A good old scare.

Rating: 7/10 (14 June 2008)

I can see why people didn't like this film, i genuinely can. The story line never really extends beyond what is presented to us in the first scene. And at times the acting leaves a lot to be desired. But then I, and others who I saw it with, were genuinely scared by the mindless suicide witnessed throughout, and the aftermath of it all. The scene of the hangings springs instantly to mind. And the truly terrifying performance by Betty Buckley. As a horror film, and as a person who enjoys the scare factor of a horror film, I can say this film does not put the genre in a bad light, nor has M. Night. Shyalanan let himself down. The film offered a good blend of horror and sci-fi, and at times, despite cheesy, a comedy edge to it. I feel that if the protagonists had shown a greater bond with each other, and formed emotional attachments with the audience, i would have been more gripped and involved with the film. As it was i felt detached and a mere onlooker. Considering this film left a lot of loose ends untied, and sorry attempts to explain it with a shockingly over the top news report, I thoroughly enjoyed it.