A strange phenomenon originating from a notorious section of woodland impacts life in a quiet Maine community. A writer, portrayed by Marg Helgenberger, finds herself captivated by the source of these disturbances within the woods, while her partner battles alcoholism and struggles to understand what’s unfolding (Jimmy Smits). Adapted from Stephen King's novel, “The Tommyknockers” (1993) initially aired as a two-part television miniseries—essentially a lengthy movie clocking in at three hours. The film received an R rating for purported science fiction terror and horror, along with a brief, restrained intimate scene, though it arguably would have been fine rated PG-13. The narrative echoes the science fiction/horror films of the 1950s (I’d like to reference a specific work from that period but I'm holding back in case anyone hasn’t already familiarized themselves with the material). The story might have flowed better if it had been trimmed down and released as a two-hour film. As presented, there is some unnecessary length, and my attention occasionally drifted, especially during the middle portion. However, assuming you don't mind the three-hour duration, the movie successfully introduces the town and its people amidst the increasingly unusual occurrences. The kindness and affection displayed by certain characters are contrasted with the indulgence of others. The final twenty minutes really deliver a satisfying and somewhat disturbing conclusion. Marg Helgenberger looks quite good in jeans, and Traci Lords embodies the expected overt sexuality, but she performs adequately. Filming took place in Puhoi, New Zealand, about thirty minutes north of Auckland; some interior scenes were shot in warehouses located within Auckland. The cast includes John Ashton & Joanna Cassidy as police officers, Robert Carradine & Annie Corley as restaurant owners, Traci Lords & Cliff De Young as postal workers and Allyce Beasley as his wife, a deputy sheriff. E.G. Marshall also appears. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB