The Village

release year: 2004
genre: horror/drama
viewing setting: theater, 7/31/04

synopsis: A remote nineteenth-century village shares an uneasy peace with mysterious monsters...but something goes wrong.

impressions: There are sufficient plot twists and surprises to make a full discussion of this movie impossible without ruining it for you. I liked the premise and the big twist, but everything in-between was of lower quality. The old-time dialogue was stilted and awkward, and some characters' motivations made no sense.

things to watch for: When the monsters actually invade the village.

something this movie has that no other movie has: a blind girl who runs around like she can see

acting: Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix were good as the young leads who fell in love under strange circumstances. John Hurt and Sigourney Weaver had minor roles as their parents. Adrien Brody was a mentally-deficient kid who meant well but caused some problems.

final word: Worth seeing, but probably not again after you know the twists.

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