easily one of the most misleading movies of 2004...still it is a "good" movie

Rating: 7/10 (3 August 2004)

after leaving the theatre I always try and gather my feelings,thoughts,emotions, etc, so I can have a better idea about what the movie did, or did not have to say. after watching M. Night's third big horror film I was relieved I saved for this movie and not "white castle". I have no doubt that it IS a funny movie, but I only had 7 bucks and I would rather watch a "film" than a "movie". The Village has few truly scary moments in it that would make you shrink in you're seat, but what is there is honestly frightening. yes there are shock moments in the movie, loud noises when something on screen flashes by for .05 seconds.
The creatures themselves are oddly designed, rather shoddy looking in some shots, however when you see the film frame-to-frame you understand why they look so shoddy. but they are very bulky and menacing, and actually made me wish that I didn't take the front row seat because I was a bit too close to the screen for my own comfort. I will admit that I was disappointed when certain facts were brought to light....then drawn back....then brought back into light again. the movie is so misleading that at times you feel like a yo-yo that M. Night has his hands on, and he is walking the freakin dog! the forest itself is the most frightening aspect of the film, with branches twisting in odd skeletal shapes, and fog shrouded areas looming every which way. a few actors really stand out after the lights go up in the theatre. mainly Bryce Dallas Howard as Ivy, and a very notable performance by William Hurt as Ivy's father. Joaquin is a very handy actor and I see him in other movies with bigger names in the director chair, but here he gives an awkward stoic kind of banality that I really did not care for.
the movie's message is very noble and it's notions should be carefully examined and to a much lesser extent be practiced by people. of course there will be a twist at the end...this is Shyamalan for godsake! it is surprising if you haven't seen his films, and run of the mill if you have. 3/4 stars sounds good to me =).