M. Night is still an ambitious yet underrated filmmaker. He's still one of my favorites and I'm so glad we live in an era where he is still making great suspenseful films. I'll always be a fan.
I’ll always pay attention to a new M. Night film. Regardless of how they turn out, there’s always an equal potential for transcendent greatness, or “so bad it’s good” fun. And I respect him as an artist for always taking his shot.
My daughter and I really liked it. The intensity begins immediately and never lets up. Glad we only saw the 1st trailer too. My favorite is Signs, but this one really got to us 💔 We recommend you see it if you haven’t!
M. Night is most known for his twists but one of his underrated strengths is intertwining religion/spiritual themes into his films that’s quite thought provoking and chilling at the same time. See Signs, Unbreakable and this film.
Here’s to avoiding the 2nd trailer (and any other spoilers) till I get to see this. Here’s to an intriguing movie with a serious question at the heart. Thanks for another great review, Dan!
I really liked what I saw, but coming out of the theater , I found myself thinking "Man, this could have been a lot better". I found it very straight forward and simple from a storytelling wise, specially to a Shyamalan standard.
@unicornicopia weird shit I would say Signs has a twist when it turns out Mel Gibson's wife's last words, which at the time seemed nonsnsical, were actually prophetic. And Air Bender the movie, was an adaptation, so it makes sense no twist. But I think he really just became known for that trope because of his first few blockbuster movies (Sixths Sense, Signs, Unbreakable, The Village).
@unicornicopia weird shit I didn't say he doesn't make movies that don't have twists, I just think that's a lot of people's perception of him because of his first couple of popular movies
@@kyleroberts1276 The "twist" is supposedly in the archetypes represented by Leonard's gang, which differs from their traditional representation. Note that I may just be sour because the very premise of the film intrinsically pissed me off. That combined with the ending spelling everything out left me in a foul mood. Good to great acting and cinematography however.
@@Noirlore that was the point. To be the obnoxious toxic pseudo alpha male UA-camr. Shooting guns off randomly. Saying men belong as leaders in the work place. Then living with his mom. Tongue in cheek role.
I’ve always maintained that M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most interesting mainstream directors working in Hollywood. He’s made some masterpieces (Sixth Sense, Unbreakable), some absolute garbage films (Last Airbender, After Earth) and some of the strangest films ever released by a major studio (Lady In the Water)-yet, I just love that for the last 20 years of his career, he’s never once compromised who he is as an artist, for better and worse. We have our Spielberg’s, Nolans & Villenueve who are masters at studio filmmaking but I would put Shyamalan alongside them because he gets the make the film he wants to make with total creative control that get wide distribution by a studio. I think that’s an admirable quality for any filmmaker. Doesn’t excuse the terrible films he’s made but it’s why I always do watch his movies. I never know what I’m going to get or how I will leave but it’ll be a memorable movie-going experience. He doesn’t strike me as a filmmaker that likes to play it “safe.” It’s like a freshman in college trying every different course-some he succeeds and some he bombs, but his curiosity sometimes exceeds his capabilities. I like that about Shyamalan.
He has been one of the best filmmakers out there along with the greats, and every one of them had made bad movies. Spielberg is still making great films but his movies aren't as popular today because the movies he has been making aren't for everyone. Like Shyamanlan's, his movies aren't for everyone. In a way, there will be movies that we'll enjoy while someone hates them. For me, I often enjoy Shyamalans movies while people hate them because I enjoy the vision and different style he makes that Hollywood is often afraid of making.
Frankly, I love some of the super-weird dialogue and acting that shows up in Shyamalan's movies, but it was rightfully tempered here in favor of more natural performances that were needed to sell the drama and fear. I was almost ready to call this my favorite Shyamalan film, until the last 10 minutes when it felt like all the writers' interesting ideas ran out and they wrapped it up in the easiest way possible, without paying off any of the emotional or thematic buildup or providing any satisfying answer to the core mystery of the film. For someone known for twist endings, I kind of wish he added one here. C+, would recommend, first half is great.
Saw it last night in Dolby. Nice mystery suspenseful Thriller about apocalyptic and making choices about the characters and their decisions can impact the overall narrative. I still feel like I loved his movie old that released 2 years ago that one was still one of my favorites but this one was still in nice enjoyable time at the theaters in Dolby 🙏
I saw this last night and its the most I've enjoyed an M. Night movie since Split. I grew up on wrestling so I've been following Dave Bautista's career and FUCK has he come a HELL of a long way. He's truly AN ACTOR as he acted his bullocks off in this movie. Just a really satisfying time.
