The Village

So I saw The Village, M. Night Shyamalan's latest work. What can I say? I really dug it. Of course, Ericka figured out the Super Secret Twist(tm) within an hour of its two hour running time, but there were still a great number of twists that I really enjoyed and of course won't spoil for you.

I will say that with absolute certainty Bryce Dallas Howard, the daughter of supah director Ron Howard, will be a huge star from this role. She embodies everything needed in a leading lady: looks, talent, and charisma. Ze Star Iz Born! (cue dramatic music)

Anyway, I really enjoyed the laid-back pace of the film, though I think a few more minutes of editing would've been nice, and I also felt that it wasn't the strongest M. Night film (that honor goes to Unbreakable). It didn't draw me in quite like Signs, but it still kept me rivited and I really enjoyed the Twilight Zone ending, even if it did seem a bit hollow after all the fuss.

Does it stand up to plot-hole-finding? Probably not. But as a film and as a work I thought it represented some maturing of M. Night, and hopefully the lessons he's learned here by working in romance and even more beautiful and deliberate cinematography will carry over into his future works.

Out of 10? 7/10.