Destined Cult Classic

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2004)

I have to wonder what the writer of this movie was intending it to be? A comedy, drama or thriller? I'd have to go with the former. The characters in the movie are utterly unbelievable in their presentation and through the dialogue written for them. The premise of the movie (read other reviews for a synopsis) while interesting, brings countless questions, such as; Why did they leave a fear based society to create one? Is the antiquated dialogue and dress really necessary? Also, I can't help but think that during a scene with William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver that they are both wondering why they are in such a ridiculous movie? No one in the village wishes to discuss "those of whom we do not speak" (aka the monsters outside their five-building village) which after a while gets hilarious, as does the mention of the "magic rocks" that ward off the predators with one character wondering, "How come we haven't heard of these before?" The "Secret Shed" and "Secret Boxes" no one bothers to investigate. No one helps the poor blind rich girl who trips over everything, and no one can find an injured villager when there are only a limited number of dwellings. Don't get in trouble or you'll go to the "quiet room". If this was shown here at the Sundance Film Festival, it would have been laughed at. The Blair Witch Project was a real thriller which deserved the praise it got. The Village is more of an absurd parody. Rarely if ever scary, it's certainly not a thriller. The drama is laughable so it's not that. If you want a good laugh travel to the village. This, much like "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is sure to become a cult classic.