Just got out of the movie and as I wait the hour in-between for my Puss in boots showing, I want to say that I really liked this film Simple yet effective, and tbh, I cried a bit by the end, but that's probably because I understand as a gay person and also because I haven't been doing so well this week and am emotionally vulnerable.
Just watched this last night and thought it was really really really good. And I’m not a big fan of M. Night, but I do agree that he does get me excited to see his films despite of how I feel about them like I go from hating one to really liking the next, so I’m always going to give his movies a chance.
Dan, the part about Dave Bautista talking about the children's show is ripped from the book. I agree, it is shoehorned but I feel like he wanted to keep the adaptation as similar to the book as possible (until the end of course).
Yeah but hats just the life of an artist. I mean he made some of the best too, 6th sence, unbreakable, Signs is one of the great. Yes he derailed his own legacy with shit after shit but man you can ignore his talent.
Wow what an awesome and spot on review. Seriously, took the words out of my mouth from what you said about M.Night as a director and the way he makes his characters to thoroughly enjoying this movie too. I also agree 100% w you saying to try your best to go into this movie not knowing anything. YESSS plz do this people! I always try my best to not read reviews or anything at all about a movie, particularly thrillers and especially an M.Night one. I don’t want to know anythinggggg. And yes, it absolutely makes it much much better. And I 💯 agree w you about “Old” bc I disliked that movie too.
I really thought this was a solid film my M Knight. Strong performance across the board Particularly when it comes to David’s performances. The tension that was built and sustained throughout the movies was also another strong point.
@@chazharris The score and the cinematography were also great, but Dan didn't mention those here, so I didn't want to compare them. M Night's script seems more natural bc they are playing "1800s" characters. Brilliant performances all around. Biggest two complaints are that the shed's "twist" was revealed too early and that M Night shouldn't have been an expositive park ranger. But otherwise quite good.
@@chazharris I don't get the hate for that film at all. I can understand someone not getting a lot out of the "twist" in The Village, but the entire rest of the film is magnificent.
I would say this is one of Shyamalan's top 3. That may be unpopular. I think only Sixth Sense and Signs beat it. At least for me. I appreciate the simplicity of this film. I actually view it more as a character driven drama as opposed to psychological thriller/horror. It didn't have a big twist, which is somewhat refreshing. I loved the performances of the 2 fathers. I liked that they both had different personalities. Bautista was phenomenal. Ending could've been better, but overall I was satisfied.
I have a very short amount of patience for setup moral dilemmas. I love that in Cabin in the Woods they just say EFF IT and deny the premise to that movie's in-universe disastrous results. I'll pass on this, though I applaud Shyamalan's efforts on this sort of thing. EDIT: Same thing goes for The World's End. Maybe I'm just stuck on one side of the question and don't want to entertain the other side?
This is a wonderful review Dan. I don't care for horror movies so was leery of this movie but you have framed it as more of a thriller with an interesting moral conundrum at the heart which I love. I also really appreciate you calling out trailers. I've grown to hate them as in recent years they seem to be getting worse at giving away FAR too much of the plot. We simply don't need that! Thanks as always. Love your videos. Can't wait for the Oscars.
Yeah, no. I do not like spoilers. In fact, there's a couple of friends that I will not discuss movies with because they just unload all they info they have about it lol
I really liked the acting & cinematography of the film - I want to say that up front - but I LOATHED the story & storytelling. The basic premise was always going to be a tough sell for me to begin with (up with ancient aliens stories), but then to end it by explicitly spelling out said premise (which had me physically flip off the screen) just made the whole thing even more repulsive to me.
There's actually a little known film starring Bautista called Bushwick that was one of his GREAT rolls. It's not available here in the US unfortunately from what I've seen and I actually had to order my Blu-ray of it internationally. But if you can find it, it's a hidden gem of a thriller. And one that's best to go into AS BLIND AS POSSIBLE. (Spicy take incoming.) I've been saying for years that I feel that Dave has much more range (and even a bit more charisma) than The Rock. And that the only reason that he's never been able to blow up as much as Dwayne is that (1) he tends to choose smaller more challenging projects outside of Marvel like Hotel Artemis, House of the Rising Sun and 2015's Heist and (2) I think The Rock just has a better team pushing his image.
I watched this on a whim, hadn’t heard anything about it, and really enjoyed it. Was really glad the ending wasn’t ambiguous. Unbreakable is still Matt favorite M. Night movie.
As an aside, the way that the UK box office has lined up this weekend is completely daft. We have Puss in Boots, Knock at the Cabin, The Whale & a majorish anime movie I've been waiting for (Sword Art Online) all releasing on the same weekend most of which will have rather limited runs in limited release for just a couple of weeks. We also just got the Fablemans last week so I somehow need to find time to see 5 films in the next couple of weeks...
