Really well done

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2003)

I think this movie was really great. I couldn't help but think of Hitchcock movies when I first saw it. The way the camera moves and sustains long, steady, unmoving shots really creates suspense that can't be matched with computer generated aliens. Hitchcock was the master of this type of suspense, and Shamylan can't quite be compared with Hitchcock, but their styles are similar, and I think that's refreshing. (The cameos that Hitchcock was famous for are even being reincarnated by Shamylan.) Instead of trying to scare us with gore and disturbing images, we have to deal with constant tension and fear of the unknown. Shamylan lets us use our imaginations, which is scarier than throwing aliens in our faces and showing us what we are supposed to be scared of. Other than just being suspenseful, the humor that is intertwined to lighten the mood really makes it enjoyable. The cursing scene and the comment about the female Scandinavian Olympian were especially amusing. But even more than the suspense and humor, the deeper questions that the story bring up really make the movie great. Good movies are meant to entertain you, but great movies make you think, and this movie made me think. The whole "is it possible that there are no coincidences" got my mind going. Contrary to what other people have been saying in their comments, I think M. Night Shamylan is a promising director who has a fulfilling career ahead of him.