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*** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread - Page 3

post #61 of 171
6/15/08 at 11:55am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
Radioman, I respect your point. For me personally, as someone who has loved the majority of MNS films. (especially 6th Sense, Unbreakable, & Signs)...his last offerings just look and feel different. I suppose they are similar in a technical MNS way in some respects...but the quality of the screenplays have really, really gone downhill. And fast. I'm not a hater though. Big fan of his and have re-purchased his films on Blu-ray.
I haven't seen LitW but Unbreakable, Signs and The Village took me multiple viewings to enjoy them. M's films are usually more complex than what my first viewing told me they are. This one isn't any different. In fact, I think the environmental message is huge here. I think that's the one thing that might give the movie more strength than just trying to define it as a movie about a killer wind or whatever. Just like people hated The Village thinking it was a monster movie, I accept that it was actually more deep than that...more about the elders of a society trying to protect their own. And Signs was mostly about faith, not formost an alien invasion.

Even so, The Happening had a lot of problems. I didn't like the reaction of those 2 boys when they got to that boarded up house. I found it hard to believe that the scene served any other purpose than to...

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
get them out of the movie.


What really gets me is how people do seem to be going out of their way to hate this film. I read somewhere on the net about people not believing there was a scene with the actor talking to a plastic plant. Now, out of context, that would seem stupid, but within the movie it was an attempt at humor that actually worked for me and the audience I watched it with.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
Everyone reacts different but I had higher hopes for The Happening. I think alot of people did and are coming away very disappointed.

Jari, opening weekends aren't a good barometer really...word of mouth will most likely kill this one though.
I went in thinking I would laugh at it. I was kind of worried about that since I usually hate when others do that when I'm enjoying the movie the way it is.

I agree about opening weekends. I also think WOM will effect this negatively. People just aren't able to connect with it.
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post #62 of 171
6/15/08 at 12:38pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

I actually didn't mind LitW, I kinda liked the whole concept of a girl with unusual powers ending up taking refuge in an eccentric apartment complex with all these everyday people and being pursued by a dark force. I liked it more than The Village.

But yeah the stuff about Night playing a character who writes a book that's so brilliant it'll change the world was laughable. I saw the film like a couple of weeks into its run, so my expectations for it had been lowered to a massive degree.

I liked Paul Giamatti's performance though and also I liked the girl that played Night's sister in the film.

I dunno about The Happening though. The reviews have been incredibly harsh.

Still though I can see why it opened decently. I think there is a portion of the audience that's getting a little tired of all the superhero/CGI/adventure flicks ... lots of people are in the mood for a good ol' fashioned thriller, unfortunately it doesn't seem The Happening delivers that.
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post #63 of 171
6/15/08 at 12:45pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Just got back from seeing it, I liked it.

Not pointing any fingers, but IMHO, I think too many people have set unrealistically high expectations on a lot of movies, including this one.

I was contemplating changing my movie choice for today to The Incredible Hulk. I'm glad I didn't. Besides, I saw a lot of kids going into Hulk. I'll probably wait for that on DVD or see it in a couple weeks.
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post #64 of 171
6/15/08 at 12:49pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
Jari, opening weekends aren't a good barometer really...word of mouth will most likely kill this one though.

Opening weekend actually means quite a lot. For many smaller movies, it´s almost everything. "The Happening" already got $30.5M "back" of its budget ($57 + marketing, I guess), so it probably won´t be considered as a "flop". And if you add the international numbers, it´s even better. No worries for Shyamalan.
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post #65 of 171
6/15/08 at 12:54pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete-D
....
Still though I can see why it opened decently. I think there is a portion of the audience that's getting a little tired of all the superhero/CGI/adventure flicks ... lots of people are in the mood for a good ol' fashioned thriller, unfortunately it doesn't seem The Happening delivers that.
Absolutely. For me, it was either this or The Strangers. I like superhero flick but wasn't in the mood for it this weekend. I haven't seen Ironman so that was my 3rd choice.
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post #66 of 171
6/15/08 at 12:57pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Qui-Gon John
Just got back from seeing it, I liked it.

Not pointing any fingers, but IMHO, I think too many people have set unrealistically high expectations on a lot of movies, including this one.