While I didn't agree with all of Glass I'm still excited and astounded it exists. Split felt so good then that stinger at the end it was like "Shut the front door are you kidding!!" Awesome feeling.
What's your favorite M. Night film? His name is all it takes to hook me. Aside from Sixth Sense which is in another level and plane all on its own (to me at least), Signs is my all time fav from him.
I hated Glass. It was so disrespectful to his OWN characters. What happened to Bruce Willis was shameful, and just plain unsatisfying. What did you like about it? I thought it had no redeeming qualities except maybe having the color themes of purple, yellow and green.
I got super lucky and didn't see any trailers at all, I didn't even know it was out! All my bf said was M. Night had a new movie out and I said "Not one more word, let's go see it now" 😆
I saw the movie last night and I really liked it. I read the book and I thought the film stayed faithful to the atmosphere and tone of the source material. There were major changes in the second half up till the end, but I felt it didn’t hurt the film but made the film its own thing. Bautista was obviously great, but I really loved the performances of Groff and Aldridge and how they portrayed their characters’ development. I preferred the way the film ends vs the book but only in who ended up surviving, because I thought that made most sense with the character development of Eric. But I also thought it wasn’t strong in that it could’ve been trimmed down and left the audience with some ambiguity like the book did.
I liked the film as a whole, but the ended needed a little "punch". I felt it ended in a very somber manner. It really didn't have a huge twist, but I just needed something bigger to happen. Or maybe a final standoff of some sort.
I was hoping you would review this movie. I was going to base whether or not I was going to see this based on what you say. You are one of the few critics I trust. I may not always agree with your reviews, but I always find your reviews informative.
I can't relate to people that don't mind spoilers... my wife will literally read about the end of some movies and shows before she watches them... that shit irks me to no end.
I agree, I read the book before the movie and I wish I hadn’t. In saying that I preferred the film to the book, which doesn’t happen often. To be fair to M. Night, the TV is used a lot in the book.
I only saw one trailer but I think it was the one that gave too much away. It would have been more intriguing without a couple clues i picked up on in the trailer
I love, love, LOVE M. Night’s OLD. His oblique dialogue choices is what makes him unique. And he pitched his actors performances at a different angle to match the odd dialogue. His stuff feels eerily surreal because of it. I love his weird off-kilter tone and coversational strangeness… He’s so good. One of the best filmmakers working today.
I actually enjoyed the character moments in Old. It’s that off kilterness you talk about. The larger plot involving the actuals of the island was the boring part. Which is a weird reversal for the typical M Night movie
I didn't watch any trailers... and true, totally enjoyed it up to the end. Didn't really like the end.... But overall it is really good. Very tense. Batista is great.
No cell service, yet they had excellent cable service (in the middle of nowhere), whereas they probably had wifi and could have used their phones after all. Just saying.
Agree about Dave Bautista in this movie. Any director that has doubts about whether he can carry a movie with a dramatic role, look no further. He's fantastic in this.
You know what it seems like, with M. Night? He really just needs a stellar cast to elevate his films. His movies would be a lot worse if he wasn't working with the likes of... Mel Gibson, Sam Jackson, Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Joaquin Phoenix, Haley Osment (that twist doesn't work with any other child actor), and James McAvoy. When he instead opts for Mark Wahlberg and Zoey Deschanel as the anchors for his films, they seem to fall short a little. It's like, he really needs to cast actors that do good character work, instead of just reacting to a situation. 🤔
I think there are people who do and don't enjoy spoilers, for sure. In the same way that I think studios with cinematic universes are getting mixed messages about whether fans want a road map or not. Power Rangers revealed a road map and got savaged when their first movie fell on its face. The SW ST was savaged for not having a road map. Feige got some pushback when he revealed a road map all the way to P6... after people complained that P4 had no direction or point. And, now, Gunn has come out with a ~10 year road map for the future of DCU even though I think he only has a 2 year contract. We complain, either way.
I think, between the trailer spoilers and changing the ending, it really fuk'd up what this movie was suppose to be. I enjoyed the acting and direction, but the narrative felt very underwhelming.
The major issue in previous M Night's movies are definitely the characters. They talk unnaturally and behave strangely - not at all like regular human beings.
Indeed. It is often hard to get involved with the stakes of his films when everyone all acts with the same sense of emotion. Again, like someone would say, it's like watching aliens trying to pretend being human. For me, that effort hit worst in "Old" where there is no way this crazy scenario should be that underwehlmingly delivered.
