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UNBREAKABLE review

First, I feel dirty by crush	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:19:11 AM

At least Bruce Willis has some brains by FrogsFatA$$	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:20:39 AM
I think this one will be good. Bruce Willis is one of the only older actors that can still do quality films (unlike Arnie and co.)
Unbreakable is truly remarkable in every way. by AMC DAVE	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:23:15 AM
Harry, you are completely right. Never have my friends talk about an ending like this one before. We just got out of a radio screening in Riverside, CA tonight, and oh man I can't wait to see it again on Thanksgiving day with my dad. He's gonna flip out. And yes, this is definitely the best comic book movie around. Bar none. Anybody who doesn't like this movie really needs to get their head together!!! Hopefully, the DVD comes out in 4 months like X-Men, huh? :)
Great review Harry... I'm seeing it TONIGHT! by Ted Striker	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:23:43 AM

I don't know Harry by manicdepressive	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:40:27 AM
There is allways a possiblity of over reacting on this one man. Chill a bit will ya?
A thousand time better than the other Thanksgiving movies like 1 by Kaylob	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:45:51 AM

SQOTD by SimpsonsQuoteMan	Nov 22nd, 2000 02:56:49 AM
(reading comic out loud)"But Aquaman, you cannot marry a woman without gills! -(atom bomb about to collide) Oh I've wasted my life..." - Comic book guy. Seriously, comics are pretty lame. Very very precious few have anything good in them besides the pretty pictures, and even those are fuckin hard to come by. Comics are the absolute epitome of what it means to "beat a dead horse" I mean look at basically any popular comic: X-men - about 50 different stories and sets of stories, Batman - fuck I mean come on, how many versions of his life do you want? face it- comics are NOT good entertainment, they cost too much, they don't have enough in them, 99.9999% of all comic writing is below the WORST WORST WORST of bad TV, and only a few have decent artists. fact!
Comics are under rated by Mr Bimble	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:35:26 AM
Okay ComicBookGuy, first off your "fact" is nothing more than your opinion. You would do well to remember that. I love comic books. Love 'em. Exciting stories, great characters, gorgeous artwork, etc. Some are more POW! ZAP! than others, but I enjoy these as well as the more intellectual stuff. Comic book writers are some of the best writers out there IMO. Some of these writers script out multiple titles a month. How many people could come up with one single issue of dialogue and plots that others would be interested in? There aren't that many good storytellers out there (Hollywood and TV have shown us that on multiple occasions), to read interesting stories month in and month out is a past time I look forward to. I'm rambling I know but it's late, just got back from an employee screening of 'Unbreakable' which I really enjoyed. Time to pop in the X-Men DVD.
This movie sounds terrible. by Filthy Fox	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:55:43 AM
Damn this sounds like an awful movie that's intended for geek fan boys (no offense you fucking losers). This seems like the classic Harry Knowles bad recomendation, just like Gladiator and X-men, in case you didn't notice-- those movies weren't good. I also hate that shit when people say BLANK1 is the greatest movie ever, but BLANK2 is their favorite movie ever. That makes no fucking sense at all. Stand by your fucking opinion! If PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE (or something else) is your favorite movie, then just say it's the greatest movie ever made! If you find it more appealing than any other goddamn movie, and that you could watch it everyday for the rest of your life, and you named your dog Amazing Larry then just say it's the best fucking movie ever made! We understand it's your opinion. So instead of seeing UNBREAKABLE I'll go see Requiem For A Dream a second time. My favorite movie of the year/ The best movie of the year. PS just to let you know PI is a rip off of TETSUO: THE IRON MAN. For more info check out my talkback in the REQUIEM FOR A DREAM review.
I cheated too! Read all the way to the bottom without seeing the by Regis Travolta	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:58:41 AM
Hah-Hah Harry I cheated I cheated! But it sounds nifty so I will see it over the Turkey Weight Gain holiday weekend then I will come back here and weigh in on it. Have fun at Los Con you sentimental fool you!
Best comic book movie ever ? by Mr Glass	Nov 22nd, 2000 04:02:46 AM
If you consider DARKMAN and THE MATRIx comic book movies, no, but otherwise.... Anyways, I hope this makes as much money as THE SIXTH SENSE and sets up a franchise. I want McFarlaneToyz action figures of Bruce Willis in the green "security" raincoat and Sam Jackson in the wheelchair, with the leather gloves and the glass cane ! www.projet9.netc.net/norm/main .htm
Having seen UNBREAKABLE, I must say this... by Nordling	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:04:57 AM
Harry is absolutely right. And I didn't think he would be. Sure, there are some things I'd change, but the movie flows and the actors do quality work here. Cinematography is TOP-NOTCH. In a way, I was prepared not to like this. I'm glad I do. I will tell you this though...this movie will polarize people more so than BLAIR WITCH ever did. People will hate it...and they'll hate it for all the wrong reasons. They'll let tiny imperfections get in the way of an excellent film. By the way, Harry...the newspaper scene is my favorite too. I would like to see another one of these. But I get the feeling that's not going to happen.
Thumbs up! by GW	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:27:46 AM
Yep. Harry's right on this one. A remarkable piece that manages to maintain an eerrie sense of tension and suspense without the standard tricks. No blood and guts. No over the top heroes and villains. No spandex. No gazillion dollar effects. Just unusual, moody photography, sound editing, and superb, understated performances. Real people as heroes and villains. )Foiled by a pool cover!) This is a great film but...The only problem is that it may face an audience that demands flash & trash, that won't buy into its understated universe. That would demote this film from blockbuster to quirky cult film status. I truly hope the film does well, but no filmaker has ever made money by overestimating the intelligence of his audience.
Unbearable by hitch's ghost	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:31:13 AM
UNBREAKABLE is awful. Harry is waaaaayyyyyy off this time. This film is slow and boring. The comic book allegory is the worst element of the story. It doesn't work and definitely does not pay off. This is the least satisfying movie I've seen all year. Save your money and do not see it.
A Poem for Harry and his Review by Dash101	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:02:49 AM
*** A poem for Harry and his review. A review that was skued and smelt bad of poo. A review who knew what he was trying to say. A review that failed in everyway. Try again Mr. Harry sir, oh yes please do. For who knew this review could be so bad as to smell bad of poo. Try again Mr. Harry sir, oh yes please do. For otherwise, we may have to start laughing at you. -dash101 out.
Terminator 3 woman? by Thoreau	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:33:01 AM
Hey, I just read that Carrie Ann Moss is the front runner for being "the" Terminator 3, anyone have any more info on this?
Curious by Brooklyn Bred	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:39:21 AM
Besides his mother's birth canal, does Harry even know what the inside of pussy feels like? Dude is corny.
by reel_deel	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:45:05 AM
Am I the only one that felt that the ending to this movie was very much like countless endings seen on those sappy ABC After School Specials?? I mean I was expecting the freeze framed subtitles to extend to Willis' son and his wife too. Just a brutal ending to an otherwise enjoyable film...
ABC After School Special by reel_deel	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:45:55 AM
Am I the only one that felt that the ending to this movie was very much like countless endings seen on those sappy ABC After School Specials?? I mean I was expecting the freeze framed subtitles to extend to Willis' son and his wife too. Just a brutal ending to an otherwise enjoyable film...
This is Bad by cheezus	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:16:24 AM
This will inflate M. Night Shalyabsdnbanfb or whatever the hell his name is's ego even further.
Filthy Fox... whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis? by Robin Goodfellow	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:39:50 AM
Hold on? PI ripped off TETSUO? Two completely different movies telling two completely different stories, man. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So they both relied on hyper-kinetic imagery and direction, but does that make PI a rip-off of TETSUO? Nope. I like both movies and think Tsukamoto and Arronofsky are equally talented, but I don't see what you're talking about. Similar scenes do not a rip-off make. Next thing you know you'll be telling me SALO: 120 DAYS OF SODOM is a rip-off of PINK FLAMINGOS just because they both feature shit eating scenes. Ah well, whatever
Bring back "The New Mutants" and make a film about them. Viva Ch by Houdini25	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:09:51 AM
Can't wait to see this flick. Will Unbreakable bring disheveled comic book readers back to the hobby shops?
As usual... by Pink Bathrobe	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:16:20 AM
after reading one of these ridiculous Harry reviews, I've got douche chills. Get some perspective, for chrissake.
Comics and mythology by Someguywithaname	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:23:44 AM
I bought into that "comics and superheros are today's mythology" mantra until i went and read some of the "ancient comic books," like the Illiad, the Odyssey, the Aenied, etc. Lets highlight some differences: Comparing Superman and Spiderman to Apollo and Hercules. The big difference between them is that while Supes and Spidey are out to help people, Apollo and Hercules are egotistical and often murderous. Apollo, being a god, has little interest in helping people unless they make sacrifices to him. He prefers bedding nymphs. Hercules(or Heracles) is a different case--since he is only half a god(or a demigod). He was seen as a notorious figure, being quite violent and murderous in his own right. Other differences: Greek Mythology etc came out of the religious beliefs and story telling traditions, they were intended for a wide audience. Modern comic books(at least in North America) are aimed at juveniles--and are driven by economic concerns(though one could argue that ancient charlatans exploited stories about the Gods for economic beneifit as well). But in general, many of the adult themes and philosophical concerns you find in ancient stories are not as evident in comics--which I might add, also suffer from the pressures of having to churn out a new edition every month. Comic books are secular. Batman, Superman and Spider-man gain their powers through scientific means as opposed to the supernatural(in fact, what do all three have in common? They are all scientists or the children of scientists). Comics are fun, but they are a shallow definition of a mythology when compared with actual ones.
