interesting premise, carried out very well but a bit slow

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 2000)

i've read almost all of these reviews and can't decide who i agree with. i really enjoyed the symbolism, specifically the continuous emphasis on the color purple whenever samuel l. jackson's character elijah entered a scene. very compelling. the train sequence is truly marvelous, very revealing of the character. the story was heavy, the flashbacks strange and unnatural (although the opening sequence is SO good, so powerful). there were times in the theatre that everyone, including myself, were laughing, particularly at willis' son. im not sure if this was the intention of the writer/filmmaker, but it was certainly strange to find humor in such a bizarre film. jackson did a great job, and willis, as always, was in high form. its unusual to see an actor of his elk completely change his career, but i like it. the addition of wright penn as his estranged wife was an odd bit. there are moments in the film that are TOO reminiscent of sixth sense. i think the filmmaker realized the impact of that movie while writing this one. i wonder what kind of ego he has. shyamalan has such a promising career -- i wonder if this will be a high point or a low point when all is said and done?