I was contemplating changing my movie choice for today to The Incredible Hulk. I'm glad I didn't. Besides, I saw a lot of kids going into Hulk. I'll probably wait for that on DVD or see it in a couple weeks.
you're blind and apparently do not know what good dialogue is. this movie was beyond horrid
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post #67 of 171
6/15/08 at 12:59pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete-D
Still though I can see why it opened decently. I think there is a portion of the audience that's getting a little tired of all the superhero/CGI/adventure flicks ... lots of people are in the mood for a good ol' fashioned thriller, unfortunately it doesn't seem The Happening delivers that.

Good point. People also want something "different", without CGI etc, and Shyamalan delivers that in some degree. "The Happening" is not really a "good ol' fashioned thriller", but at least for me it was intense experience, with tension, even "horror", humor, emotions, surprises, good actors, etc. It was a good package (not perfect by any means, though). My style is not to read anything about these films before entering to the movie theatre, which probably also helped. You never quite know what to expect when it comes to Shyamalan, and I really like that. I guess I like "different movies" every once in a while. Films that are not that obvious etc.

Btw. That "talking to plant"-scene was hilarious. Good example of Shyamalan's humor. Some like it and some don´t. I think it was a nice little scene.
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post #68 of 171
6/15/08 at 1:00pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd stone
you're blind and apparently do not know what good dialogue is. this movie was beyond horrid
I didn't like the movie either but I think that's a little... extreme. Besides that, it's not the dialogue- it's the delivery of the dialogue.

EDIT: Like I said before, I love most of Shyamalan's work so it is nice to see that a few people have enjoyed this movie. I just wish I was one of them too.
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post #69 of 171
6/15/08 at 1:01pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radioman970
@todd s
About some being effected and some not...this concept really isn't that difficult to believe. People are different and some perhaps have a certain amount of immunity. A film like this deals with a lot of unknowns in its story. Everything isn't going to be spelled out. Eventually the other woman on the park bench would be effected.

I don't know. I think that it didn't affect everyone. Since they show 3 months later they are back living in Philly and it looked like a bunch of people were living there. If a virus, germ came in and killed everyone. Their would be no one to come back. Also, in the news reports. They say local authorities were doing autopsies in NY of the victims. So maybe it was attacks than have a high death rate. But, in the city their is not many trees and shrubs. So only those near a park are affected. Which would explain why suburban areas where their are trees and shrubs everywhere were hard hit (ie-Princeton).
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post #70 of 171
6/15/08 at 1:03pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd stone
you're blind and apparently do not know what good dialogue is. this movie was beyond horrid

Now where was that "ignore"-button..
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post #71 of 171
6/15/08 at 1:12pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radioman970
Even so, The Happening had a lot of problems. I didn't like the reaction of those 2 boys when they got to that boarded up house. I found it hard to believe that the scene served any other purpose than to...

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
get them out of the movie.

Yes, that was slightly odd scene, have to agree with you. I guess it was still kinda powerful, since first you kinda laugh (kid showing off) and then.. well..

Anyway, there were a few scenes like that.

Like I said, you never quite knew what to expect, what´s coming, humor and "horror" are mixed up, etc, and that probably pisses some people off (who like the more "traditional", "safe" filmmaking).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radioman970
Just like people hated The Village thinking it was a monster movie, I accept that it was actually more deep than that...

Yes, this is *exactly* what happened to me. I still believe (how sad of me.. ) that the "old village + monsters + ancient peace is about to be broken + monsters attack" was a brilliant concept. I watched the trailer (The Village) many times and almost pictured what might happen in the film. Spooky horror, monsters lurking in the shadows, Shyamalan doing what he does best.. My expectations sky-rocketed. I was ready to see the best - and SCARY, horror-movie in ages..

Then - huge disappointment. Huge. But - the reasons for that were quite simple; I waited for a good old monster movie. I got deeper film than that. After "accepting" that fact, I started to see the film in a different light and also learned to respect the film. It´s still "disappointment", but still a pretty good movie in his own right. It just isn´t a "horror movie"..
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post #72 of 171
6/15/08 at 3:43pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
Everyone reacts different but I had higher hopes for The Happening. I think alot of people did and are coming away very disappointed.