Modern Comics are most certainly not lame SimpsonsQuoteMan by Cooler-than-Thou	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:33:14 AM
I don't know what series you're reading but nowadays they've got some comics around that are better than novels. I dare you to pick up any of Brian Micheal Bendis, Garth Ennis and Brian Azarello's work and tell me it's anything but excellent. Powers, Preacher and 100 Bullets contain some of the best stories going around and none of them can be considered 'lame'.
the good the bad and the UNBREAKABLE by amateurscientist	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:07:59 AM
I saw UNBREAKABLE last night. I loved it. I had even read the script first. loved that. and like the film. but of course there were a few things... I felt like some of the subdued tone of the film, which was overtly "sixth sense," wasn't totally necessary. I felt like it was M. Night saying "look, I made 6th sense, and people want horror, so I'll come at them this way, and before they know it they'll be an hour into this superhero movie." again, I don't think that's a bad thing. but I felt like because of that slow paced, super-understated, drawn-out tone, many other GREAT GREAT scenes were cut from the film. (those who've read the script know) after David (Bruce) comes home from the accident and cries from the tragedy, we flashback to an 8 year old Elijah with his mother at a carnival. they were winning prizes all day. His mother (who was supposed to be a "striking African American woman" and wasn't) goes to the bathroom and young Elijah sees the teenagers getting on a carnival ride. he decides to get on, taking special care to pad himself with stuff animals, but the spinning of the ride shakes the animals free, and he's left in the metal box of the ride by himself. it's a sick and grotesque scene as the ride spins and we hear the loud CRACKS coming from Elijah. and it makes us CARE about him. with that scene cut we identify less with Elijah, and I think that was a mistake. I'm sorry, but I'm not a fan of the end-title/where-they-end-up cards on fictional characters either. Animal House & American Graphitti are the only exceptions, otherwise it means nothing if they're not real people. did the 6th sense say "and then Bruce went to heaven" and "Bruce's wife finally moved out of the house and remarried." no. it didn't need to. and I don't think this needed to either. I guess my biggest criticism is, I liked the original scripted ending. now before this turns into some stupid underground internet rumor, the original ending was the SAME (of course), but it wasn't "dumbed down" with extra dialogue. when David came into the backroom, Elijah was overjoyed and motioned to the paper. when David went to pick it up he BRUSHES PAST ELIJAH'S ARM and that starts the last vision. Elijah is still talking about the future, about how great things are, how they're going to be a team, but now David knows the truth of the extent to which Elijah has gone and, horrified, he just backs away and leaves. the difference is slight, but important in such an otherwise understated movie. up until that point, we had the sense that Elijah, though BREAKABLE physically, was UNBREAKABLE in spirit, and Bruce was his opposite. so it was like Elijah was setting the two of them up as a superhero TEAM. alone, they're nothing, but together they make one complete man, one complete HERO. in fact, that's what's great about the original ending: Elijah is talking like "wow, this is the start of a beautiful friendship" but Bruce finds out and can't believe it and leaves without even telling Elijah that he knows what he's done. it's better that way. more subtle. more in keeping with the tone of the rest of the film that went before it. imagine if Bruce, when discovering he's dead in the end of 6th sense saying outloud "so I've been dead all this time?!?!" we didn't need it.(I'm using that asa an example not because that's the only other movie I've seen. but rather, it points to a well done execution of similar ideas.) Hitchcock said the thing he hated about PSYCHO was the ending where Lawyer explain "... so the mother was dead the whole time, and Norman Bates actually believe he was his mother..." he hated it cause he felt that if someone needed to be told that, they didn't need to be watching the movie in the first place. and he was right. but the studio made him put it in (so he added the thing with the fly on the hand and the wicked smile... but that's another story). so I guess I'm saying that I think M. Night Shyamalan second guessed himself on this one. he wrote an incredible screenplay. and made a fantasticly well told move. (all the interview where he said he was really trying for new shots and trying to avoid cliched camera work, he totally pulled off) but I think that he cut a bit too much. and changes in the script, he just shouldn't have done. BUT I did like it. A lot.
Calm Down Harry!! by walesfilmclub	Nov 22nd, 2000 12:05:47 PM
ok ok. Have you written a film Harry? I hear you have good Hollywood contacts and even turned down a job or two in the past...do you make a good living? Just wondering..
the movie sounds good by X-Girls	Nov 22nd, 2000 12:12:35 PM
is it mostly about him discovering all his new powers? that'd kinda bite. That Captain Marvel comic trailer kicked ass.
Plea for twist movies by Domi'sInnerChild	Nov 22nd, 2000 12:26:22 PM
I was thinking about something the other night. NEVER go into movies with a twist trying to figure out the twist. Two examples: I was told the Usual Suspects was a GREAT movie, especially the twist within a twist at the end. Okay, I go in to watch the movie and I pick out that Verbal MUST be Keyser Soze five minutes after the name is mentioned. Why? Simple, he's "the man with the plan" but never really plans anything. He has no physical talents that add to the gang. And obviously he's the least obvious (therefore the clich
... but Harry liked Armaggedon. by Samworth	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:23:00 PM
Seriously, you should be forced to preface all your reviews with that sentence. No one should ever forget that you LOVED a movie which was so poorly constructed that they had to invent "space dementia" in order to come up with a third act threat. Having said that ... there are many amazing things in "Unbreakable." But saying people should overlook the niggling little flaws like poor character development, GLACIAL pacing (and no, I'm not a fast-beat shoot 'em up fan, I watch subtitled Russian movies too, and this thing was slower than SOLARIS), an incredibly annoying faux twist ending ... yeesh. Simply put, I can comprehend why you may think this is genius. But PLEASE don't assume that just because somebody hates it they're a mouth-breathing yokel. Have a nice day, everybody.
unbreakable is the complete essence of the superhero genre by aaron_stack	Nov 22nd, 2000 02:23:16 PM
Unbreakable is the complete essence of the superhero genre. It included all the essential elements... 1. One good man in a bad town 2. The sleeper awakes motif 3. The introduction of the ultimate nemisis for our hero ...I just walked in the door from this flick....I gotta agree with Harry...This is the best movie I've seen this year!! It's a love letter to those of us that sometimes ask ...What If
WHAT ABOUT BLADE? by jrcash	Nov 22nd, 2000 02:30:18 PM
Even if it was produced by "Art Of War" and "Murder at 1600" Wesley Snipes, BLADE is a damn fine comic interpretation. The cinematography, the subject matter, the tone of the script. Siskel and Ebert both thought so, back before Roger started taking E when he screened a film (the only explanation fo The Cell). Siskel was almost ALWAYS right. But I do think Narry underestimates us. does he think that ANY member of this sight isn't going to see unbreakable today?
A Damn Good Movie (SPOILERS!) by Veidt	Nov 22nd, 2000 02:37:06 PM
I haven't read Harry's review yet but having just seen the movie, I can definitely say that this will most likely NOT be the crowd pleaser that Sixth Sense was. However, I think it's a far better, much more interesting movie (although I did like the Sixth Sense). The main sticking point with most people - I'm guessing - will be that its ending doesn't "deliver" in the same way that SS's ending did. But I thought it was dead-on perfect for the film and the final on-screen titles that seem to be a bone of contention for some were actually terrific, in an understated way. After all, where else does a comic book supervillain typically end up but in a asylum for the criminally insane? The ending didn't seem at all abrupt to me, it was laid out perfectly through-out the film so it wasn't a left-field cheat and it put everything that proceeded it in a new perspective. I hope that this film will catch on with people but regardless of its commercial success, this is a shoe-in for a cult following.
Unbreakable..... by PeeWeeHerman	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:05:58 PM
O.K., overall Unbreakable was a pretty damn good movie. Willis and Jackson were believable in their roles and it always kept you interested in the movie. It was money well spent. But, the only thing I did not like about it was when Bruce Willis found out that he was all apart of Samuel Jackson's elaborate dream and wasn't real at the end. Thankyou very much and have fun at the movie!
aaron_stack pegs it by MsAnthrope	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:10:58 PM
"...essence of superhero" The distilled, aged, and classically carafed spirit of heroism. Mr. Glass's obsession with bringing to light the archetype -- it really lit up an image in my mind of a teen looking at a "Biff-Bam!" comic and thinking of Cambell and Jung -- and contrasting that to my style of comic-reading, which is to leer at the uber-women in spandex. Seriously, though, M. Night bashed this one _way_ out of the park.
Thank You Harry for liking this movie! Those who haven't seen i by ARCTURUS	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:30:44 PM
I won't give away the ending to this movie, but needless to say, it's the kind of ending THAT'S JUST PERFECT. IT COULDN"T HAVE ENDED ANY OTHER WAY. In addition, THERE MUST BE A SEQUEL. The promise of this movie will not be fully fulfilled without it. I'm watching C-Span now, and Michael Medved, a critic I have admired in the past, who wrote the magnificent Hollywood Vs. America, is trashing this movie. Obviously, he just didn't get it. Please, don't be dissuaded by his or other critics' views on this film; see the movie and judge for yourselves. Now, yes, the movie will seem ponderous at times. Yes, the illumination, the colors are all drab and dark. The pace is slow. THESE ARE ALL NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING. IT ALL MAKES SENSE AS IT BUILDS TO A GREAT ENDING. It's great that the movie is set in Philly. EVERY OTHER PIECE OF CRAP FILM SEEMS SET IN NY or LA. HOORAY FOR CHANGE! Comis book fans, you'll dig this movie. It comes as close to Watchman as far as a "real-life super-hero tale" goes. What's particularly great about it, is that the characters' situations and powers are vague enough that we're not sure if they are truly supernatural or not. The film is filled with the attention to detail, the little things, that made "The Sixth Sense" so great. I smell another Oscar nomination people! And this time, Willis gets one, too! You heard it here first.
