4/5

Rating: Null/10 (17 September 2004)

SPOILER ALERT!!! TWIST REVEALING!!!
I think this movie was well put together despite the claims of others. The acting was sound if not perfect but Bryce Dallas Howard was brilliant. Brody was not The Pianist but still knew his role, Phoenix underacted slightly but I can't help feeling this was original intention. Plain, simple, open man plain, simple, open acting.
The direction was perceptive and steady, the cinematography inspiring. MNS knew his mood and his characters: knowledge that con only come from being writer and director. He did however have the subtlety of a gay parade. Once again this seemed intentional as his other films eg. Unbreakable and Signs have retained subtlety. Basic living, basic angles.
Those who criticize the script need to get a life! MNS equals far fetched: deal with it! Sure there are plot holes but some people on the message boards criticize too readily without thinking it through. MNS covered most of his bases. The scene when Ivy hobbled around hand outstretched searching for the unconscious Lucius was brilliant. The twist was clever and two fold. MNS let you see the first half before the climax but kept the second half nestled way for the very end. CLEVER We all felt we had him beat we could all see that it was a hoax but the whole modern thing was concealed yet slowly, steadily revealed. DOUBLE CLEVER! It had us all kicking ourselves for not noticing! TRIPE CLEVER! The concept was fantastic and all possible clichés avoided. The last line left the Village's future open. Take it from a screenwriter- it deserves more credit than some are willing to give it.
Well worth the ticket price. 4/5
P.S sorry about the spelling and grammar...if there are any mistakes....I am in a hurry and prone to typographical errors