If You Go Into The Woods Today, You Better Not Go Alone...

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2004)

If you want to scare the pants off of anyone, let them use their imagination. Don't tell them what's in the box, around the corner, lurking in the woods, whether the Boogie Man is real or not. Just let their minds carry them to that place where they're nice and comfortable, spark their curiosity, and then let them fill in the blanks. Twisted endings work for this writer, sometimes, this was not one of those times. Unfortunately, about half way through this film, I had most of the premise figured out. I'm not saying you won't enjoy this movie, that it won't make you think, or that it won't make you want to see it again, I'm just saying that you might not want to buy it and watch it again and again like the Sixth Sense. M. Night Shyamalan reminds me of someone who tried drugs once and got immediately addicted from one acid trip. He tries to recreate that `high' and apparently hasn't been told about that thing that only happens once, movie virginity and beginner's luck. He can't claim innocence because he keeps putting himself into his films and his cameos are weak, at best. On the other hand, he's cast some wonderful actors in his film and the development of Ron Howard's daughter, Bryce, as a major player is an interesting thing to watch. I'd put her in the same league with Alison Lohman. I won't leave with any puns about `It takes a village, etc', but I will say if you see it, don't give away the ending to your friends and neighbors.let their imaginations carry them along as far as it can.