Something's happening.

I'm not exactly sure what's happening, but it is.

M. Night Shyamalan wants me to believe there is something going on, so I will. Assuming I'm a mindless drone that will eat anything that's shoveled onto my plate.

For most people, Shyamalan is an overrated one trick pony. For me, an admitted fan, he is a talented director who needs to learn how to shoot someone else's scripts. Let's just say that he is leaning more toward the Lucas side of things, and less toward the Speilberg side. "The Happening" is no exception.

There was really very little hype to the latest thriller from Night. Other than the obvious rated R gimmick, the film and its marketing campaign gave very little away.

Well, and get ready for this, the film is about plant life protecting itself by exposing humans to deadly toxins. These toxins cause the human brain to malfunction into a self terminating state. Boy is there some gore. Not gore gore, but for Night, this is a gory display of "please forgive me for "Lady in the Water"." Sorry, no "it's okay" will come out of me. However, this film is no where near as ridiculous as "Lady."

Mark Wahlberg was in mind for the role of Elliot from the beginning. Really? Donnie would have been more suited to play a nerdy science teacher. Zooey Deschenel should have been asked to perform the role of Alma from her couch at home, because the character has very little depth and hardly any development. Not to mention, most of the characters have very little development and aren't believable. That's that writing thing I was talking about earlier. However, directing is a major issue in this as well. Everyone seems to be a stick figure acting out scenes in Night's backyard. Not good.

There are no twists. No real suspense. So I suppose it is a good thing that Night is getting away from the typecast he had created for himself as a director.

All in all, I must say that the concept isn't all that bad. After all, we need this planet a lot more than it needs us. However, a premise doesn't make a movie.

Better luck next time Mr. Shyamalan. Your career may depend on it.

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