Four Characters in Search of an Author

Rating: 8/10 (7 August 2002)

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Mr. Shyamalan is in danger of becoming a one-shot wonder. Both Signs and Unbreakable are stylish thrillers with excellent acting and excellent direction, but the stories in both leave you scratching your head afterwards - is that it?! The structure of the movie is great, all kinds of disparate events coming together at the end when all is made clear, but to what end? It's like building Fort Knox to house a Ronald McDonald Happy Meal toy! I keep holding out hope that he will be able to recreate the terrific adventure that the Sixth Sense was, but, sorry to say, it doesn't look like it's going to happen. So much talent, so little payoff!