SimpsonsQuotePrick and Mr. FIlth and everyone else who has a pro by Tender Branson	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:36:44 PM
First off, SimpsonsQuoteFuck and Mr. FilthyCocksuckingBastard, YOU GUYS FUCKING SUCK!!!!!! Okay, that's out of my system. Christ, this is a first. I usually hate Harry's reviews, they read like two separate trying to describe how much better sex with a prostitute over jerking off. But, Harry, I applaud you, that was a wonderful review and I actually didn't read the spoilers, (That ain't my thing anymore. If I'd gone to see "Crapisode One" without reading this damn site so fucking much, I wouldn't refer to it as "Crapisode One") As far as comics go, I'll tell you why comics continue to sell and people like me continue to buy them. (You know, I don't think anyone has ever made fun of me for my PROUD GEEK LEANINGS!!! Mainly because unlike all geeks who simply take it and let you so-called, "Hip People" walk all over them, I WILL KICK YOUR FUCKING ASS YOU SAY THAT SHIT TO MY FACE!!!!! Had to say it, giving severe beatings and making wild psychotic threats are a form of over compensation or so my therapist says.) Anyway, back to my original point. The reason I love comics, the reason I'm a fan of ALL THINGS COMIC is this: THE WORLD FUCKING SUCKS!!!!! You can never turn on the news anymore without hearing about how humanity has taken another nosedive into the crapper. You look around and everyone looks like they're on the verge of suicide or advertising inspired, anorexic, starvation. Indecision and Impotence (Figuratively speaking, for the most part.) plague our Justice System. Criminals piss all over decent people every fucking day and get away with it. Our leaders assrape us and the rest of the world on a daily basis and all we can do grease up for the next time. The world sucks, it's horrible. There are so many things wrong with the world I cannot even begin to describe it. Technology has made it worse than ever. Murder, Rape, Kiddie Porn, Drugs, Robbery, GENOCIDE!!!! That's all I ever hear lately if it isn't news about how badly the planet is going to self-destruct thanks to the Super-hold hairspray 80's and the fact that no one could possibly only run their air-conditioners when it's hot. Apathy and Depression and a general sense of Nilism have swept not only through America, but the entire world. No one cares, no one wants to hear it, the only happiness anyone really wants is monetary. If it isn't immediately gratifying it isn't worth having or doing. Every day you wake up and it's like the ending of "Se7en" every second of every fucking day. (I'm generalizing here, so don't bite my head off.) Contrary to what happened in the next scene, General McAlister in "Lethal Weapon" was totally right. "There aren't any heros left in the world." He's right there aren't. The only people, so-called "Role Models" are over-priced, drug addled sports fuckos who wouldn't tell a kid to stop doing drugs unless they were either paying him seven figures, it was part of his community service sentence, or if said kid was robbing said sport fucko's private stash. You can't look to the government anymore, they're all too busy trying fuck each other, getting high themselves or dipping their cigars into intern pussies to give a shit. The cops? God bless them, they couldn't find their assholes with search party. The crime rate may be lower, but notice no one ever talks about actual CRIMES SOLVED? it's not too good. There is a serious lack of something vital to the human soul in the populaton of the world. It's called JUSTICE. There isn't any. There's no one who's willing to grab it and most people who need it can't do it for themselves. There are no heros in the world. There's no one you can totally look to and say, "He/She's stands for everything that's right and good and pure and decent!" (Some comics, not so much but you get my point.) There are no heros. Maybe it's just a sub-concious, or not so sub-concious wish to unload our problems on to a cure all solution. But, people need heros. Actual heros, the kind you don't get anymore. Heros that are or at least SEEM to be above all of the horseshit that plagues humanity today. That's why I continue to buy comics. In between the time you sit down to read a comic, Superman is fighting a neverending battle for truth, JUSTICE and the American Way! Batman is fighting crime and protecting those can't do it themselves. The X-Men are fighting intolerance and facists of ALL kinds. The Punisher is dealing with the scum of the Earth permanently and in the only way they understand. Green Lantern and Silver Surfer patrol the Universe. And (even though it's over.) Jesse Custer is walking the planet trying find GOD HIMSELF and hold him responsible (Or just kill the bastard.) for making the world such a horrible place. I know it's an empty fantasy. I know super-heros don't exist. I know the only answers are the ones you find for yourself. But, goddamnit, wouldn't it be wonderful if there heros? Immortal and Indestructable Titans who never gave up, never swayed from the path of TRUTH AND JUSTICE AND DECENCY for all mankind? That's the basic ideal of comics. That's why I keep buying them. It's a total fantasy and something that will never happen. But, it's a good dream. Great review, Harry. Gonna see it at five.
WARNING: SPOILER! by jmachinder	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:40:34 PM
I saw "Unbreakable" and wasn't terribly impressed. The ending is quite silly. It turns out Bruce Willis didn't survive the train crash and doesn't realize that he's dead.
Without Slavery would we have had Wu-tang Clan? by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:03:22 PM
Just using Harry's twisted logic.
it's not huacho, it's HUICHOL by kurosawa-sensei	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:16:53 PM
and it's pronounced "wee-choal." just thought i'd mention that. i'm also 1/4 huichol. :)
My review will be up shortly by Wheel99	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:18:34 PM
look for it at www.wheeldealreview.com Or just click here Click Here
Actually.... by Wheel99	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:19:43 PM
dont click there. HTML bites me on the ass again!!!
"But Harry liked Armageddon", "But Harry liked Godzilla" by JP3183	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:25:23 PM
Can't you people post anything better?
I liked 99.99% of it... by godzillatemple	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:33:36 PM
Well, after finding out everything [and I do mean EVERYTHING] there was to know about The Sixth Sense and the Blair Witch Project before seeing them [and thereby ruining the viewing experience in the process], this time I decided to play it smart. I went into Unbreakable knowing nothing about it except that Bruce Willis played a man who miraculously survived a train wreck. That was it. Heck -- I didn't even know there was GOING to be a surprise ending, so I didn't spend the entire movie trying to figure it out. All of which is to say that this movie caught me totally by surprise and I LOVED it. I assumed it was going to be similar to The Sixth Sense, and I was kept pleasantly off balance during the entire movie. I have to say that I am a long time comic collector, and I was able to suspend my disblief entirely and buy into the movie's premise 100% with no reservations whatsoever. It's just too bad that the director felt the need to stick those damn titles up on the screen at the very end. Not only were they completely unneecessary, they actually detracted from the "Alice just fell down the rabbit hole" feeling that had washed over me in the previous few minutes. It would have been so much better to freeze where they did and omit the titles, thereby leaving it to the viewers' imaginations what happened next. Ah well....
Harry's kiss of death by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:53:05 PM
It seems when Harry likes a movie 70% of the time either the movie bombs or is terrible. Case in point - way of the gun and fight club, and blair witch 2. Add in the fact that said movies will quote Harry in their advertisements and the movie will bomb entirely. M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable, for example, receives shattering reviews from the Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan ("starts out implausible and gets increasingly more difficult to take seriously as it unfolds"), the Washington Post's Rita Kempley ("cheats audiences"), the Boston Globe's Jay Carr ('begins with a train wreck and then, figuratively speaking, becomes one") and the Dallas Morning News' Philip Wuntch ("ponderous, pretentious and self-indulgent."). Mike Clark in USA Today sees "dead grosses." Now going for Unbreakable we have fatboys, Lou Lemineck from the deplorable New York Times and Harry Knowles (Damn, I just saw Faculty. Dude, you are a whale!). King fat boy Ebert says the movie is watchable but kinda wishy washy. I will probably see the movie next week using a free pass IF enough people say it's good, only cause sam the man is in it. And Yes The sixth sense also cheats audiences. and Yes, Pi stole a lot of mood and imagery off of Tetsuo and Tetsuo 2 but I wouldn't say it helped it any as the movie was lame.
OOPs by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 06:56:06 PM
I meant Lou Lemineck from the deplorable NY Post not the New York times. Lost all credibility with the nerds, huh? Oh well....
My thoughts (like anyone cares) by Batutta	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:04:26 PM
Let me say up front I like slow movies. Remains of the Day and a lot of Merchant Ivory stuff I really dig. Even though I wasn't bananas about The Sixth Sense, I didn't have any problems with its slow and deliberate pace either. It helped build tension and mystery. But UNBREAKABLE was way too fucking slow!!! Molasses flows quicker!!! There was about an hour worth of story there, an X-Files episode at best, stretched out to 2 hours. M. Night tried to graft his Sixth Sense style onto this material (hey, it worked the first time) and it doesn't work nearly as well. We know exactly where this movie is going and it takes forever to get there. The Sixth Sense was more unpredictable, and there were two stories being told, which helped keep things interesting. But I felt every minute of this movie's running time, and it made M. Night's directing style seem more forced and labored for me. It's a damn shame because practicaly everything else about this movie is top notch, and even the twist ending works for me. Again, let me state, I wasn't expecting The Matrix or Dark City, and I loathe hyperactive movies like Armageddon, but if M. Night could get just a pinch of what Michael Bay's got he'd be the perfect filmmaker.
SAVE YOUR MONEY! by PeeWeeHerman	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:19:40 PM
Look, dont go to this movie expecting a suprise ending. The ending is soo predictable...Bruce Willis finds out hes really dead from the train wreck and doesnt find out till the end when Samuel Jackson realizes that he can see dead people and Samuel Jackson is the real son of Haile Osmen, the kid who sees dead people too.. Like FATHER LIKE SON. Then Bruce Willis goes to hell at the end for cheating on his wife and Jackson and Osmen go on seeing dead people...Anyways thats the ending to Unbreakable and I hope I didnt ruin anything!
The Unbreakable review by XTheCrovvX	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:21:46 PM
Well, here i am....back again to review, and in some places, attack....First, let me say that i was one of the fortunate....i didnt have my computer for the past two months, so the hype for me was not as big...all i knew was the premise, and that there would be a surprise ending, and a controversial one at that....other than that, all i had were the commercials(speaking of which, if you know what band performs the song they play in the commercial, then you have my utmost respect.).....and following Harry's advice, i made my way to the theater today, and caught the flick....and yea, indeed, i liked it a lot....a superhero movie grounded more in reality than many many others....the cinematography, the ambiance, the suspense, all VERY well done....that isnt to say i didnt have my insignificant gripes...at the top of the list being that a lot of the shots seemed like they just c&p'd single frames out of Sixth Sense....and I'm convinced that Bruce Willis' kid looks a LOT like Haley Joel Osment...but i digress......but now, i gotta dig into the "other stuff"....if you're here, then that means you've seen the flick, theres no fear of spoiling anything....now, the ending....at first, i felt it was a total cop out, like M. Night was simply reaching for a twist ending, and thats what he came up with....but the farther i walked from the theater, i started thinking about it all...how every hero NEEDS his nemesis...Batman had his Joker...a sick, disturbed, funny-as-hell maniac to counteract Bruce Wayne's dark brooding sense of justice....in this case, you have David Dunne, deadly serious, a bit closed minded, straight laced, blessed his whole life, and non accepting of his fate.....then there's Elijah Price, engrossed in a world of fantasy, and regrettably cursed....the two opposites....and after looking at it in that light, the ending makes much more sense.....and it bookends the film completely....now, the outside the film gripes....this talkback....certain people with their unforgiving Harry bashing because of his positive feelings toward Godzilla and Armageddon...two movies i acknowledge as just cool fun....but it makes no sense why Harry cant be trusted for the hatred of just these two films? As far as my own preferences go, Harry's tastes match my own...(however less experienced mine are)...the last minor disagreement ive had with his reviews was with BWP2, which i thought was good, but not the great wonder of modern cinema he made us all think it was........as for this one, i think he's pretty much dead on....as for some other people's reviews, well, i got no problems with people letting their thoughts be known, but uninspird Harry-bashing is not something i particularly enjoy seeing....:;groan:: I have a headache...i'll be back...Revolution is my name....
Quick Addendum by XTheCrovvX	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:29:45 PM
Just a quick comment...i got a bad feeling, though.....this movie is NOT going to be as successful as Sixth Sense....i can see that now...not because of the aforementioned "Harry kiss of death" that SO unfortunately damned Fight Club and Way of the Gun(both Great flicks...but at least Fight Club has a mild cult status)....but simply because it doesnt have that feel that everybody can get into....the audience i saw it with seemed to like it, but it didnt have them spellbound like Sixth Sense did....i have no doubt it'll do business...but for those HSX players expecting the second coming of M. Night, don't jump the gun just yet...ok, NOW im done...
