Unoriginally different

Rating: 2/10 (31 July 2004)

If you have seen "Signs", then don't anticipate anything different in terms of directing style. The only difference is nobody can be scared by this 2-hour snooze fest. "The Sixth Sense" was amazingly scary, with a twist that very few predicted. "Unbreakable" was a good comic-book movie. "Signs" was pleasant in that it had you on the edge of your seat, even if there was no surprise ending. All of these films were unique and poignant, with their own style and plot. "The Village" gives nothing new to the viewer except a bad taste in the back of the mouth. The movie, unlike the other films, was like them.
"The Village" has a surprise ending that comes from out of left-field while still not surprising anyone. It didn't challenge the viewer because the ending didn't make sense with the rest of the film. The viewer is left in their seat disappointed that none of the plot holes are mended and that their popcorn is stale.
Shyamalan is so self-righteous as to make us believe that we will be entertained by this sequel to "Signs". He even manages to get himself in the film (the setting is a small village with only white residents).
This movie will make you feel intelligent, because you may in fact be smarter than Shyamalan or any of the actors' agents. And for Pete's sake, what was Lucius' color? Oh right, we don't need to do. That's film-making. Gimme a break.