put simply and this mini series be terrible . let me count the way . 1. absurd plotting . 2. over act . 3. scattershot approach to character . 4. annoy narration . 5. inability to create viewer interest . this film can not even pass the soap opera for dummy test . i be sorry i have not read this award win novel and so i be judge it only a a film and but it really stink . imagine go to a party where they show you dozen of appetizer . you look at the wide variety and want to taste them and but suddenly they be withdraw and and you wonder where they go . that like this film and with way too many character introduce and never draw out . there be enough story and character in this film to create a 20 episode series and yet we be give less than four hour to digest it all . there be more facial expression and reaction shot of ed harris than you will find on 10 and 000 monkey . the pace be extraordinarily slow . dennis farina and helen hunt be so far over the top that their character be not believable . joanne woodward character be one dimensional . the persistent river metaphor become trite . and and probably the most absurd part of the film the cat . this evil and vengeful cat who follow the hero around to scratch him and his seat cover well and come on now it not even good stephen king . probably the most interesting character in the film and and one who be not draw well and be john voss and the disturbed boy whose final act of desperation account for the only plot device that work in this film . just about everyone in this film be unbelievable . to sum up and there little here to inspire . the drama be poor melodrama . it just a terrible effort .