Review of Glass (2019) by Gabriel R — 20 Jan 2019

Review of Glass(2019).

Patience, faith, and open-mindedness. If those three thing are all it takes from me as a viewer in order to receive thoughtful, interesting, and truly unexpected stories like this. I'm more than willing to do so. M.Knight Shyamalan's latest is the thoughtful, interesting, and truly unexpected movie that I thought I'd never see. And based on the critical consensus so far; one I may not see again for quite a while.

Glass picks up after Split(2017) with The Horde still on the loose and David Dunn from Unbreakable(2000) (and a small scene at the end of Split) now going by The Overseer. We're treated to a refreshingly concise update to both stories as well as a meeting of the two characters. Their altercation is quickly curtailed by the law enforcement as both are sent to the same mental institution. Here is where the bulk of the film lies with David, the Horde, and Glass all being 'treated' for the supposed delusions of grandeur. What comes next is a study of each character and a reinforcement of the themes of each previous entry; there are people out there with special abilities and the world needs to know.

Shyamalan had the unenviable job of staying true to the very different tones of each previous movie. Unbreakable being a slow, deliberate, and sensitive character-driven movie. Split being a fast, abrasive, twisted genre flick. He largely succeeds at that. There's an awareness on his part that many, if not most, of the audience is coming in after only seeing Split. The Horde (and most importantly, Mcavoy) get the majority of the screen time and it is just as exciting to see the many personalities he has to offer. However, the scenes focusing on Jackson's Mr. Glass(now sedated and seemingly nullified after years in confinement) and Willis' Overseer are both true to the original character's motivations , as well as nice progressions of each character since we last saw them. We finally get to see them at in primes.

As much as the film gets right, there are some potential issues. Most people watching this film that aren't true fans of the previous films or the comic book genre (not to be confused with the comic book movie genre) may find it to be a bit slow or inconsequential. Also, the focus on the Horde, while entertaining, really does take away from the potential of the other main characters - mainly Dunn/Overseer. This may be a disappointment to some that came in expecting a sole continuation of the Unbreakable storyline. However, what we have received is subversive, original, fun, and most importantly; not another Marvel movie. This is a film for comic fans who prefer the books to the movies and movie fans who prefer the characters over the action. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the previous two entries as there is a lot to love. I only ask that you go in with an open mind and not to expect what you would from an Avengers movie.

- Sugar Bear.