The Happening

M. Night Shyamalan's latest supernatural thriller, The Happening, is coming to theaters Friday, June 13, 2008. A story about a "family on the run from a natural crisis that presents a large-scale threat to humanity," The Happening stars Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Signs star Abigail Breslin's older brother, Spencer. This will be M. Night's eigth film as director, sixth as producer, and ninth as writer.

Many people were skeptical about taking on this film, what with the relative success of Shyamalan's last two films, The Village and The Lady in the Water. Lucky for us, Fox struck a deal with the brilliant writer/director; and after some re-writes gave Shyamalan the go to start filming.

Personally, I'm thrilled to see a new M. Night film. Since The Village, most have fallen off the wagon, leaving only the true M. Night followers to revel in the depth and richness of his films. I truly am amazed everytime anyone speaks of the simplicity of his recent movies. Maybe it's not the films that are simple, though, but the minds of those who simply do not get it. It's not about aliens, living like the amish, or "those we don't speak of." It's not about a lady in the water, per se. It's about the journey; what part do we play? Do we see signs? Do we understand that an innocent saved innocence, and not the lies of our parents? Do we understand that we can all make a difference, and help to shape and change the future of our own world?

We can all make a difference. At least that's what I get from his films; and that's how I feel after seeing his films, like I can do anything, that I matter, that I can and am supposed to play a bigger part in my role here as a man living on a tiny planet called earth.

Do yourself a favor. Make sure you see The Happening when it comes out Friday, June 13, 2008.