Tense and thrilling, but a bit weak at the end

Rating: 6/10 (2 August 2002)

This is another remarkable work by M. Night Shyamalan, at least until the ending. The ending wasn't bad, but it lacked the uncertainty that marked his other works. As the end of the movie rolled around there was a point when everything became very obvious and even felt a bit contrived. Of course that was sort of the point but it was still too heavy handed.
The movie as a whole was very beautifully done. The style is completely Shyamalan, who seems to pay extraordinary attention to the visual details. The effect is somewhat diminished by the funny looking aliens... Although I think men in costume are better than the inevitably fake look of CGI.
There was also a small problem with the casting. Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix are supposed to be brothers, but there is clearly at least 20 years of age between them. Sure Mel looks good for his age and Joaquin was made to look old for his age, but the gap was still large enough to be confusing, especially because the chemistry feels more like father-son (or maybe uncle-nephew) than older-younger brother. Incidentally it doesn't become clear until a third of the way through what the relationship is. Of course they both put in good performances, on par with their best.
Aside from the three minor points, too foreshadowed/clean ending, no so good aliens, and the age issue, this movie was very enjoyable. There were moments of laughter to break the tension (too much tension is after all as bad as not enough). The children were amazingly cute (how many Caulkin's are there anyway?). Also it is refreshing to see a large scale problem (aliens) and how it relates to only one specific family, which incidentally prevents the movie from being too preachy. It is about one man's choice and not saying it is globally the right choice. I give it 8/10 with a possible upgrade to 9/10 upon further review.