My Review of Salem's Lot (2004)

 

Written by Peter Filardi

Directed by Mikael Salomon

Ben: "Beneath the postcard camouflage, there's little good in small towns. Mostly boredom, interspersed with a dull, mindless, moronic evil."

Before I get to the 2024 Max movie version, I have this second attempt of a miniseries to get to. I liked the one from 1979, so perhaps this one will be just as good?

Well, you've got network TV icon Rob Lowe in one of his first gigs after departing The West Wing. Here he's playing the role of Ben Mears and he's backed up by a generally cast of familiar actors, who step into their respective roles nicely.

You've got Samantha Mathis as the tragically doomed love interest Susan Norton and while I don't think the romance between her and Lowe's Ben has the same impact as the 1979 version, I did like her death scene. Overall, the romance might be the weaker element of this version in general.

As for the characters that work the best, I actually think both James Cromwell and Andre Braugher gave the best performances as Father Callahan and Matt Burke respectively. Oftentimes both of them actually outshone Rob Lowe in this two part miniseries. They're so great to watch onscreen.

Then there's the villains of the piece. Rutgar Hauer and Donald Sutherland can play villains in their sleep and both are on solid form as Kurt Barlow and Richard Straker in this adaptation. Are they career best performances from either actor? Nope, but they're good nonetheless and that's what counted here.

Last but not least was the role of Mark Petrie. I'd say Dan Byrd was pretty solid in the role and there's a nice Batman/Robin style dynamic between Mark and Ben. I should note that this miniseries does take a much different ending compared to the previous. It kind of works too. 

- This aired for two nights on TNT from June 20th-21st in 2004.

- The subplots involving the residents are largely kept intact with cheating Doctor Jimmy Cody (Robert Mammone) also playing a supporting role in the main plot.

- Standout music: Gob's version of Paint It Black.

- Chronology: This was given a 2000s setting, which worked in its favour.

The 2004 version of Salem's Lot does hold up strong enough. Not quite as compelling as the 1979 version but the performances are good and I do like some of the differences made. I'm mixed on the ending but it does work in its own way.

Rating: 6 out of 10