I only watch Teaser trailers or the first trailer if there’s no teaser to movies now. I should’ve stopped a while back but Doctor Strange 2 really showed me that I need to stop watching trailer and even breakdowns of trailers. I found I enjoyed the movie more if I knew very littler about the movie. One of my best friends did the same back when Civil War came out and they showed Spider-Man in the trailer.
Going to see it Sunday at my local AMC Cinema. I loved Bautista in Bladrerunner 2049 and thought he was really good in Army of The Dead. That Brooklyn one I think was poor actor directing, but I have a soft spot for him.
I pledged a long time ago to never again get bamboozled and sucked in by anything Midnight Shamalamadingdong wrote produced or directed. All his movies seem as if a group of 1st yr film students got together and each wrote a different part of a story, but no one was allowed to read what the others wrote. Then all the parts were given to a different person and they were told to make a movie out of alll the parts, but they weren't allowed to make any changes. Will I be watching this? Short answer: NO. Long answer: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They’re all so-so movies. I figured out the twist in the Sixth Sense in the first viewing in the theatre on opening day. Movie felt so dumb after that, and that was his best movie.
No spoilers (and I have seen not only not seen the film but also none of the trailers) but this sounds like it could be the premise of an extremely sick reality show. If that was the case, presumably the Producers would intervene before anyone actually was killed (or maybe not, depending how cynical they wished to be).
Dam you put this movie up to the great M. Night films like the Sixth Sense. In which, is my favorite. I am not a big M. Night movie buff. I do like Dave Bautista. I may give it a look.
My daughter and I really enjoyed this movie. We talked about it. We are so TIRED of super hero movies and sequel after sequel after sequel..... Going to the theater and seeing something new and different is refreshing. Really.
M. Night is still an ambitious yet underrated filmmaker. He's still one of my favorites and I'm so glad we live in an era where he is still making great suspenseful films. I'll always be a fan.
I’ll always pay attention to a new M. Night film. Regardless of how they turn out, there’s always an equal potential for transcendent greatness, or “so bad it’s good” fun. And I respect him as an artist for always taking his shot.
Sadly, this one didn’t reach either potential for me. It was closer to good than terrible though. I didn’t hate it.
I respect how he can still get a budget even though he hasn't made a good movie in 20 years
They are always such fun first time watches. So many good memories watching his movies in theaters.
They're always great
Not always. Not avatar the last airbender. Avatar is unwatchably bad, but in the most boring way ever.
My daughter and I really liked it. The intensity begins immediately and never lets up. Glad we only saw the 1st trailer too. My favorite is Signs, but this one really got to us 💔 We recommend you see it if you haven’t!
Would be cool to see an M Night ranking from you Dan!
M. Night is most known for his twists but one of his underrated strengths is intertwining religion/spiritual themes into his films that’s quite thought provoking and chilling at the same time. See Signs, Unbreakable and this film.
Here’s to avoiding the 2nd trailer (and any other spoilers) till I get to see this. Here’s to an intriguing movie with a serious question at the heart. Thanks for another great review, Dan!
I really liked what I saw, but coming out of the theater , I found myself thinking "Man, this could have been a lot better". I found it very straight forward and simple from a storytelling wise, specially to a Shyamalan standard.
I like that, though. It's one of Shyamalan's rare films that doesn't really have a twist to it. It's pretty straightforward
@unicornicopia weird shit I would say Signs has a twist when it turns out Mel Gibson's wife's last words, which at the time seemed nonsnsical, were actually prophetic. And Air Bender the movie, was an adaptation, so it makes sense no twist. But I think he really just became known for that trope because of his first few blockbuster movies (Sixths Sense, Signs, Unbreakable, The Village).
@unicornicopia weird shit I didn't say he doesn't make movies that don't have twists, I just think that's a lot of people's perception of him because of his first couple of popular movies
@@kyleroberts1276
The "twist" is supposedly in the archetypes represented by Leonard's gang, which differs from their traditional representation.
Note that I may just be sour because the very premise of the film intrinsically pissed me off. That combined with the ending spelling everything out left me in a foul mood.
Good to great acting and cinematography however.
@@firefly4f4 I don't really consider it a twist.
Shyamalan is the definition of 'failing forward'
I’ll watch for Dave Bautista. Finally saw Glass Onion and he kills it as one of those men’s rights weirdos.
Who’s unironically right about a lot of things
@@laurenmasters such as?
He was so annoying in glass onion. And his role in this one looks super robotic which doesn’t interest me. Can he smiles once? :)
@@Noirlore that was the point. To be the obnoxious toxic pseudo alpha male UA-camr. Shooting guns off randomly. Saying men belong as leaders in the work place. Then living with his mom. Tongue in cheek role.
