can we speak a minute on "the happening"?

admiration abounds for the films of M. Knight Shyamalan. Most of you know, I like even the "bad" ones, and the good ones, well they're good. "2 gladiators fighting til death" is often how a disagreement goes between myself and an unbeliever. For those still doubting out there, come to me, I'll prove how good his films are in 15 minutes or less. You'll walk away defeated, dejected.

Any-right-ways, saw The Happening lastie, and quite liked it. As we used to say, that film had no fat on it. It was however a much smaller film than I thought it would be. Shame on me though. Why would I go in with a pre-conceived notion? Well I'm American for one thing, but Knight's films often leave you walking into the theater with a sense of the unknown. It's human nature to form some sort of idea about what you're getting yourself into, let's chalk it up to imagination. As I said, this film was quite good, smaller than I thought it would be with numerous moments of sheer horror. Quite creepy. This was another personal film that he wanted to make. I beyond respect this man as a filmmaker. You don't like my style? Well 2 fingers pointed your way mate! I'll make 'em my own damn way.

By far his most Hitchcock-esq film to date. Hitchcock often used large towering monolithic structures or buildings to create a sense of fear, journeys on trains, close-ups to show different feelings/emotions, and "interestingly creepy" music for mood. All were present in The Happening. (Although I seem to remember NOT seeing M. himself in the film with his usual cameo)

a sudden, unexplained virus is hitting parks in large metropolitan areas, then spreading to smaller areas as it prompts its victims to enter into a zombie like state, only to kill themselves. The cause of this horrific outbreak is of course unknown, with those pesky terrorists getting first dibs on proprietor. The story is told through the eyes of a science teacher & his wife, a math teacher & his daughter, and many other "bit" players. (Zooey Deschanel is the 2nd most prettiest woman/female type lady in the whole wide world)

The film is flawed, the acting is decent, but it's the screenplay and mostly dialogue that prevent the film from being much better. "Can you believe how Crappy people can be?" The story itself is interesting and the effects and death scenes are some of the most creepy and disturbing I have ever seen. ****Important Note**** Casual movie goers will probably not like this film. Sorry, I hope this doesn't sound snobby: You have to have an understanding and respect for Shyamalan's films, and film history in general to "get" this film. I won't give away anything else for those of you yearning to spend your hard earned, but keep in mind this is a very personal filmmaker were dealing with here, not your typical, everyday Hollywood director. Brevard County Sheriff's Detective Randy Holliday states, "Some Hollywood directors overdue it, M. Knight under does it". Yes he does Randy, I agree. And that's why I like him so much. Remember that word imagination I used earlier? Well, no pun intended, but keep that in mind if you go see The Happening.
3 out of 5 stars