extremely critical, not a recommendation

Rating: Null/10 (20 September 2004)

Given a cast of very competent people, the disappointing results of this movie must be blamed on the script and director. First problem; this is a pretentious piece of work, with a plodding pace which seems to advertise itself as Great Cinema. I was shocked at the ponderous feel of the acting, so self-conscious. Even Sigourney Weaver seemed to be laying it on a bit too thick. The so-called twists were unbelievable and contrived. How could this whole village of throw-backs be so dense as to imagine a whole tribe of creatures really existed? How could the village not have been already discovered by the Enquirer? Are there no satellite pictures? No private planes flying about? Members of the audience I watched with snickered when blind Ivy blundered her way into the 21st century. The hushed dialog was painful to understand, the music irritating. I'm amazed that so many people are duped into thinking this is a good movie. It's as bad as Signs, even more tedious. M. Night is a one-shot wonder, Stay Away!