Re: Unbreakable by jorson2	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:39:53 PM
First, for Filthy Fox. I haven't seen Requiem for a Dream, but have seen stuff about it. Don't you think the "poor drug addict" thing is a bit tired? I mean, maybe the superhero thing is, too, but every movie they call "original" or "groundbreaking" is full of trashy, foul mouthed, unlikable, unsympathetic, and ultimately stupid, considering the writers / director wants you to feel sorry or at least empathize with him / her. Maybe that's realistic, but how much does it take to get the message across that the world sucks? Beyond what's necessary to be realistic in content, it's indulgent and downright hilarious, when you think of it. Which brings me to the movie Harry reviewed. I just saw it and agree that the concept is great. The acting is good and the mood thick enough to cut with a knife. But in a lot of parts, I felt it was very tongue in cheek. Bruce Willis' character could have been single and the kid just have been someone who befriended him as a father figure at the stadium after a while coming to games with his mother. And the dialogue is so minimal at times, it was as if there were a point beyond which if there they said too much, the whole movie would derail into a satire or tight comedy. In some parts, too much WAS said. And it was obvious Shyamalan wanted to hide clues all over the place like with "The Sixth Sense," but this time, I think he made them a little too obvious. Maybe not in knowing Elijah derailed the train and caused the other accidents, but their contrasting mental states and Elijah basically stalking him gave hints. There was no caring about redemption or saving Dunn, only in convincing him he's a superhero for Price's own benefit. Good, but not great. And besides, haven't all of us comic book readers imagined at some point an alternate versions with everything stripped down to ONLY what resembled the real world or the equivalent thereof?
question about scenes in Unbreakable and Sixth Sense by ManOfSteele	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:40:01 PM
Okay, bear with me here. My friends and I just saw Unbreakable. I really dug it. I'd say it's one of the best of the year, but then again it hasn't been a good year. :) Anyway, my friend said that he thinks M. Night is a wonderful writer, but there is a scene in each movie he feels is out of place. In Sixth Sense, it's the scene where Cole calls his teacher "Stuttering Stanley" (or whatever) and in Unbreakable it's the scene where David tries to find the drugs on the man at the game. The first scene was odd because Cole has no sense of other people's pasts. The second is odd because David had a vision of the man putting the drugs in his coat, and couldn't find that huge brick upon pat-down. My explanation for SS is that a ghost or group of ghosts of the teacher's classmates was/were taunting, and Cole got caught up in the chant. My explanation for UB is that David did find the drugs, but didn't bust the man because it was just a test of his powers, and he was too shocked about Elijah being correct to do much about it. I'm looking for better explanations, though, so please express your thoughts. Oh, and BTW - was the man with the drugs in UB actually M Night himself in his Hitchcockian cameo? -Lance Steele
Hey, crouchingtiger... by peltzer	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:40:28 PM
Gee, do you only get your reviews from the one-phrase blurbs included on showbizdata.com? Because you pretty much copied and pasted their daily news summary article. Personally, I'd go with Elvis Mitchell's review in the NY Times: "Unbreakable," a follow-up to "The Sixth Sense" by the writer and director M. Night Shyamalan, is probably the most anticipated film of the season. As such, it is bound to disappoint because there is no way to repeat such a box office sensation. What "Unbreakable" shows is Mr. Shyamalan's remarkable growth as a director. Some of the sequences are particularly fine, crisp and contained, and given his thirst for commercial success, bewitchingly spare with long, fluid takes. Instead of following a huge hit with a wildly overcomplicated movie as long as a night of prime-time television, Mr. Shyamalan goes the other way. "Unbreakable" is tidy and compact, and seems to have been only grazed by plot. This is a superhero comic rendered as a haiku. It is Superman starring in "The Seventh Seal" with an inspired twist: helping others only increases the hero's sadness. Mr. Shyamalan may be the only mainstream director hankering for success with a need to understate; he is like Shaq without the tattoos. The result is a mastery of craft that may leave some hungry for more." You can read the rest on the Times website. Unless, of course, you're one of those people who prefer blurbs to full reviews... or, heaven forbid, actually WATCHING the movie.
Greatest superhero movie ever by Colleen	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:40:28 PM
I love comic books. I am a lifelong Superman fan. I loved Burton's Batman, and X-Men was a great film - but Unbreakable tops ever comic related film I've ever seen. It is incredible. The ending left me week in the knees - and like M Night's other opus, I can't believe I didn't see it coming. Unbreakable is unmissable.
Geez, thanx (sarcastic voice) by Silver_shadow	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:45:20 PM
I really didn't need to know that Willis was dead and that the evil guy saw dead people. I mean, Harry didn't say that in his review, and you guys didn't really need to anyways! I wasn't planning to see it in theatres, and I didn't know what it was really about, but, yeah thanks again! (cough cough)
Is this a dagger I see before me... by The Severe Malky	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:49:52 PM
"Today
Harry is SO SMART! by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:50:20 PM
Is it me or is Harry really pedantic? What's with the "I've got comics from ancient times so that makes me qualified to talk about comics while the rest of you are philistines" diatribe? Sounds like pompous jerk stuff to me.
Hey Peltzer! by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:54:36 PM
In Reply: Yes!
If Unbreakable's so good why'd everyone leave the theatre the wa by CatHerder	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:49:21 PM
I thought I'd like it. But I thought wrong. What Shamalamadingdong did with this film was a complete and utter insult to the average viewer. I know that people will be talking up the film on this board and to tell you the truth, I know that there are probably a lot of people who did not like this film. I was in the theatre today in Pasadena, with a packed crowd. While moments were fun -- like the weight-lifting scene -- as the film went on and on there was an increasingly nervous giggle and heavy sighing that seemed to prevade the theatre. By the time that the film was over, so many people had just got up and left the film, I was shocked. I know people seem to like it according to your survey. But I'm more inclined to believe it's just people on your boards. Sorry. The truth hurts sometimes.
If Unbreakable's so good why'd everyone leave the theatre the wa by CatHerder	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:50:18 PM
I thought I'd like it. But I thought wrong. What Shamalamadingdong did with this film was a complete and utter insult to the average viewer. I know that people will be talking up the film on this board and to tell you the truth, I know that there are probably a lot of people who did not like this film. I was in the theatre today in Pasadena, with a packed crowd. While moments were fun -- like the weight-lifting scene -- as the film went on and on there was an increasingly nervous giggle and heavy sighing that seemed to prevade the theatre. By the time that the film was over, so many people had just got up and left the film, I was shocked. I know people seem to like it according to your survey. But I'm more inclined to believe it's just people on your boards. Sorry. The truth hurts sometimes.
Ending was okay but.... by PoxyVonSinister	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:57:48 PM
This is film. You should show, not tell. Instead of the captions, why not cut to a scene of the police wheeling Elijah out of his gallery? He passes Willis, who just stares blankly ahead, ignoring everything around him. We then cut to Willis in his kitchen, lost in thought, a newspaper on the table recounting his role in the arrest. We close in on Willis's face, then fade to Jackson's face, then pull back and see him in his room/cell at the asylum. Fade to black, story told, the end. Don't get me wrong, I loved this movie. Classic super-hero stuff -- David Dunn is right in line with Peter Parker, Bruce Banner, and all the other alliterative character names. And if you look closely at the cinematography, so many of the scenes are framed by straight lines -- window sills, door frames, table edges -- giving them the look of a comic book panel. And like Sixth Sense, all the hints dropped become obvious with the ending -- Elijah has thought of himself as Mr. Glass since childhood, he manipulated things to get Audrey as his therapist, he more than likely forged that ticket himself, etc. Unfortunately, the people behind us hated the ending, probably because they were upset Willis didn't turn out to be dead again. This may be a little over the mainstream's heads to do Sixth Sense type numbers, but it deserves to.
Harry... CAN YOU BE ANYMORE SELF OBSESSED AND BIAS. by richardstern_200	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:09:38 PM
I take issue with your review and the films ending, and by the ending I'm refering to the last minute of the film when we learn the fate Samuel L. Jackson's character. Certain parts of this film are destined to be chapters in "The Visual Storytelling Handbook" so why did M. Night leave us with words on a screen? It developed interesting characters, it took them along and there was a revelation, then it stopped so abruptly that I found it jarring. The ending was creatively bankrupt and so heavy handed that I really wish someone just ended it at David's kitchen table. It spent all day picking out a box, wrapping a present and than stuck the cheapest, smallest, ugliest bow you could find right on top. Damn near ruined the entire film for me, which up to that point was superb. And shame, shame, shame on you Harry... you know that the ending was pulp... Talking about how your comic collection doesn't change that... It just makes you extremely bias... not a good quality for a reviewer.
Tender Branson by Wee Willie	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:10:22 PM
I started reading your post and thinking "What a psycho" and I ended cheering. You're right. The world does suck nowadays. Everyone we're supposed to look up to has let us down. We need heroes -fictional or otherwise. My personal hero is Tintin, the greatest graphic serial EVER!!!
crouchingtiger and Harry Knowles by Wee Willie	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:15:49 PM
Just because a film bombs at the box office doesn't mean it isn't any good. You should know better. (Although, after Gladiator and X-Men, my wife refuses to see films that I say were recommended on this site). But, the thing is, Harry, being the fanboy that he is, manages to find something he likes in a film, not matter what. I'm kind of the same way. Hell, I loved Far and Away with Cruise and Kidman, not because it's particularly good, but because of the frost on the window behind them when they break into the mansion and pretend they live there. I know the movie is pretty cheesy, but I loved that frost on the window. Maybe we should realize that it's a good idea to take Harry's reviews with a little teeny grain of salt. The guy loves movies, can you blame him? Who Knowles? Harry Knowles!
When people find out the "secret", they're gonna be pissed (spoi by JoeyWhoa	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:27:52 PM
I just saw Unbreakable a few hours ago, and while I'm not into comics, I kind of enjoyed it, mostly. But the gimmicky trick of getting people to see a movie about comic superheroes and villains without letting them know it ahead of time just ain't gonna fly. The pack house (at 2pm!) of people were grumbling horrible things about this film as they were leaving, more negative comments than I've EVER heard about any movie before. And this movie deserves it for its false advertising and cheap trickery. If Unbreakable had been a relatively low budget independent film, it would have been excellent and a lot more acceptable, but being the big budget star vehicle it is, with certain expectations attached to it, it's just not cool to do this kind of thing. It won't fly, regardless of how good or bad the movie may be. Why didn't the CONSTANT ads for this film reveal at least a little about what the REAL subject matter is? I'll answer that...because they knew only comic fanboys would go see it, so they decided to trick the world at large into seeing it. Yeah, great joke...it's gonna bite everyone involved with this film in the ass.
upside down shots by Mitzi	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:30:46 PM
Just got back from seeing "Unbreakable" with my husband. He loved it; the jury's out for me. I think it was a real gift for comic book lovers...a thinking fanboy's dream. Though the story itself struck me as a little underwhelming, the direction, tone, and overall look of the movie was more than compelling enough to keep me involved. I was wondering, though...for anyone who's seen it, what did you make of the numerous upside-down shots? It occurred to both me and my husband that the skewed shots all related to Elijah. Any ideas? By the way, that was M. Night as the drug dealer in the stadium cameo...it's credited. I found the mood in the theater as the credits rolled to be rather subdued and hostile. I think this film will appeal to a much narrower demographic than "The Sixth Sense", but I also believe that its fans will be (like Harry) fiercely loyal to and protective of it.
