Bryce Dallas Howard

Rating: 9/10 (7 September 2004)

That about sums it up. Bryce Dallas Howard is one of the best reasons to see this movie. She is talented, funny, and very beautiful. And I'm glad that Shyamalan had the smarts to cast her in her first featured role. Now, for the picture itself, it is a decent one. I'd give it about 2 1/2 stars. It can be sort of a letdown for some viewers. The thing about Shyamalan films that he should realize- they don't require a second viewing. Now, that may or may not be the director's intent. Perhaps his ideology is that "great films should only be viewed once" or something. That's an incorrect assumption. Great films make you want to see them again and again... At any rate, the film has some good qualitites. The cinematography is splendid. The period costumes as well as the dialogue are great. The choice of actors is superb. Adrien Brody, Brendan Gleeson, Cherry Jones (I just love her!) and the others, make for an interesting yarn. Go see it for yourself, with an open mind. You might like it. I did.