This TV movie, based on the Stephen King novel, gives new meaning to the term “speed trap.”

The Bangor author has written the teleplay and serves as co-executive producer with director Mick Garris, a veteran of past King TV productions. So, of course, it successfully captures the flavor of the novel.

It’s set in Desperation, Nev., one of those rundown, former mining towns. But what it lacks in terms of industry, it more than makes up for in demonic possession.

It seems that when the townsfolk reopened the old mine, a deep, dark secret from its history came back to bite them. Repeatedly.

One by one, tourists get picked off by the local sheriff (played with schizophrenic relish by Ron Perlman) and hauled to the local hoosegow. They soon rightfully fear for their lives.

So, as is the case in several King books, this small cadre of strangers must summon up their courage and defeat this menace, for the good of mankind. Don’t get attached to any of this cast of TV character actors, because, natch, several of them fall along the way.

Now, anytime a nearly 600-page novel gets boiled down to a 21/4-hour movie, plot points get left along the side of the road, much like the abandoned vehicles in this film. Viewers should chalk up anything they can’t follow to atmosphere. There’s lots of atmosphere in “Desperation.”

Still, there’s much to like about the telefilm, for those very willing to suspend disbelief. King, Garris and company have concocted a dark thrill ride that moves along at a rapid clip. It’s a good old-fashioned B movie with plenty of suspense, a big dose of gore and a battered good triumphing over evil in the end. (Dale McGarrigle, BDN)