A.V. Opinions: Unbreakable is my favorite M. Night Shyamalan movie
M. Night Shyamalan's 2000 superhero thriller, Unbreakable, holds a special place in my heart as my favorite film of his. A pioneer in the comic book movie genre, Unbreakable was ahead of its time, deconstructing superhero stories and predicting the impending superhero boom years before the Marvel takeover. Notably, when Unbreakable was released, the comic book movie landscape was still in its infancy, with only a handful of films like X-Men (2000) and Blade (1998) paving the way.
The performances, particularly from Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, are pitch-perfect. Notably, Unbreakable is not only one of the best movies in both Bruce Willis' and Samuel L. Jackson's extensive filmographies, but Mr. Glass also ranks among Jackson's most iconic and unforgettable characters. His terrifying presence is elevated by the chilling revelation that he killed to find someone who embodied the opposite of himself. This twist remains one of the most memorable villain reveals in comic book movie history, even two decades later.
In conclusion, I'm drawn to this movie for its loving, gritty, and slow-burn tribute to comic book culture, with Shyamalan geeking out and crafting one of his best works. Unbreakable a rare gem that gets geek cred for doing it before many others. It's a celebration of comics that embraced the genre and inspired a new generation of filmmakers and fans alike. It's a cinematic experience that has aged remarkably well! If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and experience this masterpiece for yourself.
-Brad McBoom