Another fine suspense movie from Shyamalan

Rating: 8/10 (17 July 2006)

The powerful human element in The Village makes this so much more than a good Twilight Zone episode. Shyamalan and his terrific cast make you care about the residents of the village -- not just their fear of the menace surrounding them, but also the tragedies, heartache, and joys they experience in their everyday lives. Especially compelling are the younger generation of villagers, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, and Adrien Brody. (The village "elders", led by William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver, are a little less developed.) Add these powerful characters to the expected Shyamalan elements -- intriguing plot twists (plural), gripping cinematography, and a haunting musical score -- and you have another hit by the best maker of suspense films working today.