I have to wonder if this film would have been nearly as good without the likes of Johnny Depp in the key role of Mort Rainey.Thankfully we don't have to know. I have heard the phrase recently on the title of an article about Depp..."a little Depp will do ya" well, in this case, "a lotta Depp will do as well and quite well"! I became an instant fan of his and the movie after seeing his work in "Pirates of the Caribbean",but, it was this film that made me truly appreciate what a gifted actor Depp truly is and it forced me to go back and rewatch his other work I had seen and watch his work I had not seen. All of which I was never disappointed. Let me just say I loved this movie. I stayed intrigued throughout the entire film and the ending did surprise me unlike some other reviews I have read who seemed disappointed. Don't let the fact that it was only in theaters for 2 or 3 weeks fool you. Its very good. I had not read the book because I really don't care for much of Stephen King's books so maybe that was a plus for me...I don't know. But this movie I take exception to even though I understand there were a few changes. It was "based" on the novella though keep in mind. Depp commanded the screen which is good since there were many many scenes with just him or with him and his dog Chico. I was never bored watching him play Mort. He was quirky, strange, an unpredictable and at many times very very humorous. In fact I chuckled and laughed quite often and was thoroughly entertained as well.Isn't that why we usually see a movie? Depp spilled out his lines as if he really was Mort. This could have been a character you didn't like,but, you did like him..you couldn't help yourself. Depp became the character ,which he usually does in all of his films, and you believe him. I was on the edge of my seat many times and trying to figure things out throughout all of it and then was very surprised in the end, and, afterall..."all that really matters is the ending"! I think many will be pleasantly surprised when they view this. Don't go watching this expecting the book on screen there were changes and some have said they were glad there were. Watch this as another intriguing Depp film. I am constantly amazed at how it seems every single character this man plays is different from the last one unlike so many actors who keep playing the same type of role in movie after movie. This is a good film. I don't think you will be disappointed.Charles Dutton did a nice job as well. I love that guy and he always plays these interesting characters in films as well. Mario Bello and Tim Hutton were good although Depp just simply outshined them. The characters were necessay, but, this was Depp's film. I think you will like it.