I had reasonable to low expectations for The Happening, and they still weren't met even when I paid an early bird special of $4.50 to see it. I told a classmate of mine if I didn't like The Happenin, it would be the last Shyamalan movie I would have any desire to watch. Otherwise, I'm going to rely on word of mouth from now on. The Happening was more like a punchline to a five-minute conversation about great story concepts.
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post #73 of 171
6/15/08 at 5:04pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Somehow I think when I said I had "higher hopes" for The Happening then it meant they were unrealistic. No, I went in wanting/hoping/wishing to like it but since his last few films haven't blown me away it was still guarded.

I think when someone likes a film and some don't it's an easy claim for those that do to shout 'unrealistic' expectations.

I think with MNS recent films most people are going in with mixed expectations. I don't feel the 'hate' that is said to be in for him. Maybe I'm bias because overall I like his work. Some of it I love.

I hope I'm wrong about the box office after the opening weekend success.
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post #74 of 171
6/15/08 at 5:29pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
Good point. People also want something "different", without CGI etc, and Shyamalan delivers that in some degree. "The Happening" is not really a "good ol' fashioned thriller", but at least for me it was intense experience, with tension, even "horror", humor, emotions, surprises, good actors, etc. It was a good package (not perfect by any means, though). My style is not to read anything about these films before entering to the movie theatre, which probably also helped. You never quite know what to expect when it comes to Shyamalan, and I really like that. I guess I like "different movies" every once in a while. Films that are not that obvious etc.

Btw. That "talking to plant"-scene was hilarious. Good example of Shyamalan's humor. Some like it and some don´t. I think it was a nice little scene.
good actors? LMAO. You obviously have not watched the same film as the rest of us
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post #75 of 171
6/15/08 at 6:19pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
I think when someone likes a film and some don't it's an easy claim for those that do to shout 'unrealistic' expectations.

Tim, my statement in this regards was meant in much broader terms. It's just that I hear so many people, complain and put down so many movies, that I feel that something has changed to where large groups of people expect every movie to be the, be all, end all, (unrealistic expectations). [I'd give examples of movie titles similar to what they expect, but then I'm sure some would say any of the titles I might mention are crap as well]. And when it is not exactly what they want, they bash the given movie as being crap, worst movie ever, etc.

It wasn't for you, then that's fine for you. But you go through HTF, {and worse on other sites}, and the majority of movies are bash bait. Just a sad commentary on our time.

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post #76 of 171
6/15/08 at 6:30pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

I was just making a point that I set the bar really low.
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post #77 of 171
6/15/08 at 6:59pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Qui Gon John, I actually think we're thinking the same thing on this. No worries. And I agree with expectations playing huge roles in movies. More often than not, my 2nd or sometimes 3rd viewing of a film I enjoy much more unless of course it's awful from the getgo & then it only gets one

I think I came off defensive in my post.

Film enjoyment is really subjective isn't it?
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post #78 of 171
6/15/08 at 8:19pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

I know most of you guys didn't like the movie so maybe this will cheer you up lol...



'Hey hey hey!"
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post #79 of 171
6/15/08 at 8:30pm
Thread Starter 

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
"The Happening" already got $30.5M "back" of its budget ($57 + marketing, I guess)
No, it got "back" about $17 million. Only about 55% of the gross goes back to the studio. The theaters get to keep the rest.
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post #80 of 171
6/15/08 at 9:32pm

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd stone
you're blind and apparently do not know what good dialogue is. this movie was beyond horrid
You're entitled to your opinion, and so are others. Cool it.

M.
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post #81 of 171
6/16/08 at 12:46am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Worth seeing for the Betty Buckley sequence. Night riffs/rips off "Psycho" awesomely. Hell, I'd say the tension there surpasses his best scare set-pieces in "Sixth Sense" and Signs" - and that's saying something.

The film is in a way Night retreating back to his "Signs" well - but without the serious suspense and tension of that film (other than the Buckley scene). I don't think Night was interested in going there. It's all about unnerving you with R-Rated suicides as Marky Mark and Zoey flee. But what he chose to focus on is pretty weak sauce as the script is so far away from satisfying on any kind of emotional/character level.

But the film is not some kind of WORST.FILM.EVER. Don't believe that hype. I found it more satisfying than "The Village" and "Lady In The Water" (not saying much....I know ).
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post #82 of 171
6/16/08 at 1:04am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Malcolm R
No, it got "back" about $17 million. Only about 55% of the gross goes back to the studio. The theaters get to keep the rest.

