There was a better story here.

Rating: 6/10 (8 August 2004)

M. Night Shyamalan earned his way into the consciousness of the American moviegoer by stylizing the twist ending on the big screen. His movies play out like an extended version of Rod Sterling's Twilight Zone. This comparison goes beyond the surprise endings. Both contain themes exploring the complexity of human nature in the midst of tense and often mysterious situations. This review will contain no spoilers, but I will talk about the ending in general terms.
People who watch this movie for the twist ending will be disappointed. First of all, it is quite predictable. Also, it plays out very gradually, rather than just hitting you in one, climactic moment. It's just not very logically or emotionally satisfying either. This does not make it a bad movie, however since Shyamalan's reputation is largely built on his endings, this will probably end up hurting the movie at box office. I'm still going to recommend the movie, however. But, this recommendation will come with the warning that you will likely leave the movie theater saying to yourself or your companions that, "There was a better story here."
The acting is fine. The supporting cast is great, but the movie is basically all supporting cast. Joaquin Pheonix and Bryce Dallas Howard share a staring role, but there is no Bruce Willis or Mel Gibson character in The Village. But, the characters are interesting. The pieces you get of their stories makes you yearn for more. But Shyalaman is too wrapped up in his reputation to stop to satisfy this yearning. His tricks are becoming tiresome. When you go to the theater, take note of the moments where the audience (if there is one) reacts the most. Observe if they are reacting to the moment on the screen or the juiced up volume of a sound effect after a period of extended silence.
M. Night Shyamalan is certainly a capable director. He is an artful creator of atmosphere. He also has a skill for pacing and I happen to enjoy the casts he selects for his characters. It's time for him to prove that he can bring a bit more to the table than a few cheap scares and a shock ending. You won't hate this movie, but you will be disappointed.
2/5