Movie Review: Unbreakable

Story: Are we here on earth for a reason? Does good and evil exist? Are there any superheros? Will Florida ever be forgiven? (I just threw that in to see if you were paying attention.) These are just some of the questions that are thrown at us in this newage -- supernatural -- mystery -- thriller follow up film by 30 year old writer, producer, director M. Night Shyamalan. Last year his Sixth Sense made $661 million so Disney gave him the keys to the Kingdom and total control over this, his next film. This very stylish, highly watchable, though often silly film will work for you if you treat it like a comic book. Remember all those reluctant superheros who were lead to the discovery of their superpowers by the maniacal scientist? Well, sort of twist that around and you have Unbreakable. Without giving much away (I would NEVER do that) our 'hero' is the only survivor of a train wreck. His opposite and mentor, a man who suffers from a congenital disease where his bones are very fragile, finds our 'hero' and leads him down the inevitable path to his cosmic truths. Shyamalan is an artist. He uses lots of interesting camera angles, great composition, lighting and atmospheric weather (there seems to be an awful lot of rain in Philadelphia - which is his hometown and the location of this, his second film). I predict this film will make lots of money and the third film of his obvious trilogy should be out by next Christmas. Perhaps the I see dead people, kid vs. the new age superhero? Who knows? But chances are, we will get to see Bruce Willis again. OY!

Acting: Bruce Willis, as David Dunn our reluctant superhero, has once again managed to get through an entire film without ever changing his facial expression. Simply amazing! Samuel L. Jackson, as Elijah, the mentor looks like he was having some fun with this role but someone in his entourage should have protested his awful hairdo. Another three name acting kid, Spencer Treat Clarke, plays the Haley Joel Osment role -- tentative and teary eyed -- the every kid. Robin Wright Penn as the teary eyed, hand wringing wife is fine, but underutilized.

Pets: Alas, there are no pets in Philadelphia. Perhaps there is too much rain.

Visual Art: Lots and lots of comic book art.

Soundtrack: I honestly can't remember a note. That means it wasn't intrusive, I guess. Or it means my hearing is even getting worse.

Titles: The opening grabbed me right away.

Theater Audience: Four super heroes, six arch villains and me. It appears that villains eat more popcorn than superheros.

Quirky Meter: 4

Oscar Worthy: No (But you can bet that Disney will be pushing for a nomination or two).

Nit Picking: Every scene was so artistic during some parts of the film it actually took away from the story.

Length: 107 minutes

LOBO HOWLS: 7