A "Comic Book" Story With Maturity and Suspense

Rating: 8/10 (10 November 2009)

Do not dismiss "Unbreakable" as a comic book movie. Director M. Night Shyamalan uses many of the techniques that made "The Sixth Sense" so successful. Instead of graphic violence and lots of blood, he makes cameras slowly pan around corners or through slightly opened doors. He cleverly uses shadows. And in this film, Shayamalan even uses the same moody lead actor: Bruce Willis! (In one of the DVD's features, Willis says he agreed to make "Unbreakable" without even knowing what the movie was about). In this fine suspense/mystery, David Dunn (Willis) starts learning and remembering some unusual things about himself after he's involved in a major accident. Elijah Price (Samuel Jackson) is a quirky, brooding stranger who wants David to discover what these revelations mean. I think Jackson enjoys wearing unusual wigs (see "Pulp Fiction, "Formula 51/The 51st State", "Soul Men"). And Elijah Price's hair truly is unique! "Unbreakable" strikes the right balance in its seriousness while still telling a cool comic-style story. Great acting performances by David's wife Audrey (Robin Wright Penn) and his son Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark). One scene that the family shares in the kitchen is truly harrowing. Willis and Jackson are top-notch as acquaintances/adversaries/allies. And like other Shayamalan movies, what you THINK is going to happen often doesn't. A cool and creepy comic caper. *8 out of 10*