You can't always trust previews (possible spoilers)

Rating: 2/10 (22 June 2008)

Watching the previews for "The Happening" made me excited for the chance to see it. It seemed to be a return to the glory of early Shyamalan films. I promise to get back to this point but first let me say I believe M. Night Shyamalan has inadvertently branded himself as a twist ending director. After Sixth Sense and Unbreakable it seemed that would be his legacy. Signs and The Village followed the same formula, but for many the endings could be seen long before the movie was over. The Happening lacked the twist ending which isn't inherently bad... but many of the people I was with even believed it lacked even a basic plot. I won't go that far, but there were quite a few things to be were of. For those who haven't seen it I won't go into details, but please if you're planning on taking kids or those who get squeamish urge them not to go. This is not a movie for the faint of heart. The newly re-introduced red R rating means business this time around. Its surprise scary moments come from bloody, grotesque imagery that feel forced when contrasted to the fluid creepiness I found in Shyamalan's early films. Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschannel's dialog felt force and I think the best actors of this film was the wind. I understand Shyamalan's inspiration was to take a page from 50's B movies, but I fear he has fallen quite hard with this one. For me at least this movie made Hostel and Dawn of the Dead (04 version) appear tame. For those of you who like it I'm glad you came out liking it, but from now on I'm waiting for Shyamalan's movies to come to cable...I think it's the last time I'll ever put faith in a trailer. It's a hard lesson isn't it.