Hopes Dashed for Happening

Rating: 3/10 (22 June 2008)

I've always liked M. Night's films - even when they were bad, I've liked them, (e.g. "The Lady In The Water.") So I had hopes for his latest. Unfortunately, I can't be as charitable with "The Happening." The story concept was interesting,almost Michael Crichton in style. But Shamayalan played it more like a 'bad' Stephen King movie. While I had no problems with Mark Wahlburg's or Zooey Deschanel's acting per se, the two lead characters were two of the least interesting I'd ever been forced to watch on the big screen. We're supposed to care about their relationship and their futures together, but because they were shallow and half-developed, moments which were meant to be moving, were mundane. Oddly enough, some of the side characters were far more entertaining, and lasted on-screen for only a short time. The only good thing that I can say about this film is that there is some very well- done, disturbing imagery, which stays with you after the film ends. Sadly, it's the only thing that stays with you.