Definition of overblown

Rating: Null/10 (8 April 2000)

I can't figure it out. What's the big deal with this film? It wasn't the worst thing I've ever seen, but it's nowhere near the top, and certianly not one I would place on a 'best picture' roster. I'm firmly convinced that Willis is incapable of breaking out of his dull monotone, and although Osment was fairly good, several of his scenes left me with my eyes rolling. The dialog for the most part was howlingly stilted, but provided for plenty of laughs. The supposed suprise ending was nothing of the sort, and left me thinking "yeah, so what?" I'm sure Shayamalan is in love with his home town, but the way he presents it is dull and uninspired and makes it look about as fun to live in as the town I'm in. Also I can't figure out why people watch this ten times in a row. I saw it once, got the plot (?!?!) and feel no need, or desire, to watch it again. Every now and then a majorly hyped movie lives up to it's expectations, but this one left me with one thought: "thank God it didn't win Best Picture". If it did I might have to pull the Vincent Grey routine with the Academy voters.