Review of Desperation

Although this film starts off relatively well, grabbing viewers' interest and setting up the situation nicely, it does not take long before the film becomes nothing more than mediocre filler for a prime-time spot; what could have--should have--been a terrifying and freaky story soon becomes an eye-roller of the most predictable sort. However, this should not have been the case. Ron Perlman's acting is superb, and he does, at first, enable the casual viewer to get slightly uncomfortable. Tom Skerrit is also excellent, although to see him play something other than "the bad guy" is something certain viewers may have difficulty getting used to. Kelly Overton, of course, is aesthetically pleasing, and the scene where she orgasms because of the demon statue is sure to give select viewers a little bit of excitement, making the film somewhat of a reward.

However, along the way something goes wrong. First, it should be said that it is not the story itself because the novel "Desperation" is aptly written by King. Essentially, the flaw in the film "Desperation" is that it was made for television; this is the downfall. "Desperation" should have been on the big screen, complete with gore and carnage and an R rating. As it stands, "Desperation" is a film that is trying to be scary while simultaneously being Conservative and mainstream and trying not to offend at the same time. Stephen King just does not belong on prime-time, not, that is, if the intention is to scare and disturb.