From Deseret News archives:
Happening, The
If you didn't know better, you'd swear "The Happening" was supposed to be taken as a joke. An elaborate and sometimes head-scratching one, but a joke nonetheless. ...
Unfortunately, once-respected screenwriter and director M. Night Shyamalan ("Signs," "The Sixth Sense") has proved he really doesn't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to himself or his movies.
So, it seems his latest film a science-fiction/thriller that features a rather heavy-handed environmental message was obviously meant to be taken seriously.
However, the movie is so inept in terms of coherent, cohesive storytelling and in some other filmmaking aspects that it deserves to be laughed off the screen. Also, it's by far Shyamalan's most violent film. There are some gory moments that easily merit the R rating it boasts.
As for the movie's somewhat nebulous title, it refers to sudden mass hysteria that occurs along the East Coast. In New York's Central Park, visitors have been killing themselves.
And as the suicidal behavior spreads, it sets off panic as far away as Philadelphia, which is where Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg) lives.
The high school teacher and his wife, Alma (Zooey Deschanel), have a strained relationship, but they have agreed to put aside their differences until the crisis is over.
The only times the film connects is in these quieter moments, the ones dealing with the human drama. The rest of it is so silly that this talented cast seems to be having a hard time keeping a straight face.
That's even true of Deschanel, a usually strong actress who gives one of her less-convincing performances.
"The Happening" is rated R for strong, often disturbing violent imagery (acts of suicidal behavior, including shootings, vehicular mayhem, an animal mauling and wrist slitting), some fairly graphic gore and blood, scattered profanity, brief drug references, and use of some crude slang terms and derogatory slurs. Running time: 91 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
- NFL: Week 12 recap 12:50 a.m.
- '12 Days' bill would top $87K 12:35 a.m.
- Study finds autism therapy works 12:35 a.m.
- Boy shot following traffic stop 12:35 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:24 a.m.
- Herbert builds his team of rivals 12:21 a.m.
- Corroon a step closer to governor 12:21 a.m.
- Monday on TV 12:18 a.m.
- Editorial: East, West and religion 12:17 a.m.
- A deficit commission? 12:17 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU is champion of the state
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Credit Coug defense for win
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Field goals, penalties doomed Utes
- Cougar defense rose to occasion
- Banged up Jazz get best of Blazers
- Jones' joy for life remembered
- Fantasy is reality for BYU professor
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
869 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
473 - Max Hall issues apology
145 - BYU is champion of the state
137 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
117 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
68 - Utes fall to Seattle U. at home
65
I find it interesting that many of the same people who say that we can't...
None of these teams is going to be easy. They all have fine football...
Max, no apology was necessary, but the apology was polically correct. If...
Very good piece of writing, Amy. You summarized what many of us have been...
How is a top 25 finish make Utah a top twenty team? I think what the poster...
90% of the BYU & Utah fans have class, and Hall knows it. If you don't...
This might be my favorite article I've ever read from the Deseret News. Kudos.
Thank you for not giving up and don't give up now brother and sister...
Dr. Lois Lee's work with children who are victims of child sexual...
Look at the preview for Pixar's "Up". The whole move is summarized in...





You can be the first to comment on this story.