Disappointing!

Rating: Null/10 (12 August 2004)

I am a huge M. Night Shyamalan fan. His first three studio films were all unique and interesting twists on his own formula of what I like to call a "slow creep to a surprise ending." They all have a few jumps, screams or shocks, then, it all comes together and makes you think about the entire film for the next week. After seeing all of the pre-release promotional pieces on "The Village," I was geared up for another chapter in Shyamalan's book of suspense/horror short stories. I was very disappointed. The performances were bland at best with the exception of Ms. Howard in 3/4 of the film. I understand all of the underlying meanings and subtexts and all that...I always enjoy the thought processes invoked by his storytelling, but in this case, that "slow creep" I mentioned was more of a "long drag!" What a let down! Once the true identity of "those we do not speak of" is revealed, I just gave up that there would be any sort of redemption for this film. The promotional campaign did it's job well...it tricked us all into thinking we would see a scary movie...I felt sort of suckered! The big surprise at the end really just made me (and the people I went with) shrug my shoulders and say, "Big Deal!"