Major Tease

Rating: 7/10 (4 November 2006)

M. Night Shylayman breaks a very important rule in the realm of storytelling: never film-flam your audience. This is not to say that a director should not invite twists in the plot; but, the way he attempted to make you believe the setting was back in the 1800's, when it was really present day, but he didn't tell you this til the end was wrong. I felt insulted and cheated and let down. It was a cheap and dirty trick in the name of retaining audience attention and awe. Instead of thrilling us, all he managed to do was scam a good paying audience.
Other than the end, the film is actually decent, the premise is scary and disturbing, and the acting is very good. In fact, Bryce Dallas Howard, is the movie's one bright spot.
This movie has gotten mixed reviews, so the best thing to do is to watch the movie yourself.