Reviews

Low budget, decent enough concept, starts off well, occasionally well executed, good cast, great locations.

BUT... too thinly written, gets progressively more slow and tedious after the initial setup. Too many inexplicable scenes where the characters do stupid things (shouting & screaming, walking casually in an open clearing surrounded by hills when they should be trying to lay low). Then, amid much ponderous pacing, something will suddenly happen that isn't clear due to fast cutting or being off camera.

Actually quite liked the reveal of the kids at the climax. But I was so bored by this point that any development was welcome.

Saw this film back in 2000 and was both disappointed and bored s**tless. Finally saw it again the other day on Blu-ray - 8 years later. This time I watched with a more open mind, and I've come to appreciate it somewhat.

The usual standout Shyamalan traits: * Unique & interesting concepts, ideas and writing. * A handful of memorable scenes. * Generally excellent, understated performances from a great cast. * Meditative, hypnotic pacing which prompts you to look closer. * Some nice camera-work, with many scenes nailed beautifully in one masterful shot. * Yet another terrific James Newton Howard score. * You always believe that Shyamalan cares for his characters and stories. * His films always improve with multiple viewings.

The usual annoying Shyamalan problems: * Mind-bogglingly stupid holes just ROB the stories of credibility... (How can a train derailment possibly kill everyone onboard!!?, Why wouldn't David think to prod himself with a sharp object if he's curious? Why would water-allergic aliens invade a planet that's water-based? How can a man be dead for a whole year and not notice? Did he never eat, go to the toilet, go to work, or notice that no one acknowledged his presence?) * Slow pacing gives you plenty of time to notice and consider these problems. * Some patchy dialogue. * Pacing can sometimes get TOO leaden for its own good. * His style of camera-work can occasionally feel self-conscious. * Murky, natural-looking interiors and cinematography lend a "true-to-life" atmosphere... but can also make for murky, average-looking video transfers. Time to get your films telecined elsewhere, M.Night!!