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All parent reviews for Lady in the Water

Age
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
This is another great movie from my good man Shyamalan
OK, I've been hearing a lot of complaints about the movie, and it seems like the biggest one is that either people think the plot is silly, or that they can't buy into it. I think the reason this problem arose is because most people don't realize that this movie is supposed to be more of a modern-day fairy tale than a suspense movie. Actually, Shyamalan based this movie on a bed-time story that he told his kids and recently published into a kids book. So if you go looking for suspense, then of course you aren't going to like the movie. Personally, I loved the movie and am going to buy it when it comes out to put with the rest of his films. But just in case my theory is wrong, I feel that I should inform you that I am probably one of Shyamalan's biggest fans. And not just the kind that like "Sixth Sense" and all-- I'm probably one of the only teen fans that know he actually came out with two movies before "Sense"-- "Praying With Anger" in 1992, which was an American-Indian coming of age story, and "Wide Awake", which was about a ten year old looking for prrof of GOD's existence. Both of those I liked, especially "Awake". And the fact that I also loved "Unbreakable"-- well this gives you an idea if you were wondering why I gave the movie 5 stars. Content-wise, there really isn't anything to be worried about other than some very mild profanity and some mild violence involving the scrunt. So please, go see this in the mood for a good fantasy story, rather than a suspense movie. If you want suspense, go watch "The Ring", because none of Shyamalan's movies are remotely scary, but they are quite excellent films.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
M.Night does it again!!
This movie got the shaft by critics. My husband and I and our 12 year old son went together and all of us enjoyed it. I was weeping at the end which was very touching for those of us who have suffered a loss of a loved one. We found it intriging because of the "mystery" of the lady and the unusual camera angles and unpredictable dialogue. Have always enjoyed M.Night's movies. Maybe we are biased because of that. This movie is very much worth your time if you like art (something different than your average hollywood formula) in movie form.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Not too scary
This wasn't his best, but a good one. A little intense in some parts, and a little disconnected at the end. But definately worth seeing again.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Mediocre at best.
This is one of M. Night's WORST movies. I went to this with my BF, and from watching his other films, we both expected a good suspense film. Not so. There's just a lot of silly fantasy role playing (as I considered it), arguing amongst characters, and an exhausting plot that fails to please in the end. I found it to be cheesy, and the "narf" looks remarkably like a female version of Frodo. Pass this movie up, it's just 2+ hours of boredom.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
its too much violence for kids today. They need any more bad ideas
This should only be for adults, even for the kids who are 17 + with an adult. Other than that, its not good for the kids because one of them could have 'water fear', 'water nightmares', or their trauma experience. Its best to have this for an adult. violence is what we need to control today because too many kids are killing each other.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Just go see it!
Just go see it. That’s what I tell people. That’s what I did. I'd like to think that's what you should do. For those who need more, read on. Shyamalan provides us with again with what he always does - something new and original. Unlike his other movies this one does not depend on his trade-mark surprise ending which has, at least in my opinion, disappointed at least once. There is a surprise ending but it is more charming than shocking and caps the story off brilliantly. More like Unbreakable than the Village, this ice-cream cone simply has a different flavor at the core, not sour bubblegum. Throughout Lady in the Water I felt a certain pleasant nostalgia. It only struck me later that the movie bears a number of similarities to the very successful Never Ending Story (the original movie, not the string of progressively more confusing sequels). Lady in the Water took the deadly risk of self analysis and capped that off with a bit of morbid comedy when the reviewer came face to face with the reviewed. I think it worked. I really enjoyed the elemental theme of water which was so strong throughout the movie. I really enjoy water, swimming, life guarding and teaching swimming lessons but I guess it's not for everyone. Water seems to play an important part in Shyamalan's movies. I wonder if he had a near drowning experience. This is a fascinating way of dealing with such an issue. So much wasn't said in the movie and that I really appreciate. He gives the audience a little credit and doesn't spoon feed us. It was never said that the monster was afraid of water, yet all the time it was clear that it was. The water seemed like a protective barrier. It was a symbol and a shield, and a surprise to make you jump out of your seat. Many elements were just disturbing but there was a clear sense of right and wrong and morality. The guardian and his weightlifting were just bizarre and that is what I remember most strongly about the movie because I've never seen that before. The morality of the healer and that the movie did not need gratuitous adult scenes to work was a welcome relief. I thought it was a fantastic movie. I'll have to agree that it is not for everyone. It is only for people who dream.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
better than I thought it would be
The first reviewer, Charke, said all that I would say and much better than I could say! The story line drives this movie, not the scary scenes. There is no gore, no swearing, and no sexual content. I loved it.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
M. Night at his worst...so far
This is easily one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I watched it in theaters with a friend and half the time you could clearly see a microphone. I refuse to see another M. Night movie in theaters (I also saw 'The Village' in theaters) because they're so bad.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
O.K
It was pretty good...I really liked it...I think a lot of people my age would like it..

