Entertaining, engrossing, handsomely mounted mini-series based on Stephen King's novel has some scares, some stylish images, and some moments of depth. The first half of part 4 is especially potent and breathlessly paced. But in abridging his story, King made some bad choices, leaving in things that don't translate well to a visual medium (the series bogs down in part 3) and removing too much narrative glue. Also, the pushy score gets cloyingly folksy in the second half of the series, and the climax is a bit mucked up by a very literal "hand of God".
Apart from a rather monotone Molly Ringwald (as Fran Goldsmith), an insufferable Peter Van Norden (his Ralph Brentner and Joe (Billy L. Sullivan) should've been left right out of the script), and some sub-par bit players (including King himself), the cast does a great job. Gary Sinese is solid as Stu Redman. Jamey Sheridan does exceedingly well in a difficult role; he captures Randall Flagg's charm as well as his creepy glee, and he projects intensity and an appropriately larger-than-life presence without going over the top. (The special effects transforming him into a demon were a very bad idea. He was doing fine creeping us out without them; they turned his character into a cartoon.) Laura San Giacomo is perfectly cast as Nadine Cross; she is vivid and mesmerizing as a damned woman. Ruby Dee actually gives Mother Abigail more depth than King did. Corin Nemec has obviously read the novel, and he adds shades to Harold Lauder that were absent from the script. The character of Larry Underwood loses quite a bit of dimension from page to screen, but Adam Storke gives it a good shot. Miguel Ferrer makes Lloyd Henreid memorable. Matt Frewer makes an entertaining nutcase. Shawnee Smith is vivid as a creepy sex bomb. Ed Harris and Kathy Bates manage to give full performances with very small roles. Surprisingly enough, out of the cast, it is Rob Lowe's interpretation of his character (Nick Andros) that comes closest to his book counterpart.
Apart from a rather monotone Molly Ringwald (as Fran Goldsmith), an insufferable Peter Van Norden (his Ralph Brentner and Joe (Billy L. Sullivan) should've been left right out of the script), and some sub-par bit players (including King himself), the cast does a great job. Gary Sinese is solid as Stu Redman. Jamey Sheridan does exceedingly well in a difficult role; he captures Randall Flagg's charm as well as his creepy glee, and he projects intensity and an appropriately larger-than-life presence without going over the top. (The special effects transforming him into a demon were a very bad idea. He was doing fine creeping us out without them; they turned his character into a cartoon.) Laura San Giacomo is perfectly cast as Nadine Cross; she is vivid and mesmerizing as a damned woman. Ruby Dee actually gives Mother Abigail more depth than King did. Corin Nemec has obviously read the novel, and he adds shades to Harold Lauder that were absent from the script. The character of Larry Underwood loses quite a bit of dimension from page to screen, but Adam Storke gives it a good shot. Miguel Ferrer makes Lloyd Henreid memorable. Matt Frewer makes an entertaining nutcase. Shawnee Smith is vivid as a creepy sex bomb. Ed Harris and Kathy Bates manage to give full performances with very small roles. Surprisingly enough, out of the cast, it is Rob Lowe's interpretation of his character (Nick Andros) that comes closest to his book counterpart.