematic adaptation from Mick Garris though? Oh yeah, I'm behind it one-hundred percent. The reason for that is because the characters are so much more likable here. Their more despicable qualities didn't make it in. As a result, I was able to root for the heroes as opposed to wanting to see them all die at the hands of Randall Flagg and his much more sympathetic cronies. Our leads aren't the cruel, mean-spirited people they were in the source material and that makes all the difference.

    Of course, the stylish interpretation, (mostly) great visuals, and little flourishes of life in the soundtrack go a long way as well. It really sells the post-apocalyptic setting. The majority of the acting is spot-on. Another relative rarity for King adaptations. The only weak spot in that department comes from Molly Ringwald surprisingly enough. The star of the show though? That is undoubtedly Jamey Sheridan as The Stand's big villain himself. His portrayal of Randall Flagg is one for the ages. A shame it goes under-looked as this never made it's way to the big screen. His work as "The Walking Dude" makes for one of the most memorable performances as a villain anyone has ever done.

    Lovingly crafted by Mick Garris, The Stand stands out as one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date even after all these years. It does more than justice to the novel as it manages to surpass it, despite almost following it to a T. Genuine attention to detail have brought to life a story of an age old battle in a new setting. Mix in some potential frights and a remarkable sense of hope in a world largely populated by dead bodies, and you've got a recipe for success. It will take up a lot of your time to get through this meaty story, but it's worth every second.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Apr 14, 2021
    90
    I've seen the first six hours, and if I weren't here writing this, I'd be home watching the finale. I'm that hooked. [8 May 1994, p.6C]
  2. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Tom Feran
    Apr 14, 2021
    80
    Visually arresting, epic in ambition and impressively acted by a splendid cast, The Stand" looks like King's close encounter with "The Andromeda Strain" crossing "Wild Palms, building its suspense around a deadly epidemic that wipes out most of the world's population and leaves the survivors seeking a new beginning for good or evil. [8 May 1994, p.1J]
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    Apr 14, 2021
    90
    Ringwald jokes aside, The Stand is an impressive piece of work. It has a convincing, realistic look, relentless pacing, strong performances and a sense of grandeur as well as humor and irony. [8 May 1994]
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