We're past building up to what one hopes will be a devastating "surprise" ending this time, so fear not. And never mind about the complaints you might have heard about the special effects--what's there works quite well enough.
As with "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable," the film is less about the phenomenon taking place than about the very real, believable people caught up in it. Mel Gibson, his two children and his brother (Joaquin Phoenix) must confront potentially deadly events beyond their understanding--while they must also work out their personal relationships and crises of faith... which they do quite convincingly, be it played for humor, drama or pathos.
Given the reputation (and past work) of its creator (not to mention the subdued ad campaign), you already know not to expect ID4 here (thank goodness). But you'll be surprised how well this one works as a thriller, nonetheless--the jolts are once again perfectly-timed.
It's NOT true that a cliched climax is completely avoided...
MILD SPOILER BELOW
...after all, we ARE given a character who suffers an "attack" while unable to reach his vital medicine. Naturally, this is played for heart-wrenching tension for all its worth... but as we JUST got this in "Panic Room," I'm getting just a bit tired of this device.
But that's a small complaint indeed--this is still one to see on the big screen.
