Personally I would not have cast him, but all of the other performances are top notch.
It makes it all the more horrific when all hell does break loose, because the people who are getting hurt are ones that you know. It was nice to see a King horror film where his great talent of touching on the reality of a small town, has been exploited. It is a film of the slow build and of a gradual getting to know the characters, their obsessions, their fears and prejudices. 'The Mist' is a great film, perfectly structured, but a film that requires patience.
I am glad to say that 'The Mist' is nearly as good again. 'The Shawshank Redemption' has become a modern classic and 'The Green Mile' was nearly as good. Stephen King has been very good for Frank Darabont. But my choice as the benchmark Stephen King adaptation would probably be 'The Shawshank Redemption', directed by Frank Darabont.
Tell me, what do you consider to be the most successful Stephen King adaptation, made for film or television? 'Carrie'? 'The Dead Zone'? 'Salem's Lot'? 'Stand By Me'? No! Not 'Maximum Overdrive'!! (And if that is your choice, may God forgive you, because I won't.) All of the above, except 'Maximium Overdrive' of course, are great pieces of work.