Her Take
By: Jodie Benavidez
Money, it runs our world, and in the film The Village it ruins our world. As everyone’s been told at some point in their life, “money is the root of all evil” and a reason to escape modern life and create a crime free, pure, and wholesome little village to call our own. Or at least that’s the case in M. Night Shyamalan’s “THE VILLAGE” an imaginative, modern day thriller with a bit of a twist. It’s based around two
His Take
By: Adam Gonzales
If you liked “The Sixth Sense”, ”Unbreakable”, and “Signs”, then I think you’ll love M. Night Shymalan’s latest suspense thriller “ The Village”. It has the same style and horror as his other films, only this one will definitely take you on more of a thrill ride. In my opinion this is his most incredible film, and I’m a fan of them all. The movie stars Joaquin Pheonix, in his second Shymalan film. And other stars such as William Hurt,
young lovers (Joaquin Phoenix and new comer Bryce Dallas Howard) in denial of their adoration. Their families reside in a quaint village set in 1897 that just happens to be bordered by lush woods that house evil. Shayamalan, who is known for his surprise endings, cooks up quite the imaginable and deceitful plot in this film, as well as a very strong message. After some frightening disturbances occur in “THE VILLAGE” Ivy (Howard) confronts Lucius (Phoenix) about their mutual feelings, and in a single night their love blossoms and they are to be wed, just when the audience expects a normal horror film with the two lead characters too in love to realize they are in grave danger, jealous rises and their love is put on held. Noah (Adrien Brody) who plays the role of Ivy’s best friend filled with envy stabs Lucius. It is then that the future and truth about the village is questioned, Ivy must venture into through the forest and into the forbidden towns to retrieve medicine for her dying fiancé. However what she truly discovers is that her world was not what it seemed at all. She learns the horrible truth about the world and that corruption lies even in a place as innocent as her village. This is no doubt a film created for the imaginative and open-minded audience member. Bryce Dallas Howard gives a great performance, which is no surprise since her father is the marvelous Ron Howard. The cast is definitely all-star and even though Howard is the only truly attributed character the rest of the cast gives great performances adding to the depth of the “surprise ending.” If you are a fan of horror films with a moral and of M. Night Shayamalan’s interesting style then this is definitely a movie for you. However for you so called “realists” out there, I’d suggest a more literal film, otherwise like many of the people I questioned about this film you will be disappointed. However, this has got to be the most entertaining horror film I’ve seen in a long time, I jumped and even shed a little tear, and “THOSE WE DON’T SPEAK OF” well I think they liked it too.
and Sigourney Weaver and Adrian Brody. Although the acting credit is ultimately stolen by a spectacular performance by the main female in the movie. I’m not sure what her name is, but watch this movie, and you’ll see what I mean. This movie has everything. There is suspense, horror, comedy, and drama. Sure, all of Shymalan’s films do, but this one has the most. It tells a story about a secluded village in the middle of the woods. They live in fear of the creatures known as “those we don’t speak of” living in the woods. The village is run by Elders. They run the government of the village. Kind of a council. The horrifying thing about this move is hardly the creatures, though they are pretty scary too. But the real horror is the secrets and other hidden things among the village. Much like all the other Shymalan flicks, this movie tells the story of human beings in a somewhat compromising situation. And if the ending to “the sixth sense” or “unbreakable” surprised you, then you better prepare yourself for “the village” climax. Nothing is what you expect. As cheesy as it may sound, “The Village” was definitely the most fun I’ve had at the movies all summer long. Shymalan definitely delivered with this one. I myself can’t wait till his next film. Now let’s talk about the plus and minus’s of “The Village”. Well, as far as storytelling and arrangement of the film are a definite plus. And the camera angles and shots were amazing. (as usual). And the suspense gets an A+ in my book. I mean, the story didn’t make full sense till the very end. It kept me guessing and debating through the whole thing. And there was never a dull or boring moment in this movie. And it really takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. One minute you’re scared, then happy, then sad, then anxious, then confused. All up until the climactic end of the film. Personally, I liked everything about this movie. I don’t recall seeing anything that I would give less than an A+. But, see it and judge for yourself. It really takes suspense horror films to the next level. And like I said, it’s more of a story about humans, and human decisions and emotions rather than a monster movie. Although, the scenes with the creatures will definitely make your skin crawl. Well, that’s about all I can tell short of giving away the ending. There is so much more that I didn’t tell you about, you really need to see this movie for yourself. But keep one thing in mind, NOTHING is what it seems.