Well, if you're gonna go there, why not mention the 30 million it made overseas as well.
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post #83 of 171
6/16/08 at 5:28am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd s
I don't know. I think that it didn't affect everyone. ... in the city their is not many trees and shrubs. So only those near a park are affected. Which would explain why suburban areas where their are trees and shrubs everywhere were hard hit (ie-Princeton).
Different people are more suceptable than others. That, coupled with the amount of plantlife, decided the rate in any given area. Somehow, weather also effected the process.

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd stone
good actors? LMAO. You obviously have not watched the same film as the rest of us
No offense, but speak for yourself. Ebert defended the acting. Myself, I didn't find it totally terrible. Yeah, some dodgy line readings that should have been redone. But the whole movie wasn't a complete loss in the area of acting. Many moments surprised me. Some made me groan a little.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
Yes, that was slightly odd scene, have to agree with you. I guess it was still kinda powerful, since first you kinda laugh (kid showing off) and then.. well..

Anyway, there were a few scenes like that.
Yep,that's the same way I looked at it. Kid showing off..then for some reason got serious and the other one started to get serious as well... The old lady was an oddly done character too. It was just "off" but I was able to overlook the things I didn't like about that. That is one part I laughed at...when she goes off the edge.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
....I waited for a good old monster movie. I got deeper film than that. After "accepting" that fact, I started to see the film in a different light and also learned to respect the film. It´s still "disappointment", but still a pretty good movie in his own right. It just isn´t a "horror movie"..
I think people who are dropping him ("waiting for WOM") are doing themselves a disservice. M's films do offer deeper meanings to look for and that can be fun. The Village is a great example of that. I did a fun MST3K treatment of it the first time, but second viewing (bought the film expecting to riff it up again) was totally different. The film has an awesome look. The story really isn't anything new. Sci-Fi TV has done similar for years. There must be a STar Trek episode with the same story line of elders taking care of their own. M's version works really well. The Amish came to mind while watching it. I've learned to really like the film after ridiculing it. That's kind of cool for me.
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post #84 of 171
6/16/08 at 5:59am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd s
I don't know. I think that it didn't affect everyone. Since they show 3 months later they are back living in Philly and it looked like a bunch of people were living there. If a virus, germ came in and killed everyone. Their would be no one to come back. Also, in the news reports. They say local authorities were doing autopsies in NY of the victims. So maybe it was attacks than have a high death rate. But, in the city their is not many trees and shrubs. So only those near a park are affected. Which would explain why suburban areas where their are trees and shrubs everywhere were hard hit (ie-Princeton).

I really liked the movie, but I won't even try to defend it (would be an exercise in futility). My wife liked it too.

Regarding the "science", these were my assumptions...
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
1. It effected everyone at slightly different rates of speed, some folks were more susceptible and fell into it quicker than others. But it did effect everyone exposed to it (nobody had a natural defense).
2. That being said, it appears that the toxin was not toxic enough to spread indoors, so anyone who was inside and STAYED INSIDE (or away from parks) was probably safe. Leading to #3...
3. The populations of NYC and Philly had more people inside offices and homes than in the rural areas (like you said), and thus had less fatalities, and could get back to a normal life not too long after the event.
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post #85 of 171
6/16/08 at 6:04am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

I'm glad it's making money. I look forward to M's next effort and how this one effects his filmmaking technique. Hopefully he'll never make straight forward film to please the studios or masses. Good or bad his are something different with lots of his personal earmarks to look for. Unlike many, I'll most likely see ALL his films in the cinema from now on. I saw Sixth Sense and The Happening in the Cinema but the rest were home viewings.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Qui-Gon John
...when it is not exactly what they want, they bash the given movie as being crap, worst movie ever, etc.

...
Well said. I'm tired of that. It's the same way over on rottentomatoes forums. At the same time there are some who will overdefend as well. This seriously isn't MNS's shining moment, but it's also not a bad film to watch. Ticket price for me $4.50. An afternoon out of the house with this film was worth much more than I paid. Success!

Quote:
Originally Posted by IanDP
I really liked the movie, but I won't even try to defend it (would be an exercise in futility). My wife liked it too.

