Purposefully Flaw-ridden

Rating: 10/10 (1 August 2004)

The language between the elders is contrived, in the old fashioned of "Would I but long for the fevor of the flower"-type of old English. The creatures -are- Halloweenish. I didn't notice any of the microphone sights or anything else like that, then again...I wasn't looking for them. The movie has one glaring flaw involving a mentally challegned village patron, but I am more than happy to over-look this one flaw for the beauty of the rest of the film. Flaw-ridden...yes, contrived language, not-so-scary monsters...but the subtle-savy understand exactly WHY these flaws were made, and the exact ART that was involved with the risk...at the end of the movie. The use of color is -amazing-, but there is a re-occurring question on the part of Ivy to Lucius that is never answered. The violence involved is nothing short of beautiful poetry. Actors take you into the heart of the movie's eerie forlorn tone and hold you there...and the ending scene, while minorly frustrating, leaves you feeling as if they haven't let go. However, Mr. Shyamalan gives us credit of imagination...and by not giving us an "alls well that ends well" gives the audience a credit of intelligence. I felt as if he was saying "You know what happens, no use in wasting your time." AND the HUGE importance of "let down" last scene that was mentioned...you do sit and go..."What tha?"...but later I appreciated the tension, and was glad that the movie didn't "end" traditionally...because to me...the character's didn't end. Though, I must admit...I guessed the ending very close to the beginning of the movie...but I think any director, writer, producer that is KNOWN for twists...well, that sometimes it's easy to expect the unexpected.
Bottom line, it takes a savy palate to enjoy this film, it's full of intelligent humor and smart terror that plays perfectly on the big screen.