Creepy and Chilling!

Rating: 8/10 (15 November 2014)

I bet this review is going to receive plenty of backlash, but I happened to be one of those people who enjoyed the Happening in some capacity. While there were some flaws to be had, I was kept on edge for the entire film and I was given the creeps more often than not. The premise is also scary enough as this film is more of an environmental thriller that poses the question, "What would happen if trees and plants decide to protect themselves after years of global warming?"
M.Night Shymalan's film is about this invisible toxin produced by the trees and those who come into contact with it commits suicide. A science teacher named Elliot and his wife, Alma must stay ahead of the wind in order to stay alive and figure out why this is happening.
Now the weakest part of the film may have to do with the acting. Like many others, I agree that Mark Wahlberg was pretty bad thanks to his forced overacting. He is generally a great actor, but this performance was laughable. However, Zooey Deschanel was a good presence as always and she did a rather solid job.
Overall, The Happening may not be the greatest thriller ever made, but it was often chilling and always kept me asking what is going to happen next. The screenplay is decent, but some of the dialog seems clammy. But on the whole, the film does have an excellent premise. The first hour of the film was very strong, before it gives away to a weaker ending. But on the whole, I enjoyed it. I rate this film 8/10.