Not what you expect...at all

Rating: Null/10 (27 June 2001)

So I watch this film, knowing that it's a superhero movie, knowing the basic premises of the characters, knowing it has a twist ending. I'd read glowing review, mediocre reviews, and the flame reviews. You know what? It was better than I could have imagined.
The story: Put yourself in Bruce Willis' situation....you ever wake up thinking you didn't choose the right path? The right career?
Now put yourself in Samuel L. Jacksons situation....ever been screwed over for no good reason? Ever been angry? Ever need something to pin your hopes on?
That's what this is about. Yeah, sure, the plot frames it's themes in a superhero origin story. And, for comic fans, you'll see great parallels to classic heroes. But the real story is an ordinary man who is thrust, unwillingly, into extraordinary circumstances...just because that is what he is here for. But who's the ordinary man?
As for the pacing: I've seen negative reviews saying that the plot can be described in five minutes, but is drawn out for 2 hours. If you can't tell me the plot to most films in less that 10 seconds I worry for you. In any good film the plot exists to give the characters something to do. The characters flourish within the plot. the characters often drive that plot... and then it becomes believable. This film's pacing allows you to get to know the characters...since they are what you should be interested in. What is Bruce Willis going to do? What will happen to Samuel L Jackson? You need an hour to learn who these men are...so you can understand their actions in the last hour.
And what do you want for action? When David Dunne finally accepts what he is, should he have suddenly gained ninja-like abilities??? No, when he does what he does in the house....well, woudl you have done anything different? probably not.
The visual/camera work: I agree, some if it can be art for art's sake...but it was cool. Only once (the train conversation) did I notice the director "directing". I'm not even a film student and I know that camera angles and framing devices(reflections, altered perspectives) are tools you use to define characters, feeling and situations. All were used to most excellent ends here.
Finally, the ending: Did everyone miss the real twist? If you listen to the descriptions of heroes and villians you'll quite easily figure out the easy twist...but this is like a murder mystery when you figure out "the Butler did it!" but forget to ask how or why he did it. I'm torn on whether or not the text over the ending was needed...but it doesn't detract.
All in all I enjoyed this film. I won't compare it to 6th Sense...but why would you? Why would you compare Indiana Jones to Schindler's List (Same director...WWII setting....should be similar right? NO!) This film does something most audiences don't like...it makes you pay attention to what's going on...it makes you think about what's going on....it doesn't give you easy to process images and situations. If you want simple jokes, fancy action sequences, and overacting...go see something else. If you want to walk away having had a real impression made....this is your flick.