superb if you stop expecting the Sixth Sense

Rating: Null/10 (1 August 2004)

"The Village" can either be skillfully directed, poignantly chilling, and creepingly eerie, or a huge bust, depending on what you expect. If you anticipate another Sixth Sense, with a huge twist ending that validates the rest of the movie, then expect to be disappointed. But if you see the movie with no prior expectations and just relish in the suspense and horror, this can be one of the best, most haunting movies you've ever seen. A little ludicrous, sure, but what movie isn't?
And if, after you've seen the ending and feel empty, ask yourself what ending could Shyamalan have tried that would have worked for you. If you do, you'll realize how good a director he is.