GLASS (2019)

Written & Directed By: M. Night Shyamalan 
Cinematography: Mike Gioulakis 
Editor: Luke Ciarrocchi & Blu Murray 

Cast: Bruce Willis, James McAvoy, Samuel L. Jackson, Anna Taylor-Joy, Sarah Paulson, Spencer Treat Clark, Charlayne Woodard, Luke Kirby 

After pursuing Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities that reside within. David Dunn finds himself locked in a mental hospital alongside his archenemy, Elijah Price and must contend with a psychiatrist who is out to prove the trio do not actually possess superhuman abilities.

A raw cut of my reaction. I still have to wrap my head around this film and it’s whole saga. Though I had high hopes. It’s like the return of the Jedi of the original Star Wars trilogy. Where it has some interesting ideas ties up some loose threads and is acceptable as an ending but truly the weakest of the three.

It just amazes me he has always had this planned as a trilogy and made the second film a loose sequel where he surprises you by making what you believe is an original thriller. Only to be revealed as a back door sequel and he has had this swimming around in his mind and this is what he came up with? It’s got heart hit also that old shyamalan ego also.

It’s Acceptable and you can tell the corners were trimmed a bit here. As it tells more than it shows. Tons of exposition and some leaps of logic and plot holes and a ridiculous counterpoint. Though kind of what he tried with lady In The water a little inspiring and in the end full of a little dose of positive vibe.

Though it is monotonous it wallows in ridiculous at times Psychobabble and awash in supposedly emotional moments. Like the sudden bond between Kevin and the surviving victim that only happened three weeks ago supposedly when the movie begins.

That bad make-up they put on Actress Charlayne Woodward to play me. Glass’s mother onto because he needs to kind of justify himself to her in a way and because each of the other super heroes and villains have an significant other or attachment.

This is really James McAvoy’s movie once again as he is fantastic. Believably passing through all these personalities and that is the problem with the movie there is so much good going on that it frustrates when it disappoints on many fronts.

Samuel l Jackson comes In halfway into the movie and still is mostly second fiddle but the mastermind of it all so he is necessary but as the other two stars got a movie to mainly show. And star in Jackson’s character who the film is named after seems to just be the title to tie it all together and again to be the brains behind the whole affair of sorts

As these movies have meant something to me by being the earliest movies to takedown and examine the comic. Book myths an intellectual way while working as a genre film I have always had a soft spot for the films and the character of Mr. glass as I have found inspiration in him getting over his hardships and a master plan of sorts though mien has little to no blood shed or death. It that desire to inspire others to be their true selves

The conspiracy twist fits into a comic book and seems there to have it all matter for some reason but is handled lazily truthfully she comes off as an apologetic democrat who voted republican and feels guilty about it but had to because she believes in a certain agenda that.

A film that tries to be more Intellectual as it counts corners and tries to show more Depth and ideas rather than just focusing on the physical aspects of superheroes and super powers. The changing emotions of certain characters feel here only so that each so called super powered character has at least own character who cares about them and who they care about.

The film isn’t as mysterious as it would like to think. It does offer some mysteries but also telegraphs other way too soon.

You can tell the lack of budget where it seems to be setting up big action spectacles and then seems to go back on that promise for smaller scenes. Which could easily be read as some as smart, but truly reveals the limits of the budget and working with what you have.

Though it does offer up it’s own universe with reveals that hit one emotionally In unsuspecting ways. Ultimately making the film a tragedy.

As this isn’t the best out of the trilogy actually the weakest but seems mostly to be made only to offer an ending. As there is no real other reason for this film to exist otherwise. As it feels like an x-files almost. As the doctor refuses to look at evidence and still insists that these men aren’t special and everything is more psychosis.

When it comes to director M Night Shyamalan it seems he was a filmmaker who was a victim. Of his own hype that he started to believe it l. Where he thought whatever ideas he came up with were always correct and not to listen to those around him who tried to advise him and pretty soon his castles began to crumble as it’s obvious he is a talented filmmaker but the films seemed to be an extension of his ego. Until with THE VISIT and SPLIT he crawled out of the ruins and started making films that were original and fun. They were still psychological thrillers but while they had twists the films didn’t build or fall apart dependent on them. They were also lower budgeted and more character driven. There seemed to be a humbleness on his part. This film tries to do the same but it feels like his ego is also slowly showing itself where he believes he is the smartest guy in the room and desires to show off.


Grade: C+