The Village Of Lies

Rating: 6/10 (31 July 2004)

The biggest problem with this film is not the film itself but the marketing of it. The synopsis, the trailer and other promotional materials of this movie are misleading to the point of being a bold lie. That aside, the film is really not that great: M. Night tries stretch out the suspense but it ends up becoming thin and boring in places; Brody's mentally-handicapped character remarkably manages to overcome his disability at just the right moments, over-conveniently serving the plot. Although, for the most part M. Night's talent as a director is on full display; as well, he has assembled a great cast (as usual).
Nonetheless, I can't help but feel disappointed in the fact that I didn't get what I was promised in the ads. Many people are going to see this film because they know there is a surprise ending, but I'm willing to bet that most (if not all) of them will walk unsatisfied, even feeling cheated, largely due to the mishandling by the marketing department. 6 outta 10.