Where's Captain Planet when you need him? Lazy bum!

Rating: 5/10 (13 June 2008)

So what can we expect from Night's first R-rated outing? Meh, really not that much. Just like his past couple, Night's films are really beginning to be pretty damn weak. And with his latest flick, The Happening, which sounds like a Bentley Little book (only if), you're given the same Night treatment. A movie that works and doesn't work all at the same damn time.
In The Happening you got people killing themselves due to a supposed neuro-toxin that the plants are dishing out. Why? Because we're not treating Mother Earth so nice. Well, that's one theory. The idea is kinda cool, revenge of Mother Nature. But when you can predict what's going on, by the oh-so obvious direction (cue mysterious music with gloomy shot of swaying trees) the movie immediately becomes an adventure flick instead of some sort of mystery. So, about 20 minutes in, I get the jist and the only thing I slightly care about is how they're gonna stay alive. The way the movie played out was okay enough, I guess, but the writing and acting by all involved, minus Leguizamo and the slack-jawed dude from O'Brother, were laughable and completely overly dramatic. Marky Mark....why is he so damn breathy in all his friggin flicks? If his character isn't abrasive, forget it. The writing, God the writing. I don't know what's going on here, but if anyone truly thinks this is professional stuff, go to the zoo and jump in the lion cage. And what a stupid scene that was......was that guy made of jello? Arms do not pop off that easily. Ugh....
The Happening's good aspects is the production value. It's a great looking and sounding film. But the story, writing, acting, and even direction is all average to weak. With barely anything interesting or shocking happening after the first 20 minutes, the movie just pulls you along for an average, uneventful feeling ride. Go see it if you're a M.Night Fanboy or you're easily impressed.