The Happening
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Movie Reviews of The Happening
Movie Review: I found this eco-horror flick to be much better than they said -- not a conventional Hollywood thriller, much closer to J-horror
Summary: 4 Stars
If you go into "The Happening" expecting an American style horror/disaster flick, you're bound to be disappointed. What you want from that kind of film are massive explosions, car crashes, tornadoes, zombies or monsters or ghosts, and big budget special effects, all tied together into some kind of coherent narrative with escalating action, leading to a climax in which (usually) the hero saves the world (or at least the local community) and achieves some kind of much needed reconciliation with his/her family.
While there are elements of all that in The Happening, what you really get here is something else, more subtle and strange, that alternates between the utterly mundane and the overblown melodramatic, between everyday moments and terrifying extremes. There isn't really a sense of escalating action, but more inaction punctuated with crisis situations. For the most part the feeling is sustained by a subtly creepy intensity mixed with moments of somewhat silly, interrupted by a few sudden and inexplicable and gory moments, inventive acts of self-destruction, all designed to shock and amuse. If you go into this expecting something else, the style here can look like incompetence. What struck me watching it the first time in theaters and even more on subsequent viewings in the home is that this is much more like a Japanese than American style horror film. M. Night Shyamalan effectively made a "J-horror" flick. Many of the very same features that some were bugged by in this film appear in spades in "J-Horror" films and are accepted as cultural oddities - I think there is a greater tolerance for unconventional stylings when they appear in a foreign language. I suspect that if this had been an Asian film with subtitles, but otherwise identical, many critics who panned it would have proclaimed it brilliantly ironic and inventive.
In J-horror (such as Ringu or Dark Water or Suicide Club, or, even better, Pulse) the focus tends to be on ordinary people, caught up in an inexplicable and seemingly supernatural situation, usually where some kind of force is out to avenge itself for some offence and doesn't really care who suffers, only cares that they suffer. Part of what generates dread in these films is that the audience is aware of a real and potent threat, that the protagonists only gradually come to accept as real. Moreover, it quickly becomes apparent there is no escape, and the threat is uncaring and implacable. These films usually aren't plotted in the so-called "Hollywood style," where a character must act to face up to an escalating challenge that is both broadly significant and deeply personal. In J-horror, the ultimate outcome is just not up to the characters. They can't rise to the challenge, and the escalating dread comes from the fact that their efforts eventually come to nothing. If they end up escaping, that is as inexplicable as the initial danger; while they may resolve personal issues, the larger issue represented by the threat remains unresolved. While the story itself often meanders and reactions often alternate between overblown and understated, what ties it together are a series of horrific images, that are not so much explicit as highly suggestive. Anyone who's seen "The Happening" should recognize that it fits easily with this general pattern - Frank Darabont's The Mist works along similar lines, but is closer to conventional horror film expectations.
Where the film deviates from the general framework is in its fairly unambiguous (pseudoscientific) explanations of the ultimate grounds of the inexplicable happenings. Still, if it is blunt in its environmental message, it is also bluntly ironic about the likelihood of any changes taking place as a result of the kind of massive ecological catastrophe depicted here. I found it to be a lot of fun to watch, and when I saw it again with my wife, we were both entertained. My sense is that much of the disappointment about Shyamalan comes from expecting him to make the usual kind of Hollywood blockbuster films, when what he really does best is something more akin to American independent and foreign horror films.
Movie Review: Underrated & Engrossing : A Science-Fiction Film before its' Time
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Happening", like M. Night Shyamalan's superb "The Village", is yet another underrated film from a director, who has consistently produced one spectacular film after the other. I remain in the miniscule minority of people who actually liked "Lady in the Water", so perhaps you might want to keep that in mind before reading the rest of this review. Granted, some of his films are better than others. "Unbreakable", according to me, was a gigantic mis-step (though beautifully made), while "Signs" was a true blue masterpiece, and a classic in the science fiction genre.
Which is why "The Happening" remains rather elusive and abstract, when held up against his back catalog. Its certainly science-fiction, especially since he predicts a world where our botanical friends overtake the universe and start killing humans, but the real twist is that nature eventually makes man completely self-destructive - not that we aren't already - to the point of voluntary suicide. Many of these suicides appear on-screen in rather graphic fashion - people walking in front of lawn-mowers, car accidents, jumping off buildings, shooting themselves - but they all feel rather plausible given the context.
The only problem is with the casting, as Mark Wahlberg is actually a great actor who has had to 'dumb down' for a role such as this. This particular lead role requires the character to look 'continuously perplexed', and Wahlberg does so, but with a hint of irony and sarcasm, which I found rather disconcerting, especially since it seemed ill-fit in a film with rather serious undertones. Perhaps a bone-dead actor like Keanu Reeves would have done better here. I would have gone with Joaquin Phoenix, who stunned us all in "Signs" with his acting prowess.
