Not Shyamalan's best work, but still a good movie

Rating: Null/10 (11 September 2002)

This is one of those films that I don't like as much, primarily because I came in expecting it to be so much better. I don't know what it is about the best horror films, but you almost have to go in with the right frame of mind. Perhaps it was in the minute of the film I missed when I went to the bathroom in the middle, but the critical element that brings it all together just wasn't there for me. I am a true fan of Shyamalan's work, but I just felt that this wasn't his best. He excels so much at inserting the cereberal elements into the film that it should be great, but in the end it is the little things that destroy it. I think perhaps the weakest element may have been Mel Gibson's acting. Too many of his scenes in the film seem confused to be a coincidence. Otherwise, the actors are great, especially Joaquin Pheonix. I would recommend any fan of Shyamalan's other work to see the film, because I firmly believe that it can only get better from here.