M. Night Shyamalan turns “happening” into a noun for this surprisingly spooky thriller…

The name M. Night Shyamalan immediately makes most people think twist ending.

Which is a shame, becauseThe Happeningisnt actually a terrible movie.

Its not an entirely successful one, either, but its not terrible.

Its watchable, possibly even more than once.

The film opens with the first occurrence of the titular happening.

Its chilling, in a way reminiscent of Stephen KingsCell.

Suddenly, other happenings are, er, happening, all over New York.

Something very, very weird is going on.

Believing that the two of them were ever in a real relationship is difficult, to say the least.

(WithThe Ruinsout next week too, it would appear to be the summer when plants attacked.)

Maybe Im being uncharacteristically generous here, but I dont thinkThe Happeningwas all that bad.

M. Night Shyamalans career trajectory might be taking a nosedive, but anyone who enjoyedSignsshould enjoy this, too.

Rating:

3 out of 5