Regarding the "science", these were my assumptions...
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
1. It effected everyone at slightly different rates of speed, some folks were more susceptible and fell into it quicker than others. But it did effect everyone exposed to it (nobody had a natural defense).
2. That being said, it appears that the toxin was not toxic enough to spread indoors, so anyone who was inside and STAYED INSIDE (or away from parks) was probably safe. Leading to #3...
3. The populations of NYC and Philly had more people inside offices and homes than in the rural areas (like you said), and thus had less fatalities, and could get back to a normal life not too long after the event.
We're on the same page. And #3 in your spoiler sounds like a good explanation of that problem.

Isn't amazing how well MNS's film create discussion? Is there a MNS film study course yet in a major university? There should be.
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post #86 of 171
6/16/08 at 6:10am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radioman970
I'm glad it's making money. I look forward to M's next effort and how this one effects his filmmaking technique. Hopefully he'll never make straight forward film to please the studios or masses. Good or bad his are something different with lots of his personal earmarks to look for. Unlike many, I'll most likely see ALL his films in the cinema from now on. I saw Sixth Sense and The Happening in the Cinema but the rest were home viewings.

Well said. I'm tired of that. It's the same way over on rottentomatoes forums. At the same time there are some who will overdefend as well. This seriously isn't MNS's shining moment, but it's also not a bad film to watch. Ticket price for me $4.50. An afternoon out of the house with this film was worth much more than I paid. Success!
You're not the only who feels that way. It's M. Night's third biggest opening ever. Bottom line: People are still paying to see his movies.
M. Night Shyamalan Movie Box Office Results
Good for him, but I agree, next time I'd like to see him bring back "THE TWIST". If everybody is going to bash his movies anyway, he might as well make them how he wants to make them. If you've seen him in interviews, you know he's not a cocky guy. He just wants to make his kind of movies. He takes risks, and breaks the rules. You know what you're going to get from him. It will be strange, and unusual, unique and certainly different from anything else out there.
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post #87 of 171
6/16/08 at 6:12am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radioman970
Isn't amazing how well MNS's film create discussion? Is there a MNS film study course yet in a major university? There should be.
I was thinking that too. How bad can a film be, if it creates so much discourse. Internet advertisers must love it when his movies come out, because every movie blog and forum is alive this morning with discussion of The Happening (for better or worse). You watch, this thread and the Review thread will go onto being some of the most lively ever.
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post #88 of 171
6/16/08 at 6:28am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by IanDP
You're not the only who feels that way. It's M. Night's third biggest opening ever. Bottom line: People are still paying to see his movies.
M. Night Shyamalan Movie Box Office Results
Good for him, but I agree, next time I'd like to see him bring back "THE TWIST". If everybody is going to bash his movies anyway, he might as well make them how he wants to make them. If you've seen him in interviews, you know he's not a cocky guy. He just wants to make his kind of movies. He takes risks, and breaks the rules. You know what you're going to get from him. It will be strange, and unusual, unique and certainly different from anything else out there.
Good deal! Although I never thought in a million years this would be the end of his filmmaker career like some seem to think.

Non-twist films from him don't bother me. But he's definitely of the Twilight Zone school of filmmaker. The Happening is very much like a Tales from the Darkside.

I haven't viewed too many of his interviews. The ones I did see had me thinking his ego was utterly huge. I've stated before I'd like something to "Happen" that would humble him a little. I felt it would improve his filmmaking. Maybe my dream came true...?
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post #89 of 171
6/16/08 at 6:53am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

I loved Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. Heck, I even liked The Village. I've always though M. Night was a pretty talented director and I'm a big fan. But to me The Happening was just a terrible movie all around. I haven't walked out of a theater this disappointed since Kasdan's Dreamcatcher a few years ago.
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post #90 of 171
6/16/08 at 7:01am

Re: *** Official THE HAPPENING Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd H
...I haven't walked out of a theater this disappointed since Kasdan's Dreamcatcher a few years ago.
Oops. I liked that one too. But again, not a great film...I just happened to look around its problems and find a genuinely enjoyable film. I think it was much the same with the Happening, expected the worst and didn't get it for either film. Luck would have it, I paid $2 for Dreamcaster the day after Thanksgiving. Gotta love those sales!

Oh, OT, the X-Files preview trailer preceeding the Happening has me excited. Looks better than I thought it would. REally can't wait to see that one. I think it will capture the flavor of the TV show moreso than the first film did. Although I liked it too.
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