The Deschanel girl, who plays the lead female character, is a fine actress otherwise (and a fine musician as well), but her relationship with the main lead feels contrived and forced. Thankfully, this relationship doesn't form the base of the story, so we are pulled into the real issue of environmental mishap and the fury of the plant kingdom. Many critics have said that the lack of a perceptible 'villain' in this film, makes the entire outing seem weak and meandering. Well, that is in part true. Every Shyamalan film has had a true 'bad guy' in some form or the other, but here, the only villain is nature itself, and thats too vague of a concept to present on screen anyway. So we are treated of trees swaying in the breeze, etc, in the hope that we'd find this vision 'menacing' (all set to some dark violin music, of course). At times, this works well, and at others, not so much.
"The Happening" is certainly an acquired taste. Alongwith "Unbreakable", its the least 'developed' film in the directors cannon, but its also riveting. I personally feel that its a bit ahead of its' time because its talking about issues that people feel are silly and ridiculous, which is why many of the episodes here seem unintentionally comical. Not so. With the right spirit and with a better understanding of whats happening in the world around us, this is easily a horror flick with the best thats out there.
Certain characters, such as John Leguizamo, seem 'added on' with no actual benefit, but their presence makes sense a little down the film. Between the long 'escape sequences' and the truly harrowing scenes where the leads are trapped with a group in a field, wondering if they're going to die next, this is a superb commentary on science-fiction possibilities of the future on our planet. The climax, set in France, was especially interesting because it served as a warning of sorts.
While you might have heard absolutely loathsome comments on "The Happening", it really is a little classic on its' own terms. The director knew what he was doing. There is a slow, fifteen minute portion of the film where the leads are hiding out in the house of a madwoman (played to perfection by Betty Buckley), but the mood of depression, solitude and impending insanity is captured so well. Watch it just for this long segment - its truly affecting.
Four Stars. Not for everyone, but it clearly worked for me.
Movie Review: "In the end, its just a theory."
Summary: 4 Stars
(3.5 stars out of 5)
The Good Things
*Video/sound quality is pretty good. Picture is a little grainy, but it is not overwhelming.
*Includes some featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.
*The movie itself has a very good filming style. The cameramanship is splendid. It is particularly interesting how the camera shows the violence in a way that is not too graphic; I think its better that way.
*As I recall hearing, this is the first horror film shot entirely in daylight.
*This film does have its scary, freaky moments. Some parts genuinely thrilled me. It also had some dry witty moments as well, and some upbeat parts that provides some contrast to an otherwise dreary film.
*The premise is interesting (even if it is never fully explained what or why all of this is happening). The script/story has some interesting concepts, such as the relationship between science, math, nature, and humanity. Possibly some allegories between the characters and modern society. The story is not bad.
*Most people seem to think that the characters/writing/acting is horrid. I don't really see why; the writing is just as good and interesting as any other movie by M. Night Shyamalan. The characters are emotional, expressive, and rather touching. The acting seemed good to me.
*The settings are used quite effectively.
*Good music.
The Bad Things
*Not for kids or the extremely squeamish; contains some swearing and violence, including one or two bloody scenes (rated R).
*The plot is kind of weird, and ends a little abruptly.
*One or two laughable moments (although most people seem to think there are lots of laughable moments).
*Slowly paced (although not as bad as some of the other Shyamalan movies, like "The Village").
The Questionable Things
*It is never fully revealed what causes the events or why. I think it's good that way, because it corresponds to the movie's idea that people can never truly explain natural phenomenon. But it may also be a dissapointment if you were expecting a straight answer.
*Other aspects of the characters and plot are never fully revealed either, and can only be found out by paying close attention or by watching the extras on the disc.
Wow, this movie sure has a bad wrap, and I don't know why. Were you expecting another "6th Sense" movie (again)? Then go watch "The 6th Sense." "The Happening" is another totally different title in Shyamalan's repertoire, and shouldn't really be put in the same league as his first breakthrough film. This one has no major plot twist. It has a straightforward story. It has no oscar-award-winning performances. It's simply an apocalyptic thriller, on the same level as Spielburg's "War of the Worlds" or Frank Darabont's "The Mist." To say that this is anything more is obviously a misconception, but I don't think it deserves to be considered something less. To do so would be to say that Shyamalan is as bad of a director as Uwe Boll, and I don't think he deserves that.
I thought that this was just as good of a movie as anything else by Shyamalan (although no better than anything else he made either). I think it had some interesting elements, ideas, characters, and camerawork. Some parts of it may even make you think (but it is not wholly obvious in the script; you have to really think about it in order to appreciate it). If you have any interest in his work or intelligent filmmaking in general, give it a try by all means.
Movie Review: Very interesting re-invention - Another unique Shyamalan
Summary: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this film, but I suspect a number of viewers may not. Like other recent Shyamalan films, it is impossible to say whether any given person reading this review will enjoy it or not. I hope the review will help, but no guarantees.
