Unlike Merrill, M. Night does not strike out.

Rating: 9/10 (14 August 2002)

Shyamalan's movies are characterized by chilly camera angles and eerie soundtracks, but his greatest talent is in understanding his audience, and how they work. Consequently, this movie is one of the funniest I've seen in a long time, as well as the scariest--he alternates between the two to give us time to recover. So while it is spooky, the suspense is not always at a high level, making the movie enjoyable and the jumps and screams fun. I will be the first to admit,though, that I was a bit reluctant to turn off the light the night after seeing it.
Most of the complaints about this movie seem to be about its implausability, which is odd, as movies are supposed to be a break from reality. If you really want something realistic, go watch a documentary. And as for complaints about the aliens themselves, Shyamalan's neatly skewered you with Proffessor Bimboo's book, and Merrill's theory on The Nerds.
Well written and well acted, it's interesting to note how few people there are in this movie. Four main characters, two supporting, and a few people we see only once. This adds to the feeling of isolation, and it allows us to really get to know the Hess family, especially Graham (Mel Gibson). Gibson does an excellent job in this movie, portraying the ex-reverend with a sublime subtlety; he never over-acts, but moves seamlessly from gentle humor to fear and terror. You can't help but empathize with him.
The rest of the cast is great, too, M. Night can act as well as write and direct. Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix) provides effortless laughs, and the two children, police officer, et al, are quality.
The actual direction does not dissapoint, either, and the details are what make this movie great, not just good. The circle patterns on the curtains, the sense of timing that makes everything fit together in the end and still be surprising, the alien pattern on the tv as they finish boarding up the house...look for these things and you will enjoy the movie that much more.
Alfred Hitchcock remarked that a good thriller should play the audience like a piano. If you see this movie, you'll be putting yourself in Shyamalan's hands, to be frightened and humored, and as Merrill might say, stiiiiiiiiimulated. So do yourself a favor, if you go to see this movie intent on picking it apart, just stay home. But if you want an enjoyable hour or two, which will stick with you and may even provoke thoughts, then see this movie and enjoy.