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Meh....
Lady in the Water certainly wasn't an awful film, but I think it is the worst of M. Night's movies so far. The plot is incredibly silly and laughable, and M. Night really seems to be getting rather arrogant, he cast himself in a semi-large role as the 'future savior of the world.' But, even though this is a ridiculous movie, it also is mildly entertaining. It has some good performances and a couple of suspenseful moments that make it worthwhile. As far as content goes, this is pretty mild for a PG-13. One or two scary jump scenes, some brief mild violence, and suspense, but besides that it probably isn't too intense for some older kids.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
underrated, as true beauty always is
an excellent movie, more for its amazing message of hope and change then anything else but also great in other domains. im not surprised at the public failure of this story because most folks just didnt get it...if you are able to go in seeking a quick thrill and come out feeling like youve strangely received something more than that congratulations, but most of us can only see, feel what we tell ourselves to. we fear someone who might dare to claim to have an answer, or at least a dream so we disregard it. i do not see this as a movie, this is a message which we are truly blessed to have received (at least for the few of us who did). shymalan has always been good, but only since signs and now especially the village and this one have we been given hints of his true nature as a writer, who knows and perhaps as a prophet....i know,i know what a geek doesnt he know that theyre all dead and gone, but i dont beleive in those two words, so save yourselves the bother. this movie is definantly beyond children, its a gift of hope to us, and i beleive to truly get it you must be able to apreciate the exremely deep and powerful message that it carries. mister shymalan, if your out there, dont listen to the sheep...you have a gift and although i dont think that it is of you, i truly admire you for having the courage to stick with it...keep up the good work, because if i go back to another sixth sense quick thrill after a taste of this i mihgt get sick....good luck

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
LOOK!
I think movie is very good.I heard this is very scary .Made be time when i save up i gonna get it.I have been wanting get movie for long!:)5 stars

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Very rushed, but nonetheless thrilling.
I must admit, I'm not a particular fan of M. Night's work, but I thought this particular film was actually worth writing review on. The actual movie itself felt generally very rushed, as there was alot of information being given to the viewer at once. We are dealing with a fairly complex bedtime story ontop of the main plot, so it often feels like general concepts of the original story haven't been explained in entirity. This is, in my opinion, the movie's main downfall. It's biggest asset is it's clever, intricate plot, but it's main problem is the noticably strained effort to include all of the plot into the film. This results in its terribly abrupt ending... Unsuitable content-wise, the movie was surprisingly clean; without overt sexual references but with some scary tension and jump-out surprises, as one has come to expect with M. Night's previous work. Overall, I believe the film would've made a much better mini-series. This would've allowed the plot and characters to be built up properly. I must give some credit to M. Night for including the clever humour involving the death of the critic character. It definatly gave the film an edge that said 'hey hey hey... I haven't turned into a family flick'! Anyway, jokes aside, this was an entertaining film that is well worth an evening's view. Thanks for reaaading<3 -will barchi (14 years)

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great film
It’s listed as a thriller, but it’s more of a fantasy movie. There isn’t much language (I can only recall 3 times when someone cussed), and any violence is limited to a few scrape marks on a character’s feet. The plot and concept of the movie is very clever, and the music score is beautiful. This movie’s content is pretty mild and could have easily been rated PG.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
More of a Quiet mystery rather than action
Nice blend of human interest and science fiction. Liked the suspense, occasionally scary, and so refreshing not to have action scene after action scene ad boredom. Interesting characters. Only problem, no one could hold his breath that long under water.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Decent
Befor seeing this movie i heard a whole lot of criticism about it like it was a huge letdown compared to Shyamalans others and it was corny and pointless....but i thought different it made you think it was interesting and there was no language or sex which is always a plus. I think they did a good job of making a fairy tail story into a real life movie and there were some parts that made you cheer and laugh and a little scared...anyone over 9 can see this should be PG

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