Writer-Director M. Night Shyamalan's sequel to the director's previous films Unbreakable and Split , 'Glass' is the director's most ambitious attempt in years. And the man helming this recent box-office Hit, gives his Superhero saga an interesting spin. So, if you go in thinking that this will be a yet another Superhero movie with the usual cliches and it's generic tropes, you're in the wrong movie. Shyamalan flirts with the ideas of Superheroes, but gives us a tale on what makes one special and how one's gift cannot be denied or contained, irrespective of the people who want to destroy it.
'Glass' follows David Dunn (Bruce Willis) who gets locked in a mental hospital alongside his once-rival Mr. Glass, (Samuel L. Jackson) as well as the multi-personality "The Horde" (James McAvoy) and must escape from a psychiatrist (Sarah Paulson) who is out to prove the trio do not actually possess super-human abilities.
'Glass' combines Shyamalan's very own Superheroes to deliver a spectacle that will keep you invested, although it lags in parts. Yes, 'Glass' isn't perfect, but what makes the film work overall is how it pushes the audience to think beyond the usual mayhem and over-the-top nature of Superhero Blockbusters have turned out to be. While there is action here and some true thrill too, this superhero-thriller flick is more about exploring one's self. We watch the three characters locked in a mental ward by a psychiatrist who wouldn't let them be who they are, thus, arresting them from their superpowers. Shyamalan keeps the narrative progressive and the connections between the 2 previous films prior to this, add up nicely. But his message and vision of making 'Glass' remains clear: You are who you are and the truth of being special, cannot be denied!
Shyamalan's Screenplay definitely could've been sharper, though. While I enjoyed the themes and particularly the film's final act, the Writing lags in the middle portions. Also, the narrative doesn't gather much speed in the first-hour, it's only when Sam Jackson's Mr.Glass comes into play and the film grabs you. The middle bits, particularly the continuous jabbering by the psychiatrist, is given too much screen-time, but hardly leaves any impact. Simply put, The film begins with a bang, then slows down for a good 30-minutes, and then picks up for a truly enjoyable second-hour. And a word for the much-talked about culmination of the film: Rousing! Shyamalan's view of superpowers and his brave approach to do away from the cliches, is rather innovative and impactful.
Shyamalan's Direction is commendable. The man is in form this time, and despite his own Writing not giving him support all through, he Directs the film with a distinctive style. Mike Gioulakis's Cinematography is excellent. The Lens-Man's work is especially impressive when he goes for the close-ups, that explore the intensity of it's characters. Luke Ciarrocchi and Blu Murray's Editing could've been a little more crisper, but it's decent nonetheless. Art and Costume Design are well-done. West Dylan Thordson's Score is excellent.
Performance-Wise: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy reprise their popular roles and none of them disappoint. Willis is restrained as the unbreakable hero, delivering a controlled performance from start to end. Sam Jackson has a blast as the conniving Mr.Glass, who despite his bad deeds, makes us feel for him by the time the film ends. And McAvoy is absolutely sensational as The Horde/ Kevin Wendell Crumb, the multiple personality brat, who's flair for change is a joy to watch. His change of personalties are funny and scary, in equal measure. Sarah Paulson is one-note as the adamant psychiatrist. Anya Taylor-Joy, Spencer Treat Clark and Charlayne Woodard return to their roles and deliver credibly.
On the whole, 'Glass' pushes the Superhero Genre to interesting results. While it's not perfect and will not appeal to all, for a change of pace, it works well! I recommend it.
'Glass' follows David Dunn (Bruce Willis) who gets locked in a mental hospital alongside his once-rival Mr. Glass, (Samuel L. Jackson) as well as the multi-personality "The Horde" (James McAvoy) and must escape from a psychiatrist (Sarah Paulson) who is out to prove the trio do not actually possess super-human abilities.
'Glass' combines Shyamalan's very own Superheroes to deliver a spectacle that will keep you invested, although it lags in parts. Yes, 'Glass' isn't perfect, but what makes the film work overall is how it pushes the audience to think beyond the usual mayhem and over-the-top nature of Superhero Blockbusters have turned out to be. While there is action here and some true thrill too, this superhero-thriller flick is more about exploring one's self. We watch the three characters locked in a mental ward by a psychiatrist who wouldn't let them be who they are, thus, arresting them from their superpowers. Shyamalan keeps the narrative progressive and the connections between the 2 previous films prior to this, add up nicely. But his message and vision of making 'Glass' remains clear: You are who you are and the truth of being special, cannot be denied!
Shyamalan's Screenplay definitely could've been sharper, though. While I enjoyed the themes and particularly the film's final act, the Writing lags in the middle portions. Also, the narrative doesn't gather much speed in the first-hour, it's only when Sam Jackson's Mr.Glass comes into play and the film grabs you. The middle bits, particularly the continuous jabbering by the psychiatrist, is given too much screen-time, but hardly leaves any impact. Simply put, The film begins with a bang, then slows down for a good 30-minutes, and then picks up for a truly enjoyable second-hour. And a word for the much-talked about culmination of the film: Rousing! Shyamalan's view of superpowers and his brave approach to do away from the cliches, is rather innovative and impactful.
Shyamalan's Direction is commendable. The man is in form this time, and despite his own Writing not giving him support all through, he Directs the film with a distinctive style. Mike Gioulakis's Cinematography is excellent. The Lens-Man's work is especially impressive when he goes for the close-ups, that explore the intensity of it's characters. Luke Ciarrocchi and Blu Murray's Editing could've been a little more crisper, but it's decent nonetheless. Art and Costume Design are well-done. West Dylan Thordson's Score is excellent.
Performance-Wise: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy reprise their popular roles and none of them disappoint. Willis is restrained as the unbreakable hero, delivering a controlled performance from start to end. Sam Jackson has a blast as the conniving Mr.Glass, who despite his bad deeds, makes us feel for him by the time the film ends. And McAvoy is absolutely sensational as The Horde/ Kevin Wendell Crumb, the multiple personality brat, who's flair for change is a joy to watch. His change of personalties are funny and scary, in equal measure. Sarah Paulson is one-note as the adamant psychiatrist. Anya Taylor-Joy, Spencer Treat Clark and Charlayne Woodard return to their roles and deliver credibly.
On the whole, 'Glass' pushes the Superhero Genre to interesting results. While it's not perfect and will not appeal to all, for a change of pace, it works well! I recommend it.