IMDb > The Happening (2008)
The Happening
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

The Happening (2008) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 39 | slideshow) Videos (see all 36)
The Happening (2008) -- This is the second theatrical trailer for M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening.
The Happening (2008) -- Clip: I'm Going To Get Mommy
The Happening (2008) -- Movieplayer.it - Italian Featurette (Flash)
The Happening (2008) -- Interview: John Leguizamo and Zooey Deschanel "On their characters"
The Happening (2008) -- Actor Mark Wahlberg is known for his strong physical presence on screen. But in M. Night Shyamalan's thriller "The Happening" he plays a character known more for his mind. Harry Smith reports.

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
5.2/10   64,368 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer (WGA):
M. Night Shyamalan (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Happening on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
13 June 2008 (USA) more
Tagline:
We've Sensed It. We've Seen The Signs. Now... It's Happening.
Plot:
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. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 win & 4 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(214 articles)
Top 7 Movies That Make The End of the World Sound Hilarious
 (From Scorecard Review. 13 November 2009, 2:18 PM, PST)

The Box
 (From Scorecard Review. 7 November 2009, 7:34 PM, PST)

User Comments:
Why this film is important...and why people don't like it that way: more (1167 total)
US TV Schedule:

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Green Planet (USA) (working title)
The Green Effect (USA) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for violent and disturbing images.
Runtime:
91 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
M. Night Shyamalan's first film to have an R rating. more
Goofs:
Factual errors: Westover Military Base is an Air Force Reserve Base. The Private should be an Airman. 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.
more
Movie Connections:
References Ghostbusters II (1989) more
Soundtrack:
Piano Concerto Nš21 In C K467 ('Elvira Madigan': 2.Andante) more

FAQ

How did critics react to the film?
What is causing "the happening?"
What is "The Happening?"
more
645 out of 1245 people found the following comment useful.
Why this film is important...and why people don't like it that way:, 13 June 2008
10/10
Author: philmographer from United States

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.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (1167 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Happening (2008)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
I actually kind of liked it :P loveofmovies84
Scary moment (spoiler) citygurl104
what is the age limit for kids to be killed in a movie? xerxerxex
DON'T EVEN ATTEMPT TO WATCH THIS EVIL MOVIE!!! astor1998
A song comes to mind... artguylarry
The Most Gutwrenching Scene (serious) YouFightLikeACow
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
A History of Violence Wanted The Departed The Omen Children of Men
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.