M. Night Shyamalan’s chilling story, The Happening is now out on DVD starring Mark Wahlberg, John Leguizamo, Zoey Deschanel and Betty Buckley.
This thriller has had mixed reviews but I happen to agree that this is one of the most chilling, scary premise of a movie from Shyamalan probably since Signs and Sixth Sense. He has a way of making every life turn sinister with a wink of an eye or the flutter of leaves in the breeze– and that’s what happens in The Happening. However the acting and the plot are both uneven and thus it’s not been reviewed or viewed well.
The Happening
People are dropping dead– committing suicide– for no reason across cities in the northeastern part of the US and this epidemic seems to come and go with the wind- making people wonder if it’s a terrorist threat or if some scientific test went awry. People go wonky- much like War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise– and this movie actually ends up playing a lot like that particular movie: overwrought, overdone, not a lot of plot, and over-affected.
John Leguizamo & his on-screen family
There seems to be some credibility issues with the actors (Wahlberg is way over his head on this one. Deschanel seems to lack the personal experience or interior strength to show off the emotional depth), the movie does have Leguizamo ( who would have better used in Wahlberg’s role and Wahlberg in his) and Buckley and some other supporting cast members.
The end-point of the movie seems to indicate that the plant-life is revolting against mankind in select areas. Hmmm didn’t know plants could geographically be so selective. Better to do it in random sections of the world– wipe out an entire town– or have a bacteria that kills people who ingest or work around a certain type of plant would have been a more plausible theme to the movie.
I applaud Shyamalan’s attempt to “come back” to the screen particularly after the Lady in the Water debacle, however this isn’t it. He needs to think it through more. Pick out stronger actors who have more depth or scratch the movie.
However if you are a fan of his work, you would love the film!
EXTRAS:
Forced Trailers: Untitled X Files Movie, Joy Ride, Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia
Deleted Scenes with Introduction by M. Night Shyamalan:
Elliot and Alma Fight (Extended Version)
Lion Attack (Extended Version)
Music Recital
Survivalist Porch (Extended Version)
The Hard Cut
“I Hear You Whispering”
The Happening – Visions Of The Happening: A Making Of
A Day For Night
Elements Of A Scene
Gag Reel
Trailers: Street Kings, Mirrors
Find this at Foxstore.com or amazon.com
Stevie Wilson
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