As horror goes . . . this film will not be everyone's cup of tea (as at least one other reviewer pointed out). Some gore, but not nearly enough for those who equate gore with horror. There are few (if any) terrific heart thumping or 'jump-out-of-your-seat' moments. If you must have the 'Hey-stupid-don't-go-in-there' or 'I-could-have-avoided-that' feelings to enjoy your horror, you may not like it. If your villain must be concrete, you will be disappointed. Finally, if constant thrills are necessary to enjoy the film, then you may well find it slow and plodding.
However, if you like subtle, really creepy horror, where the monster isn't necessarily seen (or then again, maybe it is . . . maybe we are . . .) this is probably one you'll enjoy. In times of global warming, increased fear of terrorism, pollution, a greater recognition of the dark side of human nature, and other pressures to us and our environment, it (like other good horror movies of this nature) presents a threat from an unexpected source.
Viewed simply as a story outside of horror, this film will have varied appeal, though again, some will find it slow and perhaps underdeveloped. If you are looking for the 'supernatural-or-fantastic-MacGuffin-driving-human-realization-and-character-growth' feeling typical of some of Shyamalan's other films, it is present, but not nearly to the extent one would find in "Sixth Sense", "Unbreakable", or "Lady in the Water". This film plays more on underlying concerns, and while some growth occurs, the sense of closure found in the other three films mentioned is nowhere to be found here.
I find it difficult to know to whom to recommend different Shyamalan films, since his unique vision in each case tends to appeal to different viewpoints. My wife's favorite Shyamalan film is "The Village", and I've heard several other's pick "Sixth Sense" or "Unbreakable". I personally favored "Lady in the Water". (I realize I'm in the minority there, but that story contains aspects of all the others, and I find several of its ideas very appealing.) With Shyamalan stories, I find one either 'gets it' or 'doesn't get it' on a personal level. It's not a reflection of intelligence or film analytical ability, but a matter of what concerns or frightens or appeals to (generally on multiple levels) any given viewer. The only negative (if it can be considered a negative) for this film in my viewpoint, is that I wish that Wahlberg and Leguizamo had reversed roles. In my mind, this would have strenghthened the overall presentation, but again, it's just my opinion. I'd be curious to see if anyone else who enjoyed this story agrees.
With all of that in mind, I'd say that "The Happening" represents good, subtle horror. I find it a compelling story, and it presents a warning against human arrogance. It is in many ways a very imaginative re-invention of Hitchcock's/Du Maurier's "The Birds". I hope that others will be haunted by these aspects of it as well, though again, there are no guarantees here.
Movie Review: There Is Purpose Behind the Loony
Summary: 4 Stars
You cannot go see an M. Night Shyamalan film expecting to see a typical movie. His films have a different flavor to them. When you get used to that idea, when you understand that this isn't a typical Hollywood-told story, you may begin to understand the genius that is Shyamalan.
How can I explain The Happening without giving anything away?
People begin to kill themselves in New York City. Authorities believe it to be a kind of terrorist attack.
You're then introduced to Mark Walhberg's character, Elliot Moore, is a high school science teacher. He's joined by his co-worker/friend Julian (John Leguizamo), Julian's daughter Jess, and Elliot's wife, Alma (Zooey Deschanel).
The school where Elliot and Julian work decide to release the students when they hear of the attack. The main characters decide to take a train away from Philly. While on the train they hear of the attacks spreading throughout the Northeastern part of the United States.
There seems to be no way of escaping this event. Everywhere they go, people are killing themselves. How will anyone survive?
I'm a fan of Shyamalan's films. I enjoy his ability to tell a story. All of his films have a message to them and you'd have to be pretty slow not to catch on to what he's trying to say. And I have to tell you, it goes much deeper than "treat the earth with respect". People who jump on the bandwagon denouncing this movie as a global warming protest have simply missed the message.
Having enjoyed the film, there are a few things that really irked me. Many critics have panned the acting. I go back to what I said earlier, this is not your average film. Don't expect your macho/hero man type talk. But I did have a problem with Mark Wahlberg's character. Maybe it was because he's always around teenagers, but every line sounded like it came from a fifteen year old. It wasn't enough to ruin my experience, it was just a noticiable irk. Second came from Zooey Deschanal. If her character was written like that, than it was just a poor choice. If it was her level of acting...I hope to avoid her films. She was the worst of the small ensemble.
**Edit** Having thought about it for a while, I have come to the conclusion that the way they were acting: like children was part of the deeper meaning Shyamalan was trying to bring out. When you watch this movie, watch how childish these two "adults" act. And then see how they become real adults...**end edit**
John Leguizamo was fantastic, but when is he not? I wanted to see more of him. Maybe he should have been the main character and Walhberg his buddy.
This film is rated R and for very good reasons; Shyamalan keeps the camera on the suicide moments a second too long which create a serious feeling of dread. The other reason is because you see two teenage boys murdered with a shotgun. Anytime a minor is killed in a film, the ratings go deeper into R territory.
I really enjoyed watching this movie. Along with the sheer dread saturating the run time there were a couple "Shyamalan" moments of jump-out-of-your-seats scares.
It is rated R so be warned - and, like I said, if you see it, see it with your Shyamalan glasses on (look for the deeper meaning).