Didn't live up to the hype...

Rating: 7/10 (31 July 2004)

I don't feel The Village lived up to the hype. I had been anticipating this film since late last year, when I heard the general synopsis. There were some frightening parts, and I love being frightened. But the twist didn't pack a big enough punch for me. I'll admit, I never saw the twist(s) coming, but they didn't blow me away.
The story follows people that appear to be Amish, they live a very simplistic life in an earlier time. There is something dangerous that lives in the woods beyond their boundaries, and they must burn fires around the village each night to keep the creatures away. When someone gets seriously hurt, a very brave young woman (played by Bryce Howard) volunteers to venture outside the village, something that is NEVER done because of the creatures that live beyond the borders. This is when we learn more about the creatures that live beyond the borders.