I have to admit I was attracted to the movie because it was based on a Stephen King book. Film adaptations of his works - like The Shining, Dolores Claiborne, Pet Sematary - are great movie viewing. Add in David Cronenberg's direction and acting by Christopher Walkin, Martin Sheen, Herbert Lom and Brooke Adams and this movie was good value. To me, Chris Walkin gives one of his greatest performances in a varied and interesting career. Chris Walkin plays a young man coming back from a life threatening accident. We admire him because he's a nice guy but he faces some major dilemmas (one in particular at the climax of the movie). Martin Sheen is his polar opposite in a role that forces Walkin to take sides in a nasty political fight. Great movie.
Review of The Dead Zone
