Stupendous surprise!

Rating: 9/10 (11 September 2013)

This movie really caught me by surprise! I saw it in a theatre on the big screen when it was first released and only knew that it dealt with the problems of a special young child.
I watched the introductory scenes, trying, as I always do, to absorb all of the clues. In a really good movie, every single thing that is presented--whether it be visual, audio, or implied--is an important piece of the puzzle, especially in stories about mystery and/or the supernatural.
Having seen all of M Night Shyamalan's other movies, I didn't expect very much. Although his ideas are usually quality, somehow the movie versions somehow always seem to fall short on the big screen. But, this particular story really delivered! A visual artist, myself, I am most often able to "see through" a developing story line by using the above-mentioned clues presented during the story progression. This was just about the only movie that really fooled me. It was so expertly handled that I simply "glossed over" the beginning sequence of events and allowed myself to become swept up by the fairly fast-paced plot and forgot to consider doubt in the general premise of the story.
Excellent acting, especially by Mr. Willis and amazing young Mr. Osment, definitely contributed to the story, as did all other actors, who never once phoned in their performances but, also, did not overplay their roles either, making this unusual story seem quite plausible. The sets, costumes, and even musical score were appropriate and added a real air of authenticity. Great direction and production values also contributed to a fine overall production.
Just about one second before the rest of the audience "caught on" to the stunning plot twist near the end of the movie, I almost jumped up out of my chair and screamed, "I get it! He's.....! Now, it all makes perfect sense!"
After leaving the theatre, all the way to the back of the parking lot, all I could talk about to my companions was my complete surprise and how this quite remarkable movie production suckered me in at the start and kept me guessing until the final scene!
Enjoy this outstanding movie in the comfort of your own home, without pausing the DVD at any point and let it take you firmly by the hand and move you through the storyline without discussion along the way. I hope you will be as surprised as I was! 9 out of 10!!!