Shyamalan's second success

Rating: Null/10 (19 December 2000)

Those persons who loved "The Sixth Sense" will find several similarities between that film and this. Of course, both were written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Both star Bruce Willis. Both feature a fine supporting performance by a woman, Toni Collette in "Sixth" and Robin Wright here, and by children, Haley Joel Osment in "Sixth" and Spencer Treat Clark here. And most importantly, each film ends on a surprising note that will make many persons want to go back and view it a second time.
That's where the similarities end. "Unbreakable" has a totally different pacing than "The Sixth Sense," one that which many persons will find too slow. That pacing and the dark, murky look of the film are in contrast to its ultimate revelation, a gutsy and successful move by the director.
Shyamalan matches Willis with Samuel L. Jackson, who is Willis' character's direct opposite in the film--in more ways than one. Jackson has a tendency to overact (such as he did in "The Negotiator"). Here he brings the perfect tone to his character, a brilliant, but in ways, broken person.

"Unbreakable" may not be as good as "The Sixth Sense," but it is still successful.