@@shiftymcgee9359 I get that but it’s been overdone in the past 5 or so years.
I’ve always maintained that M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most interesting mainstream directors working in Hollywood. He’s made some masterpieces (Sixth Sense, Unbreakable), some absolute garbage films (Last Airbender, After Earth) and some of the strangest films ever released by a major studio (Lady In the Water)-yet, I just love that for the last 20 years of his career, he’s never once compromised who he is as an artist, for better and worse.
We have our Spielberg’s, Nolans & Villenueve who are masters at studio filmmaking but I would put Shyamalan alongside them because he gets the make the film he wants to make with total creative control that get wide distribution by a studio. I think that’s an admirable quality for any filmmaker. Doesn’t excuse the terrible films he’s made but it’s why I always do watch his movies. I never know what I’m going to get or how I will leave but it’ll be a memorable movie-going experience. He doesn’t strike me as a filmmaker that likes to play it “safe.” It’s like a freshman in college trying every different course-some he succeeds and some he bombs, but his curiosity sometimes exceeds his capabilities. I like that about Shyamalan.
@@LuisSierra42 I feel like that is an example of how he does not compromise, he stuck to his flawed vision
He has been one of the best filmmakers out there along with the greats, and every one of them had made bad movies. Spielberg is still making great films but his movies aren't as popular today because the movies he has been making aren't for everyone. Like Shyamanlan's, his movies aren't for everyone. In a way, there will be movies that we'll enjoy while someone hates them. For me, I often enjoy Shyamalans movies while people hate them because I enjoy the vision and different style he makes that Hollywood is often afraid of making.
Frankly, I love some of the super-weird dialogue and acting that shows up in Shyamalan's movies, but it was rightfully tempered here in favor of more natural performances that were needed to sell the drama and fear. I was almost ready to call this my favorite Shyamalan film, until the last 10 minutes when it felt like all the writers' interesting ideas ran out and they wrapped it up in the easiest way possible, without paying off any of the emotional or thematic buildup or providing any satisfying answer to the core mystery of the film. For someone known for twist endings, I kind of wish he added one here. C+, would recommend, first half is great.
Could you do a whole video talking about Shamalayns movies. Since you liked Glass I’d love to hear your thoughts on it and also his other movies.
All Signs point to a great movie! Never too Old for a Dan M. Night review. And, a decent new flick from him? What's Happening?
I see what you did there
@@mufasanatangwe8394 the Night is young
Sold. Will check it out. Thank you for your review Dan!
Saw it last night in Dolby. Nice mystery suspenseful Thriller about apocalyptic and making choices about the characters and their decisions can impact the overall narrative. I still feel like I loved his movie old that released 2 years ago that one was still one of my favorites but this one was still in nice enjoyable time at the theaters in Dolby 🙏
On the radio there is a Zooey Deschanel song playing who was in The Happening.
I saw this last night and its the most I've enjoyed an M. Night movie since Split.
I grew up on wrestling so I've been following Dave Bautista's career and FUCK has he come a HELL of a long way. He's truly AN ACTOR as he acted his bullocks off in this movie.
Just a really satisfying time.
He has some amazing films. Some terrible. But you have to give him his roses. He's always got some interesting at the very least.
Just saw this last night - couldn’t click this fast enough 🍿
Just got out of the movie and as I wait the hour in-between for my Puss in boots showing, I want to say that I really liked this film Simple yet effective, and tbh, I cried a bit by the end, but that's probably because I understand as a gay person and also because I haven't been doing so well this week and am emotionally vulnerable.
Just watched this last night and thought it was really really really good. And I’m not a big fan of M. Night, but I do agree that he does get me excited to see his films despite of how I feel about them like I go from hating one to really liking the next, so I’m always going to give his movies a chance.
Dan, the part about Dave Bautista talking about the children's show is ripped from the book. I agree, it is shoehorned but I feel like he wanted to keep the adaptation as similar to the book as possible (until the end of course).
6:39 That's the biggest understement of the year so far
He made some of the worst pieces of garbage in Movie history
Yeah but hats just the life of an artist. I mean he made some of the best too, 6th sence, unbreakable, Signs is one of the great. Yes he derailed his own legacy with shit after shit but man you can ignore his talent.
Funny - he also uses newscasts in his show Servant. One of the main characters is a reporter.
Wow what an awesome and spot on review. Seriously, took the words out of my mouth from what you said about M.Night as a director and the way he makes his characters to thoroughly enjoying this movie too.
