Unbreakable

In preparation for the upcoming sequel, Glass -- and because I've legitimately never seen this film, I sought out Unbreakable very recently in order to catch up. 

What's interesting about this film is how it has aged over time and across the decades where we've received a plethora of superhero films, including the uber-successful MCU and the mildly-successful DCEU. I distinctly remember when this film came out because I wanted to see it very badly but was not yet 13 years old (and my parents were strict about that sort of thing and thought it would be scary). To my recollection it did "fine" among critics and fans, but today is largely held as one of Shyamalan's best films. 

Taken as a whole of his career that's not saying much given how far he fell - and is trying to climb back out - but he was once a very talented filmmaker and one of the most exciting in Hollywood. *Unrelated side note: I have empathy for those who used to adore him and are pained by his fall from grace. I can only imagine how angry/sad I'd be if Nolan or Villenueve started turning in s**t films...*

Unbreakable is almost more intriguing now than it was back in 2000, right before/around the time that superhero films were really starting to kick off. Even in 2019 it remains one of the more unique "origin" stories that we've been told about a hero and it's genuinely an enjoying film to watch unfold. Despite early negative reviews, it makes me more eager to see Glass either to A) continue a very interesting trilogy (Split being the good-enough middle entry) or to B) sit in awe at how far a director can vary in skill across a single career. 

Unbreakable is a bit of a slow burn that might not appease superhero fans of today, but with Shyamalan's signature ability to manage thrills, particularly slower ones, it comes across as genuine and at times intense. I do wish we would have seen the initial train crash that happens off screen, but that's probably just the curiosity in me speaking; wanting to see the accident that's causing all the traffic sort of thing. Otherwise we're thrown into David Dunn's life as he is seemingly going through a mid-life crisis with this "am I/aren't I" superhero thing thrown into the mix. That's mostly what makes it so intriguing is that David Dunn, all things considered, is a boring dude. He has a separated relationship with his wife, doesn't seem to be doing much with his life, is balding, and works as a security guard for sporting events. Enter an excited Samuel L. Jackson as Mr. Glass who helps David to begin to realize his potential. 

That Sam Jackson can't catch a break!
Seems to be injured/scarred in every movie!

What's interesting about Unbreakable is that if you were to draft the broad strokes on paper, it would be a hard sell. It's a no-name superhero slowly discovering that he's a hero. What makes it special is Shyamalan's skill behind the camera (and in writing) along with earnest performances by Willis and Jackson. Strangely enough it's really only when the film begins to take a semi-action/horror turn that I became the most bored because it all the sudden seemed more routine and equally preposterous. Luckily this aspect is short-lived as a plot device and it eventually all wraps up with a signature Shyamalan twist, aka a "Shyamalanadingdong", that feels well earned and only the slightest bit cartoony in a *mostly* good way. Given all the previews for Glass in recent months I already knew what it was, but the premise behind the why of the twist is interesting in and of itself, reminding me a lot of the dialogue that Batman and Joker shared in The Dark Knight actually. 

Unbreakable ages particularly well too because of how well it's made. The pacing and editing are usually top notch and the cinematography is consistently great with a touch of grandness to match the superhero storyline. It's also got a bit of a secret weapon with the original score - that I hope makes a comeback in Glass - where, other than a nostalgia-inducing late-90's Moby-inspired beat, it has a memorable and stirring main theme. It's not anything you'll be listening to in your free time, but it fits the film perfectly. 

Ominous!!

As someone who never experienced Shyamalan at the height of his glory, I tend to take his films with a grain of salt given the stuff he's been struggling to put out lately. Unbreakable is certainly an achievement on his resume and, despite how much I do/don't enjoy Glass in the coming week, I was happy to check this one out for a fresh take on a genre that has come to truly rule Hollywood.

CONS

• Almost too much of a slow burn at times. I found the stuff with David's wife to be least interesting or necessary for the story
• It glosses over the train crash completely -- I guess I would have liked to seen what happened
• While the action/horror beat near the end is necessary, I felt like the film got a bit silly here
• Ooooph that 90s beat that kicks in really ages the film immediately. Was good for a laugh though!

PROS

• A unique take on the genre "origin stories" before they became mainstream. Ages well and almost brings new insight to today's crowded superhero market
• Willis and Jackson seem to be having fun with their roles and were smart choices for each
• Shyamalan directs and writes here for the betterment of the film. He also earns his twist
• Technical excellence throughout including cinematography, editing, and original score
• Might be a bit of a slow burn, but remains interesting and captivating for most of the runtime

Retro Rath's Review Score | 8/10