I love the way the story unfolds from master storyteller Shyamalan

Rating: 9/10 (19 January 2009)

Unlike many modern movies that feel the need to spoon feed us info incessantly so that we "get" the movie (either with constant narrating or infantile dialogue) - this movie keeps us guessing as what exactly happened in the past to cause Graham to give up being a priest. I much prefer to have things unfold slowly and allow viewers to discover the facts for themselves.
I think Shyamalan is a master of suspense, similar to Hitchcock, which happens to be one of his idols. This film has so much tension, and yet Shyamalan also allows for moments of comic relief to break up this tension as well. He pays Hitchcock several compliments by copying some of his trademarks - such as making a cameo appearance in the film (although he is a horrible actor. He should do non-speaking cameo's like Hitch). He also uses similar camera techniques like extremely close shots and unusual camera angles and perspectives. There's also a big similarity to Hitchcock's "The Birds" in the way that something is trying to get in the home and they have to board up all the doors and windows.
Thia is one of the few "scary" movies I let my kids watch. It has no blood and gore like the "slasher" movies. It became an ongoing practical joke at my house where my husband would hide and make the alien "clicking" noise - and my kids would just roar with laughter. (of course they would never admit it "scared" them). I like that the film doesn't rely heavily on CGI or other special effects. It makes the film seem more realistic and believable, rather than the product of some big budget Hollywood production.
I also like that the picture has a deeper meaning about whether we think we are alone, or believe that there are "NO coincidences".
I think Gibson's performance was good, but I thought Joaquin Phoenix's was even better. His portrayal of "akwardness" and the failings in his life are so palpable and believable. He seems to be more a 3rd child in the film than Graham's adult counterpart. I absolutely love the scene where he joins the 2 kids on the sofa with the aluminum foil hats. We laughed hysterically. Abigail Breslin's performance was amazing given her very young age - and is a testament to the skilled direction of Shyamalan.
In addition to some comic relief, there are some tender moments - like when Graham relays the story of the kids birth to them at a very tense moment. I had tears in my eyes at how delicately and intimately Gibson delivers these lines - you forget that he's reciting lines and truly believe what he's saying.
I loved the music score - especially the opening credits. It has a chaotic and tense melody. I think the accompanying graphics were cool as well. But the music is a very crucial part in the building of suspense. And the movie gets off to a fast start with the little girl screaming and also sets the stage for a fast pace in the rest of the film.
Word of warning - I have caught this on TV and it is guilty of cutting out key scenes (must be in order to fit in time slot because there is nothing inappropriate about the cut scenes). So be sure to get the DVD so you don't miss anything.