HARRY YOU AREN'T EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT THIS FILM IS REALLY ABOUT!!! by Metatron	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:36:33 PM
I saw the film today, and my life is forever changed. I'm serious. No.. I'm fucking serious. For me, it's personal, because I can identify with both Willis' and Jackson's characters... as if each of them are two sides of the same person... me. That is a very crucial element of WHAT this film is ACTUALLY a reference to. I'll get to that, but of course not yet. After I saw The Usual Suspects, I never thought I'd be likely to see a film so visually powerful and mentally stimulating that would draw me in with all the power of an electromagnet (or Cindy Crawford... but then I met my future fiancee and that part at least had changed). THEN, The Sixth Sense came out... and KERBOOM, a 90s movie that actually MADE ME THINK very long and hard about the perplexing depth of the story and the intricacies, attention to detail of which M. Night has obviously become a master. I guess I can also identify with the cultural influences that make Shyamalan such a perfectionist, being from India originally. I wouldn't say that if it hadn't been for the interview on the Sixth Sense DVD. M. Night talked about creating a "cultural phenomenon" through cinema as being one of his great dreams. Everyone made that happen with the release of Sixth Sense, but who would EVER imagine that the successful combination of elements could ever be matched by another story??! Written, Directed AND produced by M. Night, Unbreakable is the most original way of telling an ancient tale of good and evil that I have ever seen... and I have lately been tossing and turning, DYING for a film with some... ANY substance AND style... and I get the motherlode. One the one hand, you have Willis who doesn't believe in all this superhero mumbo jumbo... until he detaches himself from the comic-bookesque idea of superheroes... and a person we eventually find to be his exact polar opposite in every way, including virtuosity... Sam Jackson, yes, the "ultimate supervillain"... if there's any reason this story sounds familiar to some of you, it's because of a very crucial aspect that Harry in all his exploitative use of his reviews as his ground to talk about how vast his comic book collections are (which, considering how this film wasn't marketed widely as a comic book adaptation, I doubt anyone would care about...) Besides, none of those great "collectibles" have, amazingly, clued Harry into what Unbreakable ACTUALLY is about. Something none of the promoting will ever bring out because it's intended to be a universal message of a film... no one NEEDS to realize this to actually love the shit out of this film... but it makes it interesting for those who know about what I'm going to tell you... WARNING: However, BEFORE I DO... anyone who wants to see it again until they DO come to this conclusion on their own might not want to read what follows... However, don't expect what follows to be a big climactic revelation... for some it may not be, for others it will be... it depends entirely on your perspective... Considering M. Night Shyamalan's Hindu origins, and his entrenchment in Hindu mythology, which I became very aware of after seeing his interview on the Sixth Sense DVD, it occurred to me only after seeing the entire film that the story of Mr. Glass and Mr. Unbreakable is actually an allegory to Vishnu and Shiva... respectively, the preserver/protector and the destroyer... In Hindu mythology, there is no actual delineation of opposing forces as being simply "good" or "bad" in the western theological sense of those words. Vishnu and Shiva who, together, define each other, and cannot exist without one another have one purpose... the balance of the universe is in their hands. Unbreakable is the greatest modern interpretation of this tale I have EVER seen. It is very possible when one thinks about it that Mr. Glass is right in stating that all the modern "Comic book heros" of whom Harry is clearly as great a devotee as the nerdy, fat comic bookstore employee on the Simpsons, are all derived from the "superheros" and "supervillains" of mythology/religion. This particular case happens to be drawing very heavily from the eastern mode of thinking... yin-yang and "maya"... the world is an illusion according to Hindus, and in order for that illusion to continue existing without unbalancing and ultimately shattering itself to pieces, Shiva and Vishnu must do their jobs... anyway, where was I? Sam Jackson's character stated their relation perfectly... that the bipolar opposites he has speculated about as being a rare but genetically feasible possibility are somehow indelibly linked to one another, and aren't necessarily good or evil... but just doing their job. In fact, I've read several books on Hinduism that describe Shiva and Vishnu as exactly that... two guys just doing their jobs. And yes, each of them has a weakness... in one tale, the Mahabharata, the last chapter, the Bhagavad Gita, we find more "superheros/villains" in the form of cousins fighting a battle against each other... Arjuna, a warrior, expresses his doubt to god about his ability to fulfill his duties... he is torn between duty and family and it takes intervention from god himself to help him overcome his fears. Just as Willis must overcome his fears... and just as every Superman must overcome their kryptonite weaknesses at some point to do what they were born to do. I'm really disappointed that Harry's infinite knowledge didn't lead him to this conclusion, but again, it was not a conclusion that necessarily need be drawn to love this film to pieces. It's just my insight on letting everyone know that A) I'm not a comic book freak, and B) I still loved the SHIT out of this film and C) Comic books, which Im sure are another love of Shyamalan's, were the incidental vehicle used to make this story modern and therefore something people across cultures could identify with... because I guarantee you that a vast number of people who read this post won't be any more thrilled about knowing the true inspiration behind Shyamalan's tale, though some of you might be intrigued and I would recommend books by S. Radhakrishnan as well as the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata (get the Peter Brooks film on VHS if you don't want to read... it's actually a pretty good, if abridged, version of the epic poem)... Lastly, it is my dear dear hope that SOMEONE, somewhere hears this and tells Shyamalan that we get his story, we love it to death and it is sure to be a second cultural phenomenon from one GENIUS of a screenwriter and director whose best work I'm SURE is yet to come (and I don't mean Unbreakable 2... I don't peg Shyamalan as the sequel type...but that's just me.).
Significance of Purple Color by Plasticman	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:40:48 PM
I couldn't help noticing the obvious use of the color purple in this movie, evidently as the trademark of the supervillain, Elijah Price. He wore purple in every scene. The first comic he received was wrapped in purple. At the end, the room he had Willis in was almost all purple. Anyone else notice this? It is the same trick Shyamalan did in Sixth Sense with the color red.
This film was probably the years best! And that Pearl Harbor tra by GravyAkira	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:42:14 PM
I cant wait to get that on quicktime
Unbreakable is unbeatable! by ddunne	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:50:19 PM
Harry: First, props on the nice review, I'm glad I waited to see the film before I read your spoiler. You are exactly right, this film is just PERFECT! Sam Jackson was awesome as the villain, and it actually was a better 0 issue than a first issue, b/c those never give good enough origin info. I loved the lighting, it was very well put together, Shyamalan wrote a great script and had great pacing to the film. I've been emailing all my friends, telling them to get on board and see this movie, I hope they listen, I'm trying to spread the word! Anyway, I agree, like my user id? I want to see this movie at least a couple more times, I'm definitely buying it when it comes out. Take it easy, Jman
Two things by Metatron	Nov 22nd, 2000 09:55:24 PM
The weightlifting scene someone described as an entertaining moment in the film... WHAT? If anything that was the one scene most CAPABLE of descending into some sort of commercial karata-kidesque "Hey, lets try 10,000 pounds now..." bullshit. If that sort of scene entertains anyone who hasn't seen this film yet, don't see it. And another person didn't get the cinematography... the rotating camera shots... the whole purpose of that was to allude to the bipolar relation between villain and hero, Jackson and Willis. And the people claiming this to be a disaster because of its mismarketing... you must have read Harry's diatribe on the comic-booky aspect of this film... it was NOTHING like any other comic book film adaptation though it has that element to attract such viewers. It's your own damn faults for reading the initial part of Harry's review thinking the entire time the film's mainly about comic books and then bashing it because you're transfixed on the comic book parts of the story, of which there aren't many, and all the while therefore ignoring the imagery, cinematography, etc... I guess some people don't relate to the film, and I don't consider them idiots, but I do think you did yourself a disservice if you gave Harry's comic book posturing too much weight when seeing the film... or after the fact.
Okay, now some wacky opinions (more spoilers) by JoeyWhoa	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:04:09 PM
Again, I kind of enjoyed Unbreakable, but there are some MAJOR problems with it. First of all, there is not adequate motivation given to Sam Jackson's character for all the stuff he does, besides the fact that he's probably insane. Having brittle bones and being called a cool nickname (Mr. Glass)? Sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You might imagine the hard life he could have had, but they didn't SHOW even one second of it. Maybe comic book aficionados will instinctually understand Mr. Glass' NEED to find his polar opposite, or to have his horrible evil-geniusness revealed to the world, but as is obvious by the advertising of this film, the intended audience is NOT comic book readers. Given that, his character, and the story in general, was not developed enough to justify the gimmick plot. "That's what happens in comics" is just not a good enough reason. Secondly, Unbreakable is way too slow. I enjoy when movies take their time, but who didn't know where the movie was going by about 20 minutes in? When movies have to play catch up to the audience, that's bad. We KNOW what you're doing, get to it already! And what was with the text at the beginning about comic books? Was that "Lots of people read comics and pay lots of money for them, so remember that when you get pissed off about the load of shit we're about to feed you"? Sorry M. Night, nobody's buying...and putting that in was just pandering and cheapening of the subject matter that the filmmakers obviously care about. Okay, one last thing for now...the ending fucking SUCKED. The guy above was right, it's a movie, you SHOW, not TELL. It's an out-of-the-blue betrayal of a character we care about, which would have been okay if it had been properly set up and delivered on at least a LITTLE BIT afterwards, but to slap everyone in the face and then just wrap it all up in 20 seconds with some stupid and lame title cards is unacceptable. The movie probably should have ended like comics do, and comics don't do that crap (at least, not good ones). Unbreakable has elements of brilliance in it, and doing a comic book plot in a realistic setting is a neat idea. But it wasn't executed correctly nor advertised properly. Overall, a failed, but interesting, experiment.
