Lady in the Water
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: July 21, 2006
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 451 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
251
Mixed:
70
Negative:
130
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
4
D.C.Aug 9, 2006
I find it very interesting that Shyamalan has such a cult following by some and can be dismissed by others (especially critics at times). I think this film desrves all the comments here... it is good in some respects (atmosphere, I find it very interesting that Shyamalan has such a cult following by some and can be dismissed by others (especially critics at times). I think this film desrves all the comments here... it is good in some respects (atmosphere, cinematography, some of the acting) and pretty formulaic in many others. I think Shyamalan tries hard to establish himself as another Hitchcock and I think this is part of the problem. Every new generation of filmgoers wants an auteur to call their own (especially one with such a cool name) and that perhaps explains all the 9's and 10's people are giving it here. At the same time, the 1's are not fair either. But I do understand the low scores as Shyamalan is beginning to feel like another Tarantino as his films have a hard time living up to the high expectations and hype. The film is fairly decent but I would say rent it. Shyamalan stands out from the mostly crap that is coming out of Hollywood these days, but there are much more compeling and interesting films (independent and international) to see out there.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
5
BrianM.Aug 5, 2006
Shyamalan underwhelms me once again with, 'Lady in the Water'. Granted, I wasn't expecting anything even decent when I went into the theatre, so I was not let down, merely met with an adequate film that does not disappoint, Shyamalan underwhelms me once again with, 'Lady in the Water'. Granted, I wasn't expecting anything even decent when I went into the theatre, so I was not let down, merely met with an adequate film that does not disappoint, but does not excite in any way either. Although some things are "not as they seem" here, the movie is still very predictable. Shyamalan tries to throw some twists into the mix, but is quite unsuccessful with this. Overall, this is a pass in my opinion until it hits shelves on DVD. Then, I'd recommend renting it, because it is still not a BAD film. Certainly a step-up from the dreadful, 'The Village' I'm hoping this is the first film in re-establishing Shyamalan's touch with filmmaking that we haven't seen since 'The Sixth Sense' or 'Signs'...I sure hope so. Until then, here is an average film that we are left with. It is amazing that Shyamalan is continuously given so much creative control over his films, that many better filmmakers have not, and will never see in their careers. I do not mean to come off as a "Shyamalan hater", I did love 'Sixth Sense' and liked 'Signs' quite a bit. I suppose that's what happens when the bar is placed at such a high level to begin with.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
BillyB.Jul 23, 2006
M. Night Shyamalan has based Lady in the Water on a bedtime story he read told his children and that is the biggest flaw (of many) of the movie- It plays as if someone is making up the story as it unfolds "There was a lady who lived in the M. Night Shyamalan has based Lady in the Water on a bedtime story he read told his children and that is the biggest flaw (of many) of the movie- It plays as if someone is making up the story as it unfolds "There was a lady who lived in the drain of the pool and when she came out there were terrible grass monsters that wanted to eat her but ther were also some good tree monkeys that wanted to help her......" that is how the whole movie plays out, no suspense, no twists just lots of "come on's" and "are you kidding's". There is not one credible acting performance from any of the residents living in the Condos where the story takes place and it will probably knock Giamatti down a few notches on the get list while Bryce Howard's best scene is when she says "narf" and proceeds through the rest of the movie looking like a deaf-mute Carrie. "I see wet people" and nothing much more in this absolute waste of time!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
BirdL.Jul 23, 2006
Is it just me or did anybody else see that stupid microphone hanging from the top of the screen almost all the way through the movie. i mean what a distraction for 8.00 dollars.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JimP.Jul 24, 2006
There's a great story about Groucho Marx who attended a party and as he was leaving said to the hostess "I've had an unforgettable evening." Then, before she could gush out a reply, added "unfortunately, this wasn't it." That There's a great story about Groucho Marx who attended a party and as he was leaving said to the hostess "I've had an unforgettable evening." Then, before she could gush out a reply, added "unfortunately, this wasn't it." That roughly sums up my response to LITW, which I wanted to like much more than I did. There were people in the cast I enjoy seeing in anything, including the very underused Mary Beth Hurt. But when trying to sum up a film you find yourself saying "well, it wasn't the worst movie I've seen all year" you know in your heart it has to be a contender.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
KevinF.Jul 24, 2006
Fails to establish it
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JulienJan 17, 2007
This is by far the less interesting Shyamalan movie. But still, the direction and the music are amazing, and the story, mere but fearsome, can make you cry at the end.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JazminA.Feb 20, 2007
Nice story although underdeveloped. Maybe Shymalan should concentrate on writing the next movie and get someone else to direct.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MitchM.Feb 25, 2007
I went into this film with a GREAT attitude, really wanting to get lost in this supernatural world, and enjoyed it out of the box. But ... as each scene dragged on, with more layers of incomprehensibly convoluted and voluminous dialogue I went into this film with a GREAT attitude, really wanting to get lost in this supernatural world, and enjoyed it out of the box. But ... as each scene dragged on, with more layers of incomprehensibly convoluted and voluminous dialogue that supposedly dilineated this "other world" ... my eyes became droopy, and I became snoozy, and suddenly I didn't care what was in the pool, or under the grass, or in the trees, or ... zzzzz.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BrandonTJun 27, 2008
A weird movie but oddly entertaining and chilling. Shyamalan mixes some humor and horror in this powerful film. Not the strongest of his set though and certainly not a classic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
NickT.Jul 21, 2006
A fairy tale with more rules than chess. A plodding, contrived and ultimately silly story. But still the picture is studded with moments of directorial genius and saved from banality by Paul Giamatti's formidible but understated A fairy tale with more rules than chess. A plodding, contrived and ultimately silly story. But still the picture is studded with moments of directorial genius and saved from banality by Paul Giamatti's formidible but understated portrayal. MSN, like Jim Cameron, is too gifted a director to be permitted to contiue to do all his own writing. As for his "acting"...MSN please take a tip from Hitchock and stick with the nonspeaking walkby.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JamesH.Jul 21, 2006