I also agree 100% w you saying to try your best to go into this movie not knowing anything. YESSS plz do this people! I always try my best to not read reviews or anything at all about a movie, particularly thrillers and especially an M.Night one. I don’t want to know anythinggggg. And yes, it absolutely makes it much much better. And I 💯 agree w you about “Old” bc I disliked that movie too.
The twist of this movie is that guilt free fried chicken!
I really thought this was a solid film my M Knight. Strong performance across the board Particularly when it comes to David’s performances. The tension that was built and sustained throughout the movies was also another strong point.
I also really loved rubbert Grint.
Few ... defenders of Glass? LOL Guess we need to get to work. Good review DM
I think "The Visit" deserves much more love.
The focused cast and location was what made the Village good, imo. So I'm def willing to give this a try, given Dan's recommendation.
I will defend The Village to the day I die. It's my favourite Shyamalan movie.
@@chazharris The score and the cinematography were also great, but Dan didn't mention those here, so I didn't want to compare them. M Night's script seems more natural bc they are playing "1800s" characters. Brilliant performances all around.
Biggest two complaints are that the shed's "twist" was revealed too early and that M Night shouldn't have been an expositive park ranger. But otherwise quite good.
@@chazharris I don't get the hate for that film at all. I can understand someone not getting a lot out of the "twist" in The Village, but the entire rest of the film is magnificent.
Saw it last night and loved it. I also see this story as similar to Signs, in a good way.
I would say this is one of Shyamalan's top 3. That may be unpopular. I think only Sixth Sense and Signs beat it. At least for me.
I appreciate the simplicity of this film. I actually view it more as a character driven drama as opposed to psychological thriller/horror. It didn't have a big twist, which is somewhat refreshing. I loved the performances of the 2 fathers. I liked that they both had different personalities. Bautista was phenomenal. Ending could've been better, but overall I was satisfied.
I have a very short amount of patience for setup moral dilemmas. I love that in Cabin in the Woods they just say EFF IT and deny the premise to that movie's in-universe disastrous results. I'll pass on this, though I applaud Shyamalan's efforts on this sort of thing.
EDIT: Same thing goes for The World's End. Maybe I'm just stuck on one side of the question and don't want to entertain the other side?
Weird
I thought it was good, but it felt like something was missing. Almost felt like it needed a twist, but I'm glad it didn't have one at the same time.
Don't forget the Man with the iron fist
my ratings of his latter movies is The Visit (7), Split(8), Glass(7.4) ,Old (5), Knock/Cabin(6.3)
I watched this movie the other day and found it intriguing until the end when I found it pointless. Anyone else?
I wonder if Shyamalan would do best on stage.
This is a wonderful review Dan. I don't care for horror movies so was leery of this movie but you have framed it as more of a thriller with an interesting moral conundrum at the heart which I love. I also really appreciate you calling out trailers. I've grown to hate them as in recent years they seem to be getting worse at giving away FAR too much of the plot. We simply don't need that! Thanks as always. Love your videos. Can't wait for the Oscars.
Yeah, no. I do not like spoilers.
In fact, there's a couple of friends that I will not discuss movies with because they just unload all they info they have about it lol
I really liked the acting & cinematography of the film - I want to say that up front - but I LOATHED the story & storytelling. The basic premise was always going to be a tough sell for me to begin with (up with ancient aliens stories), but then to end it by explicitly spelling out said premise (which had me physically flip off the screen) just made the whole thing even more repulsive to me.
There's actually a little known film starring Bautista called Bushwick that was one of his GREAT rolls. It's not available here in the US unfortunately from what I've seen and I actually had to order my Blu-ray of it internationally. But if you can find it, it's a hidden gem of a thriller. And one that's best to go into AS BLIND AS POSSIBLE.
(Spicy take incoming.) I've been saying for years that I feel that Dave has much more range (and even a bit more charisma) than The Rock. And that the only reason that he's never been able to blow up as much as Dwayne is that (1) he tends to choose smaller more challenging projects outside of Marvel like Hotel Artemis, House of the Rising Sun and 2015's Heist and (2) I think The Rock just has a better team pushing his image.
*Roles
I watched this on a whim, hadn’t heard anything about it, and really enjoyed it. Was really glad the ending wasn’t ambiguous.
Unbreakable is still Matt favorite M. Night movie.
As an aside, the way that the UK box office has lined up this weekend is completely daft. We have Puss in Boots, Knock at the Cabin, The Whale & a majorish anime movie I've been waiting for (Sword Art Online) all releasing on the same weekend most of which will have rather limited runs in limited release for just a couple of weeks.
We also just got the Fablemans last week so I somehow need to find time to see 5 films in the next couple of weeks...
