Another M. Night Shyamalan WINNER!

Rating: 9/10 (23 April 2009)

Take it from a sci-fi fan, this is an excellent movie. Again those who criticize it are clueless. What makes it work are many things; the way the aliens are filmed where you see only shadows and quick shots of them and especially those creepy clicking sounds they make. The actors are well cast and highly effective in moving things along and adding to the film's authenticity. Tak Fujimoto's brilliant cinematography also adds realism and moodiness to the proceedings as does James Newton Howard's score. Mel Gibson is great as usual as is Joaquin Phoenix who adds a touch of humor to the story. Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin in her film debut illustrate why they are exceptional young actors. Shyamalan's pacing and techniques are indicative of his film making talent. His screenplay makes this just as much a testing of one's faith tale as it is a science fiction story. I am hoping that Shyamalan will re-discover the creativity of his early films as they are exceptional works of film-making.