It was indeed rather challenging to read in the screenplay format. The way it was presented made it a bit difficult to fully engage with the story. However, I have taken the step of ordering the movie. I'm hoping that seeing it brought to life on the big screen will offer a different and perhaps more enjoyable experience.

At the same time, I can't help but think that I would have liked it even better if it had been written as a novel. In a novel, the author has more room to explore the characters' thoughts, feelings, and backstories in greater detail. The narrative can flow more smoothly, allowing the reader to truly immerse themselves in the world of the story.

Nevertheless, I'm still looking forward to watching the movie and seeing how it interprets the screenplay. Maybe it will surprise me and offer a unique perspective that I wouldn't have gotten from reading it in either format. Only time will tell.

I remember seeing Storm of the Century (the movie) when it first came out and truly, deeply loving it. I've watched it several times since then, but I had yet to read the screenplay, so I decided to do so.

I have to admit that I wasn't disappointed. I'm not sure if I would say that one version is better than the other. Each brings its own unique elements to the table. The movie version features the creepily perfect Colm Feore, and while the book has stills from the movie, they just don't capture his essence fully. The movie also has special effects and interpretations that King left open, and in this case, since he wrote it with that in mind, it enhances the overall experience rather than detracting from it as movie adaptations often do. However, the book has little glimpses of King's personality shining through it. The sections of information and direction, which I "heard" in King's voice (OK, not his actual voice, but the one I imagine in my head for him - is that strange?), are filled with references to other works (such as Dolores Claiborne and The Shining) and humorous asides. These lighten the mood and make us feel as if we're floating above, watching the action unfold while the clouds narrate.

The book was undoubtedly all King. His influence is evident throughout. I don't know why I'm stating that as if it's not obvious, but for some reason, I just expected a screenplay to feel different. It was like seeing everything in my mind as the movie played out, which is perhaps the point, although many of King's books read like movies. But this one felt distinct to me for another reason that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it was just the format - I'm so accustomed to his novels and their personal touch that this felt like King dictating to someone else and that person writing the words in an odd and unfamiliar handwriting. Maybe I'm not making any sense at all. It could go either way.

I mean, you can see King's touch here simply in the dialogue. One example is the way the townspeople casually use each other's full names as if they were nicknames. It gives it a realism/informal/formality that struck me as something as quintessentially "Maine Islander" as saying "ayuh". But this is subtle, and probably many people find it annoying, but I loved it. It was like a little enhancement that tipped the scales from being a cliched patois to actual speech.

Moving on, I have to say that I really love the character of Andre Linoge. And no, not just because Colm Feore played him on TV, but because he is truly, truly creepy, sinister, and inevitable. He drops into these people's lives without explanation and begins wreaking havoc at every turn. He's horrible, cruel, and evil, yet also charming, funny, and persuasive. And I'll just say that I love the "Legion" reference. Legion is one of my favorite words and concepts, though it rarely comes up in everyday conversation, so when I see it, I always get a little shiver.

The last thing I'll mention here is how much this story reminded me of Pet Sematary. Both stories deal with the loss of a child and are very bleak with little hope of redemption, but they are also both compelling and great stories about the choices that must be made when there are no winning outcomes. Nothing good can come of anything, but you must do something, so what do you do?

It's something worth thinking about. I'll tell you I'm not sorry to have been left out of the vote on this one, but I am glad that I read the book! :)

Basically anything I read from the King gets 5 stars.

This creepy tale told entirely in screenplay format was truly interesting and eerie.

King penned this story a long time ago, specifically envisioning it as a mini series for TV. Due to this, certain elements had to be toned down for the viewing audience.

A massive nor’easter is pounding Maine, and along with it, it brings a dark and powerful force that will stop at nothing to obtain what it desires. There are plenty of chills and kills throughout the narrative.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly wondering what will happen next. The screenplay format adds an extra layer of authenticity, making it feel like you are actually watching a TV show.

Overall, it is a great read that showcases King’s talent for creating suspense and horror.