I'll still stan for Glass and the whole Eastrail 177 trilogy. Anyways, loved the review and thought Knock was one of his best.
While I didn't agree with all of Glass I'm still excited and astounded it exists. Split felt so good then that stinger at the end it was like "Shut the front door are you kidding!!" Awesome feeling.
What's your favorite M. Night film? His name is all it takes to hook me. Aside from Sixth Sense which is in another level and plane all on its own (to me at least), Signs is my all time fav from him.
I really enjoyed this, one of Shyamalan's better films for sure. It's like almost as good if not just as good as Split for me.
This was a good film. And I am also a defender of Glass.
I hated Glass. It was so disrespectful to his OWN characters. What happened to Bruce Willis was shameful, and just plain unsatisfying. What did you like about it? I thought it had no redeeming qualities except maybe having the color themes of purple, yellow and green.
I got super lucky and didn't see any trailers at all, I didn't even know it was out! All my bf said was M. Night had a new movie out and I said "Not one more word, let's go see it now" 😆
I saw the movie last night and I really liked it. I read the book and I thought the film stayed faithful to the atmosphere and tone of the source material. There were major changes in the second half up till the end, but I felt it didn’t hurt the film but made the film its own thing. Bautista was obviously great, but I really loved the performances of Groff and Aldridge and how they portrayed their characters’ development. I preferred the way the film ends vs the book but only in who ended up surviving, because I thought that made most sense with the character development of Eric. But I also thought it wasn’t strong in that it could’ve been trimmed down and left the audience with some ambiguity like the book did.
If I havent read the book will it ruin the book for me if I read it later?
I liked the film as a whole, but the ended needed a little "punch". I felt it ended in a very somber manner. It really didn't have a huge twist, but I just needed something bigger to happen. Or maybe a final standoff of some sort.
i recognized mr. bautista from blade runner 2049 almost immediately. he brought on the same sense of dread.
i recognized mr. bautista from blade runner 2049 almost immediately. he brought on the same sense of dread.
I enjoyed it, it is incredibly tense. I’m also a fan of M Night Shylaman.
I was hoping you would review this movie. I was going to base whether or not I was going to see this based on what you say. You are one of the few critics I trust. I may not always agree with your reviews, but I always find your reviews informative.
I can't relate to people that don't mind spoilers... my wife will literally read about the end of some movies and shows before she watches them... that shit irks me to no end.
I hope Bautista gets cast as Kratos in the upcoming God of War series. His latest efforts prove that he absolutely has the chops for it imo
But have you watched "Servant"?
I agree, I read the book before the movie and I wish I hadn’t. In saying that I preferred the film to the book, which doesn’t happen often. To be fair to M. Night, the TV is used a lot in the book.
I only saw one trailer but I think it was the one that gave too much away. It would have been more intriguing without a couple clues i picked up on in the trailer
Can you please do a Review of the M. Night Shyamalan The Happening?
I love, love, LOVE M. Night’s OLD.
His oblique dialogue choices is what makes him unique. And he pitched his actors performances at a different angle to match the odd dialogue.
His stuff feels eerily surreal because of it. I love his weird off-kilter tone and coversational strangeness…
He’s so good. One of the best filmmakers working today.
I actually enjoyed the character moments in Old. It’s that off kilterness you talk about. The larger plot involving the actuals of the island was the boring part. Which is a weird reversal for the typical M Night movie
I didn't watch any trailers... and true, totally enjoyed it up to the end. Didn't really like the end.... But overall it is really good. Very tense. Batista is great.
Shyamalan movies are like eating Arby's. Super niche fast food you are ready to eat now and then.
If you had to choose between the two filmmakers filmography , M. Night, or Michael Bay?
You can count me as another defender of Glass.
I hated this movie. Dave Bautista and the child actress was mostly the only characters I liked in this movie
LOTR Trilogy 4K DVD review?
So I ask this question without knowing the outcome of the film. Frailty and The Rapture?
No cell service, yet they had excellent cable service (in the middle of nowhere), whereas they probably had wifi and could have used their phones after all. Just saying.
This made me want to rewatch Signs, I'll defend that movie to the grave
Rise up defenders of Glass, we few but mighty
What is that shirt you are wearing underneath? And where did you get it?
I love me some Bautista. He's becoming a great actor. The best of the former wrestler actors.
He was a good actor but after this movie, I'd say he's solidified himself as a great actor.
Agree about Dave Bautista in this movie. Any director that has doubts about whether he can carry a movie with a dramatic role, look no further. He's fantastic in this.