I am a big fan of M's work but this movie seems to have its feet in everywhere. the plot is convoluted but strung out. M always brings a great story but to be honest-the movie is mesmerizingly confusing and ridiculous. I thought PAUL I am a big fan of M's work but this movie seems to have its feet in everywhere. the plot is convoluted but strung out. M always brings a great story but to be honest-the movie is mesmerizingly confusing and ridiculous. I thought PAUL GIAMATTI was excellent along with BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD. The movie touches many emotional levels for several characters and is heartfelt. REDEMPTION, ONE'S FUTURE and HEALING. I really think this movie has too much of a good thing, which hinders the overall impact. you could say that simplifying the plot would get less confusion but more clarity. overall?, I liked it-but I expected more-or should I say less?--really only 2.5 stars… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RickyQ.Jul 21, 2006
A very weird movie, but it is quite entertaining. A fairy tale is what it is, so don't go in taking the movie too seriously.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
EliasK.Jul 26, 2006
Giamatti was brilliant as usual. Without him I shutter to think what the film would have been. Will I go see it again in the theaters like I did Signs and The Village - no. Will I rent or buy the DVD when it comes out - not likely.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
KevinS.Jul 26, 2006
This movie is not nearly as bad as the critics are saying - they clearly don't get it. Lady in the Water isn't Shyamalan's best either. Giamatti does a brilliant job - and some of the special effects are great.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JustinS.Jul 29, 2006
I did enjoy this movie. Surely it wasn't my favorite M. Night Shyamalan film; I daresay my least favorite. Still, I think the horrid reviews it has received have gone overboard. I do think a lot of the negative critiques are valid. I did enjoy this movie. Surely it wasn't my favorite M. Night Shyamalan film; I daresay my least favorite. Still, I think the horrid reviews it has received have gone overboard. I do think a lot of the negative critiques are valid. There's a LOT of holes in it. While there is an outstanding cast in "Lady", there are many unneeded characters. I found it especially odd that the tenants in "The Cove" who were least helpful to the Lady's cause were given the most screentime, and as a result came off as more heroic than the actual suppossed heroes. And, to finish with my own negative critiques, I had difficulty seeing what the overall message was that the animals wanted the human vessels to hear. The majority of critiques I've read of the film pay particular attention to the arrogance of Shyamalan shown through the film. While I have read a number of articles that point to a definite ego and insularity the filmmaker is unfortunately guilty of, I think many of the critics comments are unwarranted. First off (and I'd say most importantly to note), Shyamalan didn't depict himself as a "hero whose writing would change the world in the future." Yes, his character is promised this fate in the film. But the character is a social/political commentary. He's not making movies. He's actually cast off as quite humble, though a bit of a smart ass to his sister. He doesn't seem to take himself to seriously at first, but rather just wants to get down in writing a few ideas of what he sees as wrong in America. Shyamalan, unless I'm REALLY missing something, has (aside from the Village, perhaps my favorite of his films) never had political commentaries in his films. I don't even know what his political beliefs are. "Lady in the Water" never reveals the particular characters beliefs, thus saving it from being overly partisan. I also do not think the films depiction of "critics" should be taken THAT seriously...though the critics I've read thus fart, particularly Roger Ebert (my personal favorite) show an enormity of sympathy for Mr. Farber (played hilariously by Bob Balaban). Yes, Mr. Farber is an isolated, antisocial literary and film prick who thinks he has the concept of story mastered. And yes, Shyamalan probably was trying to send a sort of pre-emptive strike against the films inevitable cultured despisers. Still, Mr. Farber's main flaw wasn't the very fact that he was a critic, or even that he was arrogant about it. In his own odd way he was quite helpful to the quest and the Lady. Rather, his fault was the isolated life he chose to live. He shows no interest at all in his neighbors, is grumpy, and is totally unapproachable. Worst of all, he has no love for stories any longer. His approach to critiquing them and his social behavior destroys any passion he may have once had for the stories that connect people together. I think this is a sin many critics are often guilty of, and I'm glad to see it in a movie. The films biggest fault in its depiction of him (and criticism in general) is the disturbing way his death is shown, and the untactfull comic relief incorporated in it. Yes, Lady in the Water was pretty silly. But it was, I must admit, very fun to watch. It was refreshing to be brought back to to the world of fairy tales, albeit imperfectly. And even if the film doesn't change the world (and I'm pretty sure it won't), it at least brought us back a certain "childlike spirit" in reviving good ol' fashion "Big Bad Wolf" stories that many of us miss .… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MarkD.Jul 31, 2006
Better than reviews! Snobby movie critic probably made most critics angry and snipey.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
EleazarJ.Aug 12, 2006
This movie has too much characters to boot which can easily confuse casual viewers. Also too much mumbo-jumbo words referring to the creatures and the resident's role in fulfilling their part. A sheer dissapointment when compared to This movie has too much characters to boot which can easily confuse casual viewers. Also too much mumbo-jumbo words referring to the creatures and the resident's role in fulfilling their part. A sheer dissapointment when compared to 'The Village'. I want more unexpected endings!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
baoDec 26, 2006
An okay film, although it moves like a snail. See it if you want to be like a kid again..nor not.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MetalMan95Sep 13, 2010
Critical reviews for a movie that, if you just checked your brain at the door, you could've enjoyed it. This movie is so far out there and is a fun movie. Don't incorporate logic, if you do you wont like it. It is a movie for kids, and anyoneCritical reviews for a movie that, if you just checked your brain at the door, you could've enjoyed it. This movie is so far out there and is a fun movie. Don't incorporate logic, if you do you wont like it. It is a movie for kids, and anyone with a fantasy. Watch it, enjoy it, but don't incorporate logic, that would be a huge mistake.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
SpangleJan 5, 2016
Eh, Lady in the Water feels better than this, but this rating also feels a tad generous. I do not really know. On the surface, the story is incredibly dumb, many things occur that are incredibly far-fetched, and the film even (ironically, butEh, Lady in the Water feels better than this, but this rating also feels a tad generous. I do not really know. On the surface, the story is incredibly dumb, many things occur that are incredibly far-fetched, and the film even (ironically, but stupidly) explains itself and story structure. The characterization is odd and people are far to willing to accept that this sea nymph stuff is legit. However, if you look at as a fable, it does come together better and makes you suspend some of that belief. Even better, it really makes you feel something and has a great message in it. However, some of the character actions are incredibly dumb. I think critics took this one purposely due to the characterization the critic, so I feel as though their reactions were a little too harsh, but Lady in the Water certainly stops short of being good, even though I wish it was better.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
BrianMcCriticJul 10, 2013
No question this film is the start of a drop off for Shyamalan, but call me crazy I still enjoy watching this film as a ridiculous, bizzare, and overall nonsensical bit of fun.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
InlikeflynnJun 8, 2014
I don't know what kind of mind set was the director on when writing the script but he must have been way over his head...

