By CHEVY CARTER and
KIMBERLY TOLSON
ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS
M. Night Shyamalan presents a unique story with compelling characters in “The Happening.”
While many Shyamalan fans (and haters) have gotten used to the writer/producer/director’s twist endings, prepare to be presently surprised with the direction Shyamalan takes in “The Happening.”
Shyamalan provides enough drama and thrill to keep the pace and mood alive, making it an experience worth having. The pacing of the film is filled with enough startling and creepy behavior to keep the suspense tangible.
Shyamalan sets up the seemingly slow moments to be accentuated by fantastic moments of gory and horrific images that will shake you. When the film ends, you will feel like the movie just started (pun intended).
As with all of his films, “The Happening” comes complete with a healthy dose of humor. In fact, it’s his funniest movie to date. The film switches from gasp out loud to laugh out loud on a regular basis.
What makes these emotional transitions work is the reality of the humor. From inappropriate timing to just plain social awkwardness, the characters all deal with the coming apocalypse in their own (often funny) way.
Speaking of characters, M. Night’s latest crop of mismatched disaster victims doesn’t disappoint in the diverse department.
First on the list is a couple who love (and talk to) plants. Wahlberg and company hitch a ride with them only to stop by their greenhouse to bid farewell to their “babies” and stock up on hot dogs…yes, hot dogs.
The most memorable, however, is the super creepy (and super crazy) old lady. The stay at her lost-in-time house is one of the eeriest moments of the film.
This is Shyamalan’s first R-rated film, making an appeal to audiences that want a truly scary psychological thriller, with violent moments that rock.
In that regard, he succeeds.
Shymalan makes each violent moment snap with a fresh and grotesque appeal.
Look for the scene where his talented vision of suicide depicts one object, a policeman’s handgun, as the scariest weapon of all.
The realistic, yet ambiguous ending is the film’s Achilles Heel.
To some people, including your humble reviewers, this is a welcome change from the “OK, here’s what happens—the end” ending.
However, both viewers and critics usually want to know exactly what happens and how before the credits roll.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter ending, think twice before visiting the box office. But for those of you willing to take a risk and break out of the lameness of Hollywood, “The Happening” is an Apocalypse worth attending.
Why Mark Rocks
The more I see Marky Mark, the more I fall in love with his on screen charisma.
Wahlberg has the ability to adapt to his roles, turning in another noteworthy performance in “The Happening.”
He plays a kind and soft-spoken high school science teacher, Eliot Moore.
His refreshing candor comes across allowing a sensitive, yet humorous side, to shine through his character.
-Kimberly
Viva La Zooey
While my co-reviewer favors the furrowed-brow, I’m more of a wide-eyes kind of guy.
Zooey Deschanel is the brightest star in this film. Always the quirky girl next door she treats us to another layer of her acting prowess.
Her scenes as Wahlberg’s wife, Alma, are rich with awkward moments but also sadness.
‘Z’ proves that she isn’t just the wacky, scene stealing best friend; she’s leading lady material. Viva La Zooey!
-Chevy
The verdict:
“An Apocalypse worth attending”
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