To dismiss this as another `sci-fi alien flick' would be a shame.

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 2002)

Director M. Night Shyamalan (`The Sixth Sense') has delivered one of the best films of the summer hands down. To dismiss this as another `sci-fi alien flick' would be a shame. He has crafted a film (and a style) that brings the viewer in with what they're expecting or wanting to happen and comes out with a deeper story without letting the audience down. He doesn't try to `dumb down' his ideas, which is why it will probably not have the same effect on those that just come in for some glazed-eyed mindless entertainment.
This is not like `Independence Day' or even `Mars Attacks' in its approach. Yes, there are aliens and yes, you do see them, but they're not quite like all of the other aliens. They're not cute like `E.T.' and they're not trying to blow up everything like in `ID4'. While I won't describe them and spoil their appearance, they're merely there to bring you in. The story is deeper than that and the focal point is in Graham Hess' (Mel Gibson) character. Closer to something Hitchcock or Spielberg would do, Shyamalan keeps up the suspense and sense of wonder rather than going for the cheap thrill.
The difference between this one and his previous two hits (`Sixth Sense' and `Unbreakable') is that instead of waiting for the surprise ending, Shyamalan lays everything out on the table and still has you waiting for the next surprise, just as the characters are. There's not the big payoff in the end so much as in the way the story unfolds.
The mix of suspense and a newfound sense of humor go surprisingly well together here. His ability to bring you into the film and keep you there is amazing. In a theater full of people, there was hardly any noise from the audience and very few people even got up for a restroom break. To captivate an audience for two hours in this day and age is quite an impressive feat.

This one is definitely worth checking out in the theater. If you can accept the fact that that nothing blows up and that you may have to actually think a little and pay attention, then don't wait for video on this one. See for yourself why many people are referring to Shyamalan as the new `master of suspense'.