A Surprisingly good effort ! Make up your own mind and forget the bad reviews,

Rating: 6/10 (5 January 2008)

I watched this film earlier today, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I watched it as a film (not a puzzle or Horror), I had not read anything on the film other than a few basic reviews in magazines and I may have seen a trailer at the time of release and nothing in between.
I must say if you do not watch it solely for the twists, it is a thoughtful and interesting movie. I actually guessed the first twist prior to watching the film and the second twist a half hour in, but this did not spoil a well told tale and I must say a big improvement on the terrible "Signs" which was the only Shyamalan movie up to "The Village" I really did not like at all !
There is a great foreboding atmosphere created and some excellent performances by a quality cast, I have to say that I thought Bryce Dallas Howard gave the standout performance of the film especially considering it was her first major role.
Please give this film a chance and watch with an open mind and no expectations and you should enjoy this delightful tale.