Better then II not as good as I

Rating: 7/10 (9 August 2002)

(A couple spoilers so....) Seems most 'really' like this film however I have too many checks that put it down the list. I hope M. takes a back seat on putting himself in his films. The more he's there, the more of a distraction he is. He's not a good actor by any means however he's not bad yet a distraction. I believe if he drops the production side it will strengthen his directing and writing. Yet if he went a step further, I'd like to see what he does simply directing someone elses story and production. Beleive this would show more of what I believe he has. That said, the film was pleasurable in some areas yet weak in others. Phoenix was, as usual, strong in his performance. In fact he and the lil girl were the standouts of the film. Mel, as much as I love him, was average if not below, Mel. Story was interesting for a change and thought it flowed fairly well yet dragged in a couple areas. Some humorous points, a bag or two in fact while still having some spooky aspects about it. For me, it got a bit weak when the (Spoil) Aliens came a knockin. Just didnt connect for me. I didnt 'feel' the threat, I didnt believe the newcasts, I didnt fear anything. Just wasnt put there ya know? I felt like I was watching it from a distance and 'knew' everything was gonna be allright. I mean, this alien is smart enough to travel the universe but stands there while the Babe Ruth could have been, grabs his link to who he once was off the wall, winds up for what seems two minutes and lets him plummel him? They're smart enough to get here, check out fields all over the world yet what is their lethal achillies heal, know nothing about? Like...it 'RAINS HERE AND IF IT EVEN TOUCHES US, WE'LL DIE' Sooooo......why would I fear them? Sorry, just didnt knock my ball outta the park.
So, over all it's surely above average but nothing special. Worth the price of the ticket at least. Surely not a Frank Darrabont Shawshank Redemtion or even a David Fincer Fight Club directorial magic. And I believe he can. Less will give you more M. Concentrate on your potential magic with your Directing abilities.