Not so much horror as thrilling drama

Rating: 8/10 (2 August 2004)

Yes, much like the many who had seen the previews for the movie on their televisions or computers or during other movies, I was half-expecting an 'oh my gosh, what is that?!' horror film. Imagine my surprise when I found myself more involved in the characters than I had expected to be from the outset. That being said, let me stress that I am not saying that Shyamalan does a poor job of developing characters, you need only look as far back as Unbreakable, in which I think he did a superb job. The characters in this movie were engrossing and I must say that not only did Bryce Dallas Howard look beautiful in this movie, I was very much moved by her performance as a blind daughter to the Village's head elder.
At the theater I saw this at, which was in Boston, I sensed a lot of disappointment. But I didn't understand why. Yes, I know that many people, younger people especially, were expecting this to be a horror movie, as I said, however, I think the audience's downfall is its need to search for the meaning of the movie before the movie even starts. Lofty expectations abound, I think people were more disappointed because this movie wasn't what they think should have happened as opposed to the fact that this is a stupid movie. Yes, it probably was slower than what people wanted, but by no means did I think it was a stupid movie.
Let me stress that I thought Shyamalan's latest effort was anything but stupid. And while the story and ultimately his signature "twist" has been seen before, I loved the way that he did this movie. Exceptional acting on the part of Phoenix and Howard and excellent atmosphere make The Village seem like more of a drama than a horror movie. I can't say that I am as disappointed with this movie as some of my fellow patrons. I think that while this movie did have its faults, it was a good telling of a story ages old. I was very satisfied.
4 out of 5