In defense of THE VILLAGE

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2004)

Well, the film just opened today and I'm already sick and tired of
everyone (critics AND fans) whining over the unsurprising twists.
GET OVER IT. No plot twist in the world could satisfy all the plot
nerds in the world who are posting the lamest plot detail
complaints on message boards all over the web. HERE'S THE
DEAL: The Village is beautifully filmed, gorgeously scored, eerily
atmospheric, provocatively suggestive, emotionally intriguing, and
not at all what audiences expect after the massive media blitz of
horror-movie style TV ads. People are bound to be disappointed,
but maybe they should take a second look after they get past their
own expectations. The film is a lovely little allegory. It's Hawthorne
meets Lovecraft in The Twilight Zone, with light social commentary
on the politics of fear and repression. And best of all, M. Night
deserves cheers for delivering midnight movie suspense
WITHOUT A SINGLE DIGITAL SPECIAL EFFECT. For me, that's his
greatest strength as a director, his quiet mastery of old-fashioned
filmmaking techniques. Even Signs, my least favorite film of his
because the human story was so unconvincing, delivered real
chills in its first half. In conclusion, GIVE THE VILLAGE A CHANCE,
but don't expect a rollercoaster monster scream fest with wildly
unpredictable twists