The Happening | Teen Ink

The Happening MAG

November 5, 2008
By Anonymous

M. Night Shyamalan, creator of such classics as “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs,” has finally achieved a landmark in his filmmaking career; every great director must have a massive blockbuster flop. In Shyamalan’s case, it is “The Happening.”

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo, “The Happening” begins with people spouting random nonsense and then committing suicide without any visible reason why. Everyone is fleeing, hoping to survive the mysterious attack. Along the way, they slowly figure out what is causing the bizarre behavior.

If you’re already shaking your head, then the acting will most certainly drive you insane. The gibberish mumbled by the victims serves more as a joke than an eerie forewarning, including lines such as “I can see the calculus” and “My firearm is my friend! It will not leave my side!”

Wahlberg and Leguizamo give decent performances, but Deschanel is simply atrocious and ruins any dialogue with her costars. Her movements and facial expressions are awkward, and her delivery makes you wonder if she forgot how to act like a normal person. Her dead eyes, unmoving face, and monotonous voice make her seem more like she’s working in a library than fleeing for her life. The only truly believable performance comes from Ashlyn Sanchez, a girl who has minimal dialogue but has mastered screaming, running, and looking cute and vulnerable.

This movie was a disappointment, and it only serves to leave a bitter taste in my mouth when I think about how horrible it was and the money I stupidly spent on the ticket. If you wish to continue to respect Shyamalan and his work, skip “The Happening” and hope for better things in the future.


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This article has 9 comments.


on Mar. 10 2012 at 3:26 am
beautifulspirit PLATINUM, Alpharetta, Georgia
35 articles 0 photos 1398 comments

Favorite Quote:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.<br /> --Eleanor Roosevelt

Yeah, this movie was not the best but everyone has a flop now and again, like you said. 

Valery5 said...
on Apr. 23 2010 at 12:06 pm
Valery5, Riverside, California
0 articles 0 photos 74 comments

Favorite Quote:
"What's bad for your heart is good for your art."

i liked this moives It was good.

on Mar. 23 2010 at 8:30 am
APoetAtHeart GOLD, Lyman, Maine
13 articles 0 photos 19 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot; I am, Who I Am, But WHY I Am,Who I Am, Is What Confuses Me.&quot; - By Me

As I am not one for scary movies, the plot didn't really flow. It was merely to be, Suicide Afrer Suicide after Suicide. Nothing changed. Very disturbing movie on my behalf.

Ambie BRONZE said...
on Feb. 21 2010 at 4:59 pm
Ambie BRONZE, Millville, Pennsylvania
4 articles 0 photos 43 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If it can be dreamed, it can be done.&quot;

I actually liked the movie!!! I thought it was pretty good-I give it to you that I was definetley confused at first, but I liked the Suspense. I really think the storyline is very interesting, but it could be better. I think some of it got a little ridiculous though-it's one of those movies that you need to watch a few times to understand it.

on Jan. 10 2010 at 3:26 pm
oliviarose SILVER, Wellington, Florida
7 articles 0 photos 12 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Live as if you&#039;ll die tomorrow, learn as if you&#039;ll live forever.&quot; -Ghandi

I actually thought the main plot was kinda interesting but the acting was terrible. Zooey Deschanel isn't a good actress, she really isn't (although her sister is pretty good). Also, I never liked Markie Mark, I think he sucks in general. The casting was bad and not convincing. They could have done a lot better.

LovelySky said...
on Dec. 13 2009 at 8:38 pm
LovelySky, Newark, Delaware
0 articles 8 photos 7 comments
I agree! The acting was bad, and seriously, plants making everyone kill themselves??? Very stupid, and a waste of money.

Lisha BRONZE said...
on Aug. 23 2009 at 9:09 am
Lisha BRONZE, Karachi, Other
2 articles 0 photos 4 comments
Love the review, hate the movie!

hi said...
on Jun. 28 2009 at 8:10 pm
i love this movie it is very suspenful

on Apr. 24 2009 at 6:08 pm
Xavier Stampley, Fisherville, Kentucky
0 articles 0 photos 9 comments
this movie was confusing i like the review though