You know what it seems like, with M. Night? He really just needs a stellar cast to elevate his films. His movies would be a lot worse if he wasn't working with the likes of... Mel Gibson, Sam Jackson, Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Joaquin Phoenix, Haley Osment (that twist doesn't work with any other child actor), and James McAvoy.
When he instead opts for Mark Wahlberg and Zoey Deschanel as the anchors for his films, they seem to fall short a little. It's like, he really needs to cast actors that do good character work, instead of just reacting to a situation. 🤔
Dan, thanks for the warning on the trailers.
Glad to see a fellow fan of Glass. Knock of the Cabin sounds intriguing.
I think there are people who do and don't enjoy spoilers, for sure. In the same way that I think studios with cinematic universes are getting mixed messages about whether fans want a road map or not. Power Rangers revealed a road map and got savaged when their first movie fell on its face. The SW ST was savaged for not having a road map. Feige got some pushback when he revealed a road map all the way to P6... after people complained that P4 had no direction or point. And, now, Gunn has come out with a ~10 year road map for the future of DCU even though I think he only has a 2 year contract. We complain, either way.
Curious if you actually have a LaserDisc player...
is this a bit like cloverfield lane
I think, between the trailer spoilers and changing the ending, it really fuk'd up what this movie was suppose to be. I enjoyed the acting and direction, but the narrative felt very underwhelming.
OLD was so bad, I’m not sure I can go back for another M Night.
Old wasn't bad to me. It's very middle of the pack for Shyamalan.
@@kyleroberts1276 if you say so haha
The major issue in previous M Night's movies are definitely the characters. They talk unnaturally and behave strangely - not at all like regular human beings.
Indeed. It is often hard to get involved with the stakes of his films when everyone all acts with the same sense of emotion. Again, like someone would say, it's like watching aliens trying to pretend being human. For me, that effort hit worst in "Old" where there is no way this crazy scenario should be that underwehlmingly delivered.
I only watch Teaser trailers or the first trailer if there’s no teaser to movies now. I should’ve stopped a while back but Doctor Strange 2 really showed me that I need to stop watching trailer and even breakdowns of trailers. I found I enjoyed the movie more if I knew very littler about the movie. One of my best friends did the same back when Civil War came out and they showed Spider-Man in the trailer.
Going to see it Sunday at my local AMC Cinema. I loved Bautista in Bladrerunner 2049 and thought he was really good in Army of The Dead. That Brooklyn one I think was poor actor directing, but I have a soft spot for him.
So adorable Wen" remind me of my siblings in the movie 💛
The M. Night that I love died years ago 😢
I pledged a long time ago to never again get bamboozled and sucked in by anything Midnight Shamalamadingdong wrote produced or directed.
All his movies seem as if a group of 1st yr film students got together and each wrote a different part of a story, but no one was allowed to read what the others wrote.
Then all the parts were given to a different person and they were told to make a movie out of alll the parts, but they weren't allowed to make any changes.
Will I be watching this?
Short answer: NO.
Long answer: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They’re all so-so movies. I figured out the twist in the Sixth Sense in the first viewing in the theatre on opening day. Movie felt so dumb after that, and that was his best movie.
Great review, I’ll be seeing it this weekend now. And I’ll say it, I liked Old.
No spoilers (and I have seen not only not seen the film but also none of the trailers) but this sounds like it could be the premise of an extremely sick reality show. If that was the case, presumably the Producers would intervene before anyone actually was killed (or maybe not, depending how cynical they wished to be).
You should see 80 for Brady!! I would love to hear your thoughts, i found it super entertaining and a really solid comedy!!
Does this have the same cheap digital look that "Old" has?
I don't know how Old was shot, but Shyamalan shot this movie entirely on film and it looks great.
Dam you put this movie up to the great M. Night films like the Sixth Sense. In which, is my favorite. I am not a big M. Night movie buff. I do like Dave Bautista. I may give it a look.
Saw this last night and liked it a lot! I, too, have a soft spot for M. Night as a director.
Ever think about ranking M.Night’s films from your favorite to your least favorite? I think I still enjoy Signs the most.
Loved Bautista since 'Iron Fists' 😊. He's just got better with each film...
I loved this movie and Batista was fantastic
My daughter and I really enjoyed this movie. We talked about it. We are so TIRED of super hero movies and sequel after sequel after sequel..... Going to the theater and seeing something new and different is refreshing. Really.
The Night is young. 🌙
ffs Dan! 'So much of the tension is built around the question of whether a big worldwide event is going to happen or not'
And then this at 4:45 🤦♂️
I love movies and I love Dan's reviews. But honestly, sometimes I just come here for his opening pun. Never fails to make me laugh.