I have mixed feelings about this film. On the one hand, the whole story once fully revealed is undoubtedly quite a curiously interesting idea. Even at times deliciously clever. But on the other hand, in the execution, M. Knight creates a whole lot of antsy viewers. At one point I was even checking my watch. The director simply indulges just a little too much in a patiently slow pace.

Probably M. Knight has had it up to here with reviewers comparing each of his later works with his earlier masterpiece "The Sixth Sense." But, to complement him dearly, "Sixth Sense" is a model production. The direction, pace, scripting, acting, etc. are tight, perfect. Viewers come to a powerful realization at exactly the same time as the lead character. That timing is awesome. In "The Village," the timing is much less awesome. We come to realizations slightly before the characters (in some cases more than slightly). And instead of one big realization, there are two or three fun twists. And even if one catches you by surprise, somehow the overall effect suffers from the other two missing.

Bryce Dallas Howard strongly plays the part of a blind woman in love. All others are solid, but seldom sparkling, seldom swelling in passion. There are a few moments that pull together and stir the butterflies in your soul -- but in between, there's a lot of waiting. And for you horror lovers, this picture is not all that chilling, and simply not scary.

(This film viewed at a Krikorian Theatre.)