More favourite-er than X-MEN ? by X-Girls	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:31:15 PM
that's i-impossible! >choke
SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY! (SPOILERS) by PeeWeeHerman	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:41:05 PM
In case someone doesnt want to read the nerdy senseless drible that Harry and others here wrote, Ill just be straightforward with this POS movie. I wasted my money on it, hopefully you wont make the same mistake after reading this... Rather than just go into the usual on this movie, which was a disappointment (and I only spent 5.50), I will just give the storyline, which is silly and very basic. Bruce Willis survives train wreck, gets note from Samuel Jackson who tells him he is like a "comic book superhero". It takes almost the whole movie for Willis to realize this, even though its right in front of him, and Samuel Jackson is the opposite, a man who breaks very easy. Bruce decides he accepts it, helps a family being tortured, goes to Samuel to thank him, finds out that Samuel is the bad guy who caused the train wreck and other calamities. Just like in comic books, there has to be a hero and a villain, and Samuel's charachter ends up being the villain in the wheelchair. This was a very childish movie that could have and should have been done in 30 minutes, instead Shayalaman drags out the film, probably hoping to get the same effect he did from 6th Sense, which he fails at badly. Wait for video, or better yet, just skip this. I can see why they tell you nothing in the trailer...its because the whole movie could have been done as a trailer.
Looking Forward to DVD Commentary by Reefer_Madness	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:48:19 PM
It was a good flick - could've been told just as well in a one hour episode of "Amazing Stories," though. I look forward to M. Night's commentary on the DVD.
My UNBREAKABLE experience... by Andrew	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:54:16 PM
I'm afraid. I'm really afraid. I'm scared and afraid because the new Newsweek had a negative review. The friend that always talks during the movie is with me along with my sister's giggly friends, who are blasting the new Backstreet Boys album. I try to put it behind me; I buy tickets in advance and arrive at the theater 30 minutes early. I get the obligatory popcorn (mucho grande size) and head for the fifth row, fifth seat. I sit, endure the local advertising slide show, and wait to be disappointed. Suddenly, the lights dim, I get that butterfly feeling in my stomach, and I adjust in my seat. The trailers come on. The first one is CATS AND DOGS - cute I think, reminds me of the Taco Bell dog. Then JOHNNY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS, THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE, and SHREAK. God, I think, why so many animation trailers? All of the sudden the Disney logo appears, a few seconds of black, and then the blaring annoyance of "Who Let the Dogs Out?" "Jesus," I almost blurt out as the opening titles of 102 DALMATIONS play. The audience erupts in boos, moaning, and cries to be put out of their misery. Luckily, the problem was fixed momentarily and I was plunged into a brilliant PEARL HARBOR trailer (thank god for plastic underwear). Wow, I think, even if UNBREAKABLE sucks the PEARL HARBOR trailer was worth 8 bucks. And if that wasn
A masterpiece...but... by docsisx	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:55:00 PM
Harry are you crazy? A sequel? No way. This is an open-ended film that was written, shot, edited, and directed with a sense of "lets have the audience do some thinking". The reason Shyamalan put the white lettering over the freeze frame was to put closure on his realistic story, a closure that topped the cake with a cherry and certefied it a comic book movie...no need for a sequel because we can imagine what will happen...that tis the point my dear friend.
Funny... by TheIronGiant	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:57:12 PM
I just saw "Unbreakable" and I thought it was great. Granted it had its flaws (too many "mirror" shots and extraneous titles), I think M. Night has a gift for storytelling. He is not only consistent, but he is also capable of creating interesting characters that draw people in. I like the twist-at-the-end thing because it makes the movie less predictable. The most impressive aspect of the movie for me was the sympathy and interest that all the characters retain. I CARE about Bruce's character, I wanna know where he's taking this newfound skill. I CARE about Sam Jackson's character, I don't wanna see him get hurt. Take a movie like "Charlie's Angels," which I thought was fun but not great... Do we really care if they succeed or not? Not really... The camera shots (overall shot selections) were great, and I love the long takes that give the actors more chances to shine in their performances. The opening scene was greatly-executed, panning from character to character to make everything feel uneasy and like there was something wrong. Finally, kudos to great performances from Bruce and Sam, especially to Bruce in non-dialogued scenes. For all the haters of this movie out there: If you guessed the ending, good for you--you're so much smarter than everyone else. The funny thing is that so many people in this talkback hate this movie so much it's scary, not to mention that they think movie-making is so easy. Okay, you didn't like the movie. You can find 1,000 things that "suck." Go and write one that's better. And on top of that, get funded to make it. Not gonna happen is it? Gotta figure out how to use words other than "fuck" and "crap" first, huh? We all need to just calm down and remember it's just a movie, like it or not. I rarely read these posts because I get more annoyed at the lame reasons people love or hate movies (i.e. "I thought I'd like it. But I thought wrong. What Shamalamadingdong did with this film was a complete and utter insult to the average viewer."). Um, not knowing how to spell the director/writer's name is somehow supposed to convince we you can even review a movie? Odd... Finally, don't say a movie sucks just cuz someone else who has a taste in films different from you didn't like it. That's the worst way to judge anything. Go see it and make your own opinion. Well, off to eat dinner... Hope no one gets offended by my unimportant opinions and decides it's necessary to talk trash about me on the post... Hehe.
it's not about being super heroes by The Pigster	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:21:35 PM

Did we see the same movie? by FrogsFatA$$	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:23:14 PM
I just got back from catching "Unbreakable"....and I am really wondering what all the hype is about??? OK, great cinematography, acting was par, and some good suspense building....but Genius? I don't think so. I think Harry is losing his mind. I would give this one a 3 or 3.5 out of 5, tops....anyone else agree with me? To me, the movie felt too fragmented and a tad slow....plus, it seemed to build, and build and made you expect something along the levels of the "Sixth Sense" trick ending...and all you got was a close up of Samuel L. Jackson's unkept afro. I will keep away from giving spoilers in the forum, but I felt let down a bit at the end. Oh, and the kid actor, Somebody Treat Clark, sucked....M Night Sham. had better ditch the old "9-year old supporting role" trick. Kids are too much of a liability in movies. Period. All in all, it was a "good" film. But whoever wrote this business about "Genius" and ranting and raving all weekend...well, see it for yourself, but don't carry these kind of expectations into the film like I did. Then again, Harry calls "Batman Returns" Genius in his DVD reviews, so maybe one needs to take his reviews with a certain grain of salt.
Just saw it, VERY DISSAPPOINTED by Shaft 6969	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:23:56 PM
Before I get flamed, let me just say that I completely understand why some people are totally in love with this film...but I only agree in theory. After separting myself from the viewing experince of the film, I could say that this is a good superhero origin film. However, THE PACE OF THE FILM DOES NOT FIT THE SUBJECT MATTER!!! This film did not need to be slow. All the pacing did for "Unbreakable" was build the viewer's expectations to an unreasonable point. "Sixth Sense" was special because the revelation matched the heightened expectation. On top of that, the film left enough time to properly process the revelation. "Unbreakable" takes forever to get to what feels like a silly and abrupt revelation. The only reason it feels as such is because it is dealt with in a manner contrary to the rest of the film. BTW, I love "The Watchmen."
it's not about being super heroes by The Pigster	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:36:45 PM
Just saw the movie tonight and Harry's review is very accurate. However, i felt it was ultimately not about the characters being "super heroes." Sure, our hero has these "powers" that slowly unfold, but the movie was more about Elijah's descent into madness. It was a bit plodding and VERY heavy-handed, but it is still one of the most unique stories you will ever see. I know that most of the "Sixth Sense" crowd that go into this movie not knowing what to expect will HATE this movie. It will get mixed reviews, and many will giggle in bad spots. (Three fourths of my audience was LAUGHING HISTERICALLY at the boy pointing the gun at his father). But, this movie needs to be appreciated for what it is: highly stylized, interestingly photographed with several beautiful motifs, and wholly original. I was unsure what to think until the ending (much like the sixth sense). It seemed kind of goofy until the villain is revealed and I'm thinking "OH YEAH, that's what he's going for." Except it would have been even more powerful without the "...but you killed all those people!..." line and the STUPID ANNOYING what happened next freeze frames. Oh by the way, if you've read through this review and haven't seen the film, YOU ARE DUMB. If you went in knowing next to nothing like me (I literally thought i was in the wrong theater when that opening text came on the screen) then I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as I did.
Shyamalan is probably reading this TB and laughing his head off by darius25	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:46:23 PM
It's very simple - HE FUCKED YOU!!! you fell for it. That was the point - Manoj knows he can do anything he wants after The 6th Sense. He made a movie that builds and builds and builds but when the ending finally comes, it's something you would NEVER expect. And I'm not talking about the twist either. What Harry said made perfect sense. The only reason Shyamalan ended the film the way it did was to piss people off. He's a GENIUS!!! Can't wait to see his next film.
a certain scene by Nyahay	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:51:09 PM
Remember after Bruce's character takes care of the man in the orange suit. The very next scene he is carrying his wife up the stairs. If you notice, the way the scene is shot it looks like nothing is below her. To me, it's a nod to Superman carrying his love, Lois Lane, in his arms as he's flying. What do you think???
Kudos for the Hindu revelation by X-Girls	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:51:16 PM
Tender Branson that was a great rant, I almost copied and pasted it to a folder. This movie sounds better all more and more.. and the guy who posted the SPOiLER for Usual Suspects and didn't type it sucks.
I like the idea... by Jammin734	Nov 23rd, 2000 12:02:25 AM
Harry, I have to say that the premise to this movie is beautiful. It was executed very well . . . up until the ending. I have a LOT of beef with the ending. First of all, how can a movie like this end? This is a perfect issue number one and that's fine, but this is not a comic book. It is not a series This is a movie. Movies need to be self-contained, especially nowadays. As a comic-fan, I can SEE where M. Night was coming from, but my friends who aren't comic fans saw this and were like "what the hell? man, i thought this was going somewhere!" Secondly, I thought that the ending insulted the intelligence of the audience. I hate the movies that end with text coming up saying "This character did blahblahblah". Hell, Usual Suspects could have ended 5 minutes earlier with the following text: "Verbal Kint was discovered to be Keyser Soze; but was never apprehended." It has the same conclusion, but THIS ENDING FUCKING SUCKS. The two minute "revelation scene" in Usual Suspects is PERFECT. "Unbreakable" needs something akin to this. An ending that leaves the audience with their jaws open saying "holy shit! i can't believe that!!" and STILL leave room for a sequel. The ending scene tried to do this, but failed. It came close, but missed. I wish with all my heart that this had have been a comic book. It would have sold off the stands SO AMAZINGLY FAST. It would have been to today's generation what "The Dark Knight Returns" was to the 80s. But it was born a movie; and it will die a movie. As far as movies go, it was mediocre. As far as comics go, it was excellent. I shall leave it at that.