There are many things here that don't click together: i mean, there are some memorable character traits and theI don't know what kind of mind set was the director on when writing the script but he must have been way over his head...

There are many things here that don't click together: i mean, there are some memorable character traits and the directing is actually competent, but the whole movie is stuck in it's own state of mind that is hard to fully sympathize with the circumstances, for example: why prolong the movie with unneeded conversations? they pretty much add nothing to the film, that doesn't classify has "character development", why all the weird editing and camera positions? they just make the movie silly to watch and what's up with shyamalan casting himself has the choose one? is he pretending to be the best? is he trolling us...?

The movie is memorable, has a nice soundtrack and the directing effort is where it counts, with it's actors who all do a good job in my opinion... however I can't help but scratch my head at all the weird choices and ridiculous style that make the movie more off a comedy than anything else. I can at least say that the movie made me watch it until the end and I can appreciate that the director wanted to break the common rules of storytelling.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
JPKJul 11, 2019
Pretty Boring
This in my opinion is Shymalan’s first misfire, It has some alright parts but the film was pretty boring.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
FilipeNetoFeb 13, 2018
A touching story.

This fantasy film talks about the appearance of a sea nymph in the pool of an apartment complex where Cleveland is caretaker. The nymph, Story, will then change the lives of all residents, need to help them to fulfill herA touching story.

This fantasy film talks about the appearance of a sea nymph in the pool of an apartment complex where Cleveland is caretaker. The nymph, Story, will then change the lives of all residents, need to help them to fulfill her mission and return to her world. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan (who also is one of the leading roles), has Bryce Dallas Howard as the protagonist. M. Night Shyamalan has accustomed us to stories with a touch of fantasy and imagination. Its as if this remarkable filmmaker refused to grow and would like to make his films with the imagination of a child playing with a camera. And, in this movie, its pretty much what happens, having himself gone head to the front of them and "playing" with the story that he's creating (as he also wrote the script). But don't think that this movie is bad. It's a good movie has touching scenes and reaches the audience for our children's side, the child that we all have within us. We would like that the plot was real and could be a creature so kind and innocent as that nymph. We would like to see people collaborate as in the movie on several occasions. And that makes us enjoy the film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
I_loveJan 31, 2019
There just is too much going on , plus it is boring and sped up at time, while it has some good qualities, the monsters were a bad touch
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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