Tuesday, October 26, 2021

'The Stand: Two-Series Collection' BD: King Meets Abrams


 


The unexpected joy regarding the CBS Home Entertainment October 5, 2021 BD release of both the 1994 miniseries and the 2020 Paramount+ limited series of the Stephen King novel "the Stand" relates to the latter greatly exceeding all expectations. 

It seems that the Trump administration and the Covid pandemic provided the cast and crew the necessary perspective to bring the material to life. This is not to mention the clear influence of the JJ Abrams 2004-10 series "Lost."

This release further aptly coincides with the debut of the CBSHE (reviewed) DVD set of S1 of the CBS network  procedural "Clarice." That series tells the tales of the titular fed a year after her adventures around which "The Silence of the Lambs" revolve. 

The following trailer for the 2020 version perfectly illustrates how all the elements combine to successfully bring this story that reflects our times to life. This is particularly apparent as to the performances of Whoppi Goldberg and her equally well-cast peers. 


Our story begins in the wake of the rapid spread of the "Captain Trip" virus that has eradicated 99.4 percent of the human population. The first "chapters" in this production with a strong novel vibe introduces us to the "leftovers" that will drive the primary action. This portion of the film evokes heavy vibes of the film version of  "The Mist" in which King revolves the action around a military experiment gone horribly awry.

These everymen are adjusting to their new normal when they either are assigned to a mission from God or are subject to temptation that leads to declaring that the devil made them do it. 

Goldberg shines (pun intended) as 108 year-old Mother Abagail, who takes a "Field of Dreams" approach to wishing her recruits into a childless cornfield in the most needy plea ever to visit Grandma at the nursing home. Goldberg stating in an interview for the truly special feature "An Apocalyptic Epic: Adapting 'The Stand'" that she has wanted to play Abagail since reading the novel 40 years ago helps explain how her performance is spot-on; this sister can act. 

Alexander Skarsgard does equally well in this portrayal of the Satanic Randall Flagg. The manner in which this quietly sinister stud visits his soldiers is much more of nightmare than a dreamscape. One spoiler is that one recruiting scene will make even the most devout vegetarian crave a roast-beef sandwich.

The good guy "Scooby Doobies" include good ole boy Stu Redman (James Marsden). His being the first identified member of the "chosen people" earns him the distinction of being a guest of the state. This unfortunate incarceration ends when the brass realizes that the virus cannot be contained.

Nick Andros goes from being crucified at the "New Vegas" capital of Flagg to being a mysterious messiah in Boulder, which is where Scooby gang has established their "village." 

The "Really Rottens" include Maineiac Harold Lauder (Owen Teague), who is a stereotypical Columbine-style excitable boy. His obsession with popular girl next-door Frannie Goldsmith (Odessa Young) provides a catalyst for a significant portion of the ensuing trauma-and-drama. 

Fine young cannibal Lloyd Henreid (Nat Wolff) is being driven crazy (and he just can't help himself) when Flagg makes him an offer that he cannot refuse. The manner in which Henreid revels as to his deluded sense of importance among the Vegas decadence is a series highlight.

The must-see gag reel proves that Wolff fully understands his character. This scene shows Wolff going from fully channeling Jack Nicholson in "The Shining" to HILARIOUSLY breaking character on making an equally amusing gaffe. This transformation shows that Wolff clearly should have a better fate than Lauder in the "marry, 'breed', kill" game. 

Amber Heard deserves special props for her portrayal of veteran foster child Nadine Cross, whom Flagg (rather than the Greek gods) destines for his version of greatness. The awesome source material this time is "Rosemary's Baby." 

In true novel fashion, roughly the first third of "Stand" tells the aforementioned backstories and puts the "chess pieces" in their respective positions. This leads to the main story that revolves around the buildup to the final showdown. Although epic, that battle royale turns out to not be so epic lightning in a bottle.

All of this concludes with a special treat for fans of King and "Stand" that further distinguishes it from the 1994 mini-series. The series-finale is an epilogue based on a script that King writes specifically for this production. This highly important Adam and Eve story can be considered the day after the day after tomorrow. We also get a taste of the evil yet to come that shows that you cannot keep a bad man down.

All of this amounts to the chance to compare-and-contrast both versions of "Stand" during the season-of-the-witch and any other time of the year. 


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