Unbreakable/Man for all seasons by BIGMO	Nov 23rd, 2000 12:07:58 AM
It's come to my attention that there is a weak type of person out there that creates nothing-yet feels free to critisize the creativity of others-well-FUCK YOU-GET A LIFE AND CREATE SOMETHING-ANYTHING-QUIT BEING A LOUD MOUTH-I HATE IT BECAUSE EVERYBODY ELSE LOVES IT-OXYGEN THIEF-ANYBODY WHO'S NOT PRODUCING SHOULD JUST SIT BACK-KEEP LETTING YOUR PARENTS SUPPORT YOU AND SHUT THE FUCK UP!Prsonally I felt a warm yet creepy connection to the coming of age neoclassic"Superman's Man For All Seasons"no matter how the film turned out it was worth the money and more importantly the TIME invested watching it I thought it was great escapist cinema..strongest recommendations
ANYONE WHO POSTED ON TALKBACK READ THIS!!!! by wastintime	Nov 23rd, 2000 12:18:41 AM
Okay, now that i have your attention (which i only want for two minutes) I believe the purpose of talkback is to talk about a film NOT TO RIP ON HARRY OR BITCH THAT THERE MOVIE EXPERIENCE IS SPOILED!!!!!!!!!!! Come on! Isn't a "countdown to spoilers" enough to perk your damn ears up. And i believe this web site is called AINT IT "COOL" NEWS!!! To me, that means that movies are cool, they do not have to be intelligent, they do not have to have naked women, they do not need special effects.. By that rational, HARRY DOES NOT HAVE TO LOVE JUST INTELLIGENT FILMS! I left my brain at the door when i saw Godzilla and i ended up enjoying it. To me, movies are meant to SUCKER the audience into the creators mind. I guess the moral to this paragraph is if you don't have to say anything intelligent (or at least on fucking SUBJECT to the talkback) then dont say anything at all. If you feel harry has a weight problem or you might be concerned he hasent felt the inside of a woman since birth, then maybe you should email him privatly to share your concers... i do not think the talkback to UNBREAKABLE is the time or place. onto my review* NEVER! Since I have been logging onto aint it cool news (which has been four years now WOW) have i been looking foward to 1:coming home and reading harrys review for a movie 2:the real want to share my thoughts about a film with people. THIS MOVIE BLEW MY MIND! I could not believe that i felt chills run down my arms and lightheadedness fill my mind.. it was more of a release that i knew i wasnt going to walk out of the theater a pissed off patron. Like MOST people who LIKED it, i knew nothing about the film. Only what the trailers told me.. i also remember reading the director (i dont remember how to spell his name nor am i geared up enough to look it up) hoped people were not going to be disapointed that the "twist" ending was not going to be much of a twist. i also remember seeing something on this site that this was "the best movie of the year with the worst ending" I am out of town right now for the holidays. Tonight with the family it was either unbreakable or seeing meet the parents for my third time. i sat down not really wanting to see this movie... but that doesnt mean i wasnt going to try and enjoy the film. when the info came up about comics and comic readers, i thought to myself "what the hell was that all about, oh that must be the directors little shout out to all the comic fans out there" with the train wreck, the only part that disapointed me was the shot of bruce willis when he saw he was going to be in a crash.. it wasnt long enough... i wanted the white light in the background to pass bruce and fill up the whole screen...
This movie is lucky it got made... (SPOILERS) by mcarbone	Nov 23rd, 2000 12:27:38 AM
I've only read a few comic books in my life, but I've read enough to understand the mythology that is inherent to every good comic book tale. M. Night did an excellent job filling this movie with all those details and yet not tipping off the audience right away as to what his intentions were. When we find out what Elijah has done to find Willis' character, at first I thought M. Night had pulled a stupid trick on the audience, but within a minute, thinking back on the film, I realized how perfect it is. And the brilliant part of all this is that the ending worked almost simply on how the film was marketed. To be sure, if THe Sixth Sense hadn't been the superhit that it was, Unbreakable would have never been made, or if it had, not with two stars like Jackson and Willis and with all the marketing it had. The studio had to let Shymalan do what he wanted, so they marketed the film as if it was another Sixth Sense. This certaintly will work for the first weekend, as I imagine the movie will make pretty good box office this weekend. However, the movie is really for the type of nerd who read this page, and the audience certaintly realized this by the end: I heard people cursing and vilifying the film as I was walking out. I hadn't heard such complaints since the end of Sayles' Limbo. But imagine if this film HAD been marketed as a comic book flick. Imagine trailers with Jackson telling Willis that he's a superhero, and shots of comic books and Jackson's sleek colorful outfit at the end, etc. Then we would have all walked in looking for comic book elements in particular, and might have realized that the first scene, showing the Jackson character as a baby being born, was a throwback to the usual villain background stories that are common in comic books. And of course the Mr. Glass thing, which was so cool when I realized when I made the connection. Honestly, through most of the film I thought Jackson was going to be a sort of Mr. X to Willis - stupid me didn't think about villains. Anyway, so I've said it's amazing this film got made and marketed, cool that it's intended market will see it, and it will probably not do well financially after the first weekend due to bad word of mouth from the average filmgoer, who doesn't, mind you, read comic books or even know much about them. Thus I will take a moment to poke a small hole in the film, as this bothered me after I saw it. Elijah's technique for finding Willis was just plain silly. I mean, he probably killed, what, hundreds of people - a few thousand at the most. What are the chances that a man with superhuman powers will be among that group? It's absolutely improbable! We're talking about a handful of people here, but I guess Elijah was lucky. I think this could have been avoided if Elijah had done research to find people who have survived car crashes, etc. in the past, and then crashed the flight they were on to see if they survived again. He could have found the newspaper clipping about Willis and then went after him specifically to see if he could survive a crash. This random guessing that he did, though, just wouldn't work. Oh, and one more last thing: I hope that they don't make a sequel for this movie. One, they won't because it won't do very well in the box office after the first weekend, and two, Shyamalan shouldn't because this movie is all about the mythology of superheroes - the discovery, the realization, the making of a villain. It isn't a plain comic book film. It wasn't about the plot between Willis and Jackson, it was about how they got to where they ended up. That's cool - continuing the story as an x-men-like battle between good vs. evil would negate all this film accomplished. Wow, better stop here and get some sleep in preparation for the stuffing.
chill out, metatron by Mitzi	Nov 23rd, 2000 01:10:41 AM
RE:Metatron's second post: I loved what you had to say about Shiva and Vishnu in your first post. I was intrigued. But when I asked for other opinions about the upside down shots, it wasn't that I didn't have my own opinions. I understand the intention of underscoring the oppositional nature of the main characters. But the beauty of a film as visually complex and layered as this one is that it lends itself to varied interpretations. Your interpretation is indeed an interesting one, but I wonder what the rotated shots meant to other people? I think that the device also worked as a window into Elijah's "upside-down" world. Other than that minor gripe, I love how passionate you (and others) are about this film...I'm loving this thread.
Interesting about the Hindu reference. What is this? World relig by CatHerder	Nov 23rd, 2000 01:18:10 AM
I don't know about the Hindu stuff but if it's true, it's an interesting idea. BUT (and there is a 'but') does that have much to do with the ill-appropriate marketing of this film? Expectations will probably run high to see this film, but once the disappointment and anger I've seen in the theatres spreads, will it really matter? Shammy will probably sweep this Thanksgiving week until the second week. I'm sure we can rant and rave whether we like it or not, but we'll only really see after the second week if this film has legs. Maybe. Maybe not. A real coin toss. Anyone's guess.
Rock-solid review! by munch-munch	Nov 23rd, 2000 01:36:11 AM
Great review, Harry. I just got back from seeing the film myself. The film completely absorbed me throughout. I must admit, however, that the ending, at the time, seemed a bit disappointing. It ended too quickly. I expected a bit more, I suppose. But after reading your review, I looked back upon the ending with a new perspective. It surely is a fantastic origin story. I'm left crying, "More! More!" I thank you for enlightening me.
How to write a NON spoiler review by Wheel99	Nov 23rd, 2000 01:50:36 AM
UNBREAKABLE REVIEW Ok. The big question most people had about Unbreakable is weather or not M Night Shyamalan, who wrote and directed the mega-hit The Sixth Sense, can hit another homerun with his sophomore effort. Baseball may be the wrong sport to use an analogy for this question, but more on that later. I was pretty in the dark as to what this film was about, the only info I knew was that Bruce Willis survives a train wreck with out a scratch and Samuel L. Jackson is a man who was born with a deficiency that causes him to have brittle bones. David Dunne (Willis) is the only surviving member of a terrible train wreck. The amazing thing is that he doesn
Utterly brilliant by Jack Burton	Nov 23rd, 2000 02:03:27 AM
if you are down this far I hope you have seen it. If not, then go. Forget the reviews, go into it blind. It is amazing. It is smart, dark, creepy, and beautiful. Kudos to all involved because it is truly one for the ages. Lotsa hyperbole I know, but it is a fantastic unforgettable movie. I'm already salivating for the DVD release. Happy Turkey day all!
Totaly overated by Jedi 7	Nov 23rd, 2000 03:11:16 AM
Just saw the movie unbreakable and I hate to say that this movie wasn't that good. I do not know what the big deal about it is. The acting was great and the ending was good but overall if this is going to be the best movie of the year we are in big trouble. It is extemely slow maybe I was expecting to much. I did go into it spoiler free but common guys this movie for all the hype and buildup is an extreme let down. The best part is when Bruce Willis kid is going to shoot him, that was intense but the rest of the movie other than Samuel L. Jacksons acting is really not that great. The story is cool but the movie, I don't think it will be in the 1 spot for long if it even gets there. I have to disagree with harry on this movie, it just isn't that great.
