A serious movie with comic book rules. Really? - Oh yeah!

Rating: Null/10 (29 March 2001)

Is it possible to take the premise of a comic book, with all of it's rules and regulations - and make a serious drama about it. After watching this movie I know it is. Shyamalan took a classic 'superhero-origin' tale and brought it as close to reality as possible. The result was stunning - an intriguing psychological drama which keeps us glued to the screen like a thriller. Shymalan directed it in marvelous long scenes which kept our mental state close to the heroes. A boring chit-chat in the train you feel you were in, the drowning in a pool you feel you're going thru... he just sucks us in there. He also teases us with shooting the characters from quite a long distance, behind a chair... avoiding any clishees. The opening scene with the baby just made me chill. It is scarier and more disturbing than any horror I've seen recently - and there are no monsters or ghosts... just a hurt little baby.
As for the actors - Bruce is doing well by 'following' Shyamalan. He has talent and it would be a shame if he would got lost in 'Die Hards' & 'Armaggedons'... Here he is quiet and vulnerable... and he plays a 'superhero'! On the other side we have Samuel L. Jackson. He is just amazing in this role. Mr. Cool is so believable as this shattered (in more than one meaning) man who is trying to lead Bruce's character to his destiny. Other actors include Robin Wright Penn (who is as good her character allows her) and a great young actor Spencer Treat Clark who had quite a year with Unbreakable and Gladiator.
It will sound silly - but just imagine the opposite of Kevin Smith, and you will get this movie. Both are swarming with comic book flavour - but use it in most different manner. Oh, yes - I almost forgot - this one also has a surprise ending... though much more predictable than the one in 'The Sixth Sense'. However the ending really wraps up the story in the best possible way and I would be disappointed if Shyamalan did a sequel (I hear he's doing).
OVERALL: **** & ½ / *****