Or are you just happy to see me?
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Wednesday nights on TNT
The infamous Stephen King has returned with another classic made for TV production. Airing on TNT, Nightmares and Dreamscapes, an eight-episode mini-series is based on King's short stories. Battleground is the premiere episode and a strong starter. It will air commercial-free on Wednesday, July 12 at 9 p.m.. This one is definitely a must-see. After a few consecutive disappointments, the master of television horror has returned and triumphed. Battleground follows John Renshaw (William Hurt) a professional hitman. Initially, we see him kill a toy manufacturer. Renshaw's motive and the toy manufacturer's wrongdoing are unknown and really these details are unimportant. After having completed "the job" Renshaw receives a package at his front door, which ends up being a toy platoon of little army men. The toys have apparently come back for revenge and the rest of the episode plays out in a battle between Renshaw and these army men. The special effects are great and you will find yourself really getting caught up in the battle. There is absolutely no dialogue throughout the entire film but because it is so well written, you'll hardly notice that no one ever says a word.
Airing July 19 at 9 p.m. is Umney's Last Case, a disappointing episode. Hopefully the entire series will not descend in quality. Umney's Last Case is the story of a writer who decides to switch places with one of his characters, a cheesy 1930's detective named Sam Landry (William H. Macy). It just doesn't work. The acting is bad, even for a King production, and the story can't quite hold your interest. The scary element is lost and may render you simply bored, only watching in hope that something will happen to turn the episode around and make it mildly satisfying. These are only two of the eight episodes, though. Check it out for yourself if for no other reason than to pay respects to a master of horror.
