Incredible Movie. Just Incredible.

Okay, I know it is late and that I probably shouldn't wax philosophical just now, but I saw a movie that I'll venture to say is probably one of the best I've seen all year (or actually the best of 2006, since it is technically 2007 and the year has only been 2 days long so far - yeah, it is definitely the best of 2007 for me, as of yet... but I digress). It is the new M. Night Shyamalan flick, Lady in the Water. Wow. The plot outline is simple, IMDB has it as:

Apartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep (Giamatti) rescues what he thinks is a young woman from the pool he maintains. When he discovers that she is actually a character from a bedtime story who is trying to make the journey back to her home, he works with his tenants to protect his new friend from the creatures that are determined to keep her in our world.

Sounds kind of neat, eh? Well, as simplistic as the story sounds, it is actually - as all M. Night Shyamalan movies are - very complex and full of twists. (How does he do this?!?) It is formatted like an excellent picture book - you hear the story and see the pictures and you pick up on something underlining the text... something very subtle and beautiful. Many critics write that Shyamalan themes his films and I would absolutely agree. The theme of Lady in the Water is "Purpose." I even felt it. I was completely inspired by it. (That is why you should WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!)

I wanted to quote another blogger who oh-most-eloquently wrote a stunning review. You can read it here. This is the steak and potatoes of what he wrote, though. (Film Geek Marc, well written!)

Lady In The Water is based on a children's story Shyamalan told his own daughters. And it feels like a children's fable. But I think that's appropriate, given the premise. Children, in all their innocence and freshness, seem at times drawn to a purpose. Simplicity allows them to dream, and to aspire. Adults--heavily burdened by things like the Christmas season rush, boring jobs and overwhelming goals--too often lose our purpose. We adults forget, I think, to live. Shyamalan reminds us to live through Lady In The Water. With grace, and with dignity. But always with purpose.

Check this film out - it's incredible. Just incredible.