It Didn't Happen.

Rating: 3/10 (13 March 2010)

I'd have to say that it's really sad to see M. Night Shyamalan career take a nose dive. After doing the brilliant "The Sixth Sense", M. Night's movies have slowly gotten worse and worse. "Unbreakable" was very good as well, but not as good as "The Sixth Sense". Then came "Signs" with Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, which was also good, but probably not as good as "Unbreakable". The Village was so predictable, it wasn't funny. It wasn't scary and only have a few moments of intense thrills. I was disappointed. Even Jaoquin Phoenix presence couldn't save that movie. "Lady in the Water" was worse. I still have yet to watch this movie from beginning to end. Now we get the Happening. There are so many things wrong with this film it isn't funny. I'm not going to point out everything, just the things I think are critical.
1) The Script: It's completely horrendous. The idea of plants sending out defensive poisons in the air that causes people to kill themselves and others is a bit much. The main problem though is there isn't enough detail given in the beginning or at the end of the movie that tells us what plants are causing this terrible phenomenon. There are theories thrown around, but never any proof that the trees, grass or other plants is causing this effect. It could have been the birds or some other animals releasing some toxin in the air. Who knows? There's no buildup to a definitive answer. There's not even a conclusion. There wasn't even any twist, which M.Nights movies are known for.
2) Characters/Acting: Absolutely no character development in this film. The only one you really feel for is the little girl. Even though 3 months after losing her parents, she's fine leaving with teachers. The only actors who given any kind of descent performance is Zooey Deschanel and Betty Buckley. It's too bad their talents are wasted on this film. Mark Wahlberg's performances goes from good to terrible by the time the film ends. I was hoping the deadly wind would finally get him. Still, you really don't care about any of the people in this film. We just don't know enough about them to care. So many people die so suddenly, that viewers only concern is how the terror can be stopped (and how did it begin).
3) No Drama/Suspense/Action - The movie is pretty boring. There is very little suspense or drama, and almost no action. With a film like this, you want to be on the edge of you seat, but I was almost on my feet ready to walk out. M. Night's direction doesn't draw you into his vision. Too many questions go on unanswered even after the movie ends. Why didn't the deadly wind effect Elliott, Alma or Jess, yet it effected Mrs. Jones? What caused it to suddenly stop? Why didn't it effect the West coast or other countries? Were any of the people who were effected examined? I would think the brain would be the first thing to get examined. Why wasn't the government more involved? The CIA/FBI would have been on this in a heartbeat.
Anyways, "The Happening" just wasn't happening. It's definitely M.Night's worse movie to date. Next up is, "The Last Airbender" based off "The Avatar" books and anime. It can't be any worse then this movie, that's for sure.
I gave "The Happening" 3 stars. Do not buy or rent this movie.