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The Happening (2008) 5.1
Ratings:
5.1/10 from 119,190 users
Metascore: 34/100
Reviews: 1,223 user | 303 critic | 38 from Metacritic.com A strange, horrible and unprecedented crisis begins in Central Park. A high school science teacher, his wife and a young girl do what they can to survive it. Director:M. Night ShyamalanWriter:M. Night Shyamalan |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Mark Wahlberg | ... | ||
| Zooey Deschanel | ... | ||
| John Leguizamo | ... | ||
| Ashlyn Sanchez | ... | ||
| Betty Buckley | ... | ||
| Spencer Breslin | ... | ||
| Robert Bailey Jr. | ... | ||
| Frank Collison | ... | ||
| Jeremy Strong | ... | ||
| Alan Ruck | ... | ||
| Victoria Clark | ... | ||
| M. Night Shyamalan | ... |
Joey
(voice)
|
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| Alison Folland | ... | ||
| Kristen Connolly | ... | ||
| Cornell Womack | ... |
Construction Foreman
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Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Elliot Moore is a high school science teacher who quizzes his class one day about an article in the New York Times. It's about the sudden, mysterious disappearance of bees. Yet again Nature is doing something inexplicable, and whatever science has to say about it will be, in the end, only a theory. Scientists will bring out more theories, but no explanations, when a more urgent dilemma hits the planet. It begins in Central Park. Suddenly and inexplicably, the behavior of everyone in the park changes in a most bizarre and horrible way. Soon, the strange behavior spreads throughout the city and beyond. Elliot, his wife, Alma, and Jess, the young daughter of a friend, will only have theories to guide them where to run and where to hide. But theories may not be enough. Written by J. Spurlin
Taglines:
We've Sensed It. We've Seen The Signs. Now... It's Happening.Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Release Date:
13 June 2008 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Green Planet See more »Box Office
Budget:
$48,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£1,632,055 (UK) (13 June 2008)Gross:
$64,505,912 (USA) (12 September 2008)Company Credits
Production Co:
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, UTV Motion Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment See more »
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Woman Reading on Bench with Hair Pin: I forgot where I am.
Woman Reading on Bench: You're at the place where the killers meet to decide what to do with the crippled girl.
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(1785)
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Radu Lupu, Uri Segal and English Chamber Orchestra (as The English Chamber Orchestra)
Courtesy of Decca Music Group Ltd.
Under License from Universal Music Enterprises
See more »
Did You Know?
Goofs
After leaving Filbert, when everyone splits off into smaller groups in the field, Mark Wahlberg's character goes to the truck to find a map. Only the passenger door is open, yet the door ajar alarm is dinging. It's a Ford truck, so the alarm would only ding if the drivers' side door was open. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Woman Reading on Bench with Hair Pin: I forgot where I am.
Woman Reading on Bench: You're at the place where the killers meet to decide what to do with the crippled girl.
See more »
Crazy Credits
Moving clouds form the backdrop for the opening and closing credits. On the end credits, they've become stormclouds with lightning. On the end credits, M. Night Shyamalan's name vanishes. See more »Soundtracks
"Piano Concerto No. 21 In C K467 ('Elvira Madigan': 2.Andante)"(1785)
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Radu Lupu, Uri Segal and English Chamber Orchestra (as The English Chamber Orchestra)
Courtesy of Decca Music Group Ltd.
Under License from Universal Music Enterprises
See more »
I was disappointed to see such harsh reviews from the critics when there are clearly much sillier and stupid films out there. "Zohan" was about 60% at rotten tomatoes, while "The Happening" was at 14%. The disappointment didn't last long when I realized, given the information above, if critics had liked this movie, that might have been a bad thing. I focused my attention on interviews with Shyamalan himself talking about the film instead of the pretentious critics who have grown accustom to hating his movies. I decided to take HIS advice and go into the theater looking for a "fun B movie".
You will find that, and so much more. This movie is not your average thriller by any means. "The Happening" holds a solid "Twilight Zone" feel without being cliché or overused. This might be why the average masses didn't like it. We are used to being fed sequel after sequel after remake after remake. Don't get me wrong, those are fun movies to watch but the ART of film is being lost. The stereotypic perfect leading man who is smooth, witty, handsome and quick thinking who always saves the day will not be found in this film. Nor will the overuse of incredible special effects, slashing and squirting blood and gore, erotic sex scenes, fast paced chases, or crude language. Yes, the content is uncomfortable and disturbing and times, but it has a point. It's not goring for the sake of being goring and it's not uncontrolled in it's violence.
This film is simple. It has flawed and awkward characters who don't always say the smoothest thing. Everyone is imperfect and they don't handle the situations in the best "hollywood" type manner. Shyamalan did this on purpose. This movie is not paced for the "entertain me entertain me entertain me entertain me" type audiences we have mostly become. You are given the elements, but it's up to you to be able to slow down and feel the emotions in order to appreciate the film. The parable and meaning are so much deeper and innocent than what is popularized in media today. It will challenge you. It will make you think.
"The Happening" on the outside is a very fun and funny film. It is a "B" movie on the surface because of it's amazing simplicity, but by the end of the film you realize what it's actually all about. It's sad to see that so many people have completely missed it.
Bottom line: If you liked his other films, you must see this one, it falls into the ranks of everything made before Lady. If you didn't like his other films, stick to boring remakes and sequels.