My First Post. by Merk	Nov 23rd, 2000 03:17:37 AM
Let me begin with the fact that I am a Talkback virgin. So I'm a little nervous but here goes... Harry, I really hope you read this first and foremost. For about 2 years now, I have been sporadically visiting this wonderful page, and each time I do so, my interest in film only grows bigger. So I thank you for writing cool and unpretentious fan-based reviews. You done good. OK. Unbreakable. I have friends who work at a theatre. (I know, the best friends to have.) So I was invitied to a midnight screening see this movie. Just a few people in the theatre. Like many others, I didn't go to any lengths to find out what the plot was because I was already a little weary...after all the success of that...."other movie"...it was only bound for dissapointment. But I really had faith in M. Night. I truly do have a feeling that he will be the next.... great one. I sat with some friends but sadly enough some frat boy macho types sat behind me and made really unfunny comments the whole time, making the film a little tougher to get into. It was like MST3K, but just really bad and without the um...wittiness. Regardless, I loved this movie. Really. Ok. A little background. I started collecting comics when I was a little kid, and oddly enough, I wore my Batman and Joker shirt that says "Arch Enemies" to the movie. I had no idea this was a comic inspired film which gave me a cool weird feeling. The thing that I really dug about this movie is the fact that it was a gradually building superhero story. In most cases when I read a comic, the hero is just there. The origin might be explained but it's usually something that's mildly fucked up and unbelievable. IE.---Some guy eats a nuclear glowstick or something. Whatever, I don't buy it. But in Unbreakable, it just sort of.... happens. I'm sitting here, watching a movie for a good hour, and all of a sudden it hits me. Bruce Willis is no longer just a security guard with a dying marriage. He's a superhero with a dying marriage, wearing a psuedo-uniform, battling a rapist with another psuedo-uniform.(a cool idea, by the way.) These are the things that stuck out in my head about this movie. The reality and the confusion that comes with it. M. Night Sh...(sp?) is destined for greatness. He can set up a shot and make it feel supernatural. One very cool thing I noticed is that almost every shot was skewed in some way, altering the way we see people and things. The first shot of Glass Man is through a TV while his mom's talking to him. The 2nd shot is him in a reflection of....you guessed it, glass. The first shot of the son is him watching TV upside down. A lot of other shots are reminscent of the golden age of film that was the 70's, and stay on one angle for a long time, a big F you to the MTV/Bruckheimer generation that has overtaken theatres. But M. Night knows this. And maybe he wants to piss people off. Maybe he's happy that half of the people I saw the movie with laughed at the end and said it was the "stupidest movie they'd ever seen." Who knows? In one scene with Glass Man and his mother, she gives him a comic book to entice him to play outside. "I hear this one has a surprise ending," she says to her fragile son. This is very much true. Ok, no one is really dead the whole time. No true "twist" occurs. This was not a Usual Suspects jaw dropping ending, but in a way, it was. I for one did not expect to see a freeze framed aftermath scene with subtitled explanations. It caught me off guard totally, and I thank M. Night for this. For bringing the element of a surprising ending. For introducing something exciting and fresh. Keep on keeping on. I will be the first in line. -----Merk PS. Thanks Harry.
ATTENTION HARRY by mind_guerilla	Nov 23rd, 2000 03:19:53 AM
Dude, you are wasting your life on all this shit. Think about it. To all geeks. Don't waste your fucking lives.
HOW BIG IS YOUR HOUSE HARRY?! by Scopa	Nov 23rd, 2000 03:24:14 AM
70,000 comics, like 500 movies, probably thousands of movies toys... Your house must be huge to hold all that stuff! Open it up as a museum!
I didn't read the posts, I just made one :-) by Critch Starblade	Nov 23rd, 2000 03:44:35 AM
Jeez, if I read all those reviews, I'd be old. Anyway, I loved, LOVED this movie, even the ending, and it's yet another one that people will be talking about/seeing again to catch the hints, which weren't quite as obvious at 6th, but were definitely there. Give the end overlay comments a rest, kids, it's setting up for the trilogy. :-)
Whatever by YodaButter2000	Nov 23rd, 2000 03:57:29 AM
Flawless story. Flaw-filled moviemaking. A few brilliant scenes. A few unbearable scenes. Some people love it with all their might. Some people hate it with all their might. It definitely isn't a movie for everybody, but honestly... you're not going to be able to tell which camp you're in until you ACTUALLY WATCH THE MOVIE! So if you haven't watched the movie yet, and you're reading this, stop reading and go fucking see it. I mean, I thought the movie was slow, ponderous, pretentious, deliberate, heavy-handed, AND ham fisted. But I also thought it was brave, original, and smart. I think everybody should go see it, because they just might be surprised that they like it.
Panels by Escoe Burns	Nov 23rd, 2000 04:10:34 AM
Did you guys notice how many of the shots were set up to look like panels in a comic book(the reflection of young Elijah in the TV set, reflections in mirrors after the train wreck, and other framing elements). Also, to anyone that enjoys comics, there was no "twist" ending, it was totally expected and much appreciated. THIS IS A MOVIE TAILOR MADE FOR FANBOYS!!! Pray that it finds enough box office to warrent futher installments.
Great film - only one thing wrong... by PooterHumphries	Nov 23rd, 2000 04:41:36 AM
I completely agree with Harry on every level of this film - I loved it! The cinematography, the acting, the directing, the sound editing, and YES - THE ENDING, - it was all perfect. Unfortunately, when I find a movie done so well, I tend to be a prick about analyzing the technical holes no matter how small. In this movie, I found a hole about the size of the GRAND FUCKIN CANYON: If you live to be 35 or so, and you have NEVER GOTTEN SICK, wouldn't that raise a red flag with you or the very least your loved ones?!? I can just imagine his mother bragging about how she never had to clean up vomit! I suppose since this is a superhero story you could argue that he possible had the power to "cloud men's minds", but it was definitely something that I feel should have been addressed.
Enjoying the dream by PantingBuffalo	Nov 23rd, 2000 08:44:07 AM
Why is it so hard for some people here to enjoy this movie? Is it the fact that its a movie with a hero who so reminds you of a comic book one that your afraid to be labeled a GEEK if your friends or others found out you liked it? Is it because there was no flash and gizmos and bad ass fighting? I don't understand why in our society today we are willing to embrace the thought and raise the roof for excepting a hero on screen who has nothing in common with the common man. Oh they might try to make him feel like he is like you or me, but he is always getting off the perfect shot, the one punch eternal knockout, surviving the big explosion ten feet away etc,etc,etc. These hero's are unrealistic, you or I can't ever be them, but whose to say you couldnt be unbreakable? So smart your able to remember and decipher fact and circumstances that give you the answer to everything? Able to just look at another person and know them, know if they are good or bad?. Isn't it more believable to think we have the superhero in us than to believe in the "ONE BIG FREAK ACCIDENT" or whatver that would change you into something you always dreamed you could be? I like this movie not because of the comic aspect or because its the greatest story ever told, but because it simply just lets us for a little bit learn to be a superhero with a guy just like us.
Un-wake-able by newfers	Nov 23rd, 2000 09:05:25 AM
As I whispered to my wife about 45 minutes into this film, "I see boring people".. Man, oh man, I do not understand most of you people ('cept Moriarty, who was right on the ball on this one). Unbreakable was a slow, dull, hushed, mostly lifeless bore-a-thon... I generally LOVE movies that take their time when telling a great story, but this was NOT a great story. It wouldn't even make a good 60 minute X-Files episode (I'm sure they've done similar stories). Note to M. Night : next time, turn on the microphones, or urge your actors to speak a little louder. Why the fuck Willis liked to whisper in the middle of a crowded stadium, I'll never know. Note to Bruce Willis : hey buddy, if they ever do a live-action episode of "The Simpsons", you're a lock for Homer, buddy... can you say "Dough!"? newfers
More from the mouth of the Crow.... by XTheCrovvX	Nov 23rd, 2000 09:19:33 AM
Well, so far, reviews seem to have a wide range...some liked it, some hated it, some liked the premise, and certain aspects of the story, but had isues with other parts of the film....most of the gripes, as far as I see, are because some people saw Harry's allusions to comics, and superheroes, and expected a follow-up to X-Men, fast paced, and overblown with special effects....that doesnt mean i think X-Men sucked, because it didnt..in ANY sense of the word....but M. Night didnt make that kind of film....this is NOT the typical hero flick...this is not Superman flying around the world, saving kids on schoolbusses, or Batman taking revenge on a grinning Joker, or Captain America saving the world from the threat of Red Skull....this is simply fate...Elijah Price committed such wonderful crimes out of his love of such battles, and his desire for one of his own, but what makes his character so perfect for this movie is that HE KNOWS.....with all these afflictions, his cursed disease, his fear, he knows theres someone out there that lies on the other end of the spectrum.....he knows there's a great good out there, to counteract his evil...when he was younger, it was those kids who called him Mr Glass....now that he understands his curse better, he knows theres an invincible man who will come to stop him...and he was prepared to destroy everything to find him. Thats his fate, for there is nothing else for him, and he damn well knows it. Hell, he spent all his life reading about it...the cursed are destined to have their opposites stop them...thats the way life goes....David Dunne has no clue about it, so its up to Elijah to bring it about...to bring meaning to his life finally...to both their lives....the way Elijah takes his art comic drawings of Good and Evil is how this movie should be taken....its not the typical hero...its just the principles of heroes and villains, and given real life flesh to be applied to.....if you walk in foolishly, either having read Harry's full review too early, or expecting The Sixth Sense 2, or some bastard child of X-Men, you'll walk away disappointed....all in all, i see this as Harry did....this is the start of David Dunne's journey...this is action without action...this is Batman placing the cape and cowl over his head, knowing that Andrea Beaumont is gone, and he is free to pursue his revenge.....this is Superman being told the fate of Krypton, and who he truly is, and what he can do, and soon after, taking off to Metropolis to start his new life......this is even Neo realizing he is the one, and what he must do to save the human race....Unbreakable is more about the fulfilling of destiny rather than a hero trying to save the world....this is about David Dunne and Elijah Price realizing their potentials, and seen in a cheap, fanboy "leather tights and big pecs" light, it becomes worthless, which is why this film wont reach those types in the same way as everyone else.....if you are one of those types, well, hey, X-Men IS out on video now, ya know....Revolution is my name...
Wow, Harry's Right... by Brian D.	Nov 23rd, 2000 10:41:53 AM
despite his ever growing ego and the deteriorating quality of his reviews and opinions, harry got this one right--i saw unbreakable and loved it-- every one of the three moments harry mentioned in the film was for me, powerful and wonderful... this was the best film of the year, and better than sixth sense in my opinion... i found the pacing just right, i was intrigued and satisfied by the end, and in particular, found the boy's eagerness to believe his father heroic touching and just right... one pov i havent seen expressed, and am intersted to hear addressed, is that i felt that placing the entire movie in the context of a modern comic book to me almost CHEAPENS AND MINIMIZES the quality of the film... i think its far better understood as a completely grounded story that exists in our world today, with jackson's character simply a deluded serial killer, and willis having a condition that COULD IN FACT EXIST... rather than fantasy, comic book world's "updated" for today... i think it works far better as a real drama, touched with surreal elements, than as a well done comic book onscreen...comic book films win no awards, dramas with surreal of fantastic elements do--and this film deserves far more than to be thought of as a wonderful geek film
WARNING SPOILERS- Serious movie flaw by Integra	Nov 23rd, 2000 11:25:58 AM
Why the hell didnt ANYONE think to try and cut Willis during the whole movie(especially HIMSELF or his son)? The entire first two acts were predicated on the 'discovery', and all he or anyone else had to do was take a knife, and try and cut his skin. Remember, he had NO cuts from the train accident, not even a scratch as the doctor said. I thought the whole child with gun scene was just idiotic. JUST TRY AND CUT HIM! ASK HIM TO DO THIS. anyhow i think the film technically is REALLY well made, but a great story its not. The ending text really blew it even more for me. Also, the corny ass music when he gets out of the pool made about 90% of the audience i saw it with (and myself) laugh out

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