"M. Knight, M. Knight, M. Knight," I'm shaking my head now like a caring teacher grading a poor assignment written by a bright student. I'd seen the low rating on the tomatometer over at rottentomatoes.com. I'd seen M. Knight struggle to recreate the success of Sixth Sense with Unbreakable, Signs, The Village, and Lady in the Water. And I still believe in M. Knight. But, the fact is, "The Happening" is a poor accomplishment.

Conceptually, the idea of the film is interesting, intriguing. But, cinematically, there is little about this film done well. The dialogue is awkward. The scripting of characters, shallow and pointless. The plot, too thin. Even good actors couldn't save this under-loved piece.

Okay M. Knight, listen up, this is your teacher talking to you. Stop squandering your talent. I feel you struggling to recreate a past success. Stop, that. The past is done. Your were greatly privileged to connect strongly with one of your works. We were privileged to be entertained and moved by it. But let go of it. Stop thinking so hard about ideas that didn't come from your heart. There is an idea just waiting for you there, there in your soul. Take that one. Then aim all of your writing, directing, producing prowess at it and you will touch our souls -- forget about pleasing the bankers -- you've already done that.

-- Book Contest --