Cady's Take:

This movie is about a village that seems to exist in the late 19th century, inhabited by people who lead a far simpler life than we know today. The Villagers live in mortal fear of "Those We Don't Speak Of", unseen creatures that roam the surrounding woods. The residents have long lived by the understanding that the creatures won't bother them as long as no one goes beyond the borders of the town.

There are a couple terrific jump out of your seat scares and enough questions raised to keep your brain thinking throughout. "The Village" is certainly interesting, but clearly a failure when relating it to Shyamalan's previous works such as Signs, Unbreakable & The Sixth Sense. Although this film is getting crushed by critics everywhere, I must admit that I was intrigued by this movie and, despite the weakness of the film's revelation, thought it was a decent rental.

Must Note : Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of famous director Ron Howard , turns in a spectacular, top-notch, debut performance. I look forward to seeing her on the big screen again!

I do not know how else to say it - "The Village" is the most preposterous, ridiculous, and downright insulting movie I have ever seen. This movie STINKS OUT LOUD it is so bad. I know we all love M. Night Shyamalan, but let's face facts here people - there is absolutely nothing original or gripping or even slightly interesting about this movie whatsoever.

Shyamalan has clearly decided to make a movie about philosophy, more specifically, of Western civilization. He is exploring the idea of how a society is formed, and the question of whether a utopian existence can really exist. He uses the Hobbesean theory that fear is the greatest motivator for man. Not effectively, mind you, but I see where he is going.

Unfortunately "The Village" fails, not only in building suspense, but in the payoff. Does M. Night really think so little of his audience? I had the entire movie figured out in the first 8 minutes (yes, I timed it). And no, I am not bragging - you would figure it out too.my dog had it figured out. The one shining spot is the breakout performance of Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard) as Ivy, the daughter of the village patriarch.

This is not to say that I am giving up on M. Night - he is currently working on "The Life of Pi" about a young Indian boy from Pondicherry, India (where Night was born) which I will undoubtedly see. Pick up a copy of the book before it comes out, though, just in case.