MOVIE REPORT CARD: SPLIT

DATE: 1/20/17
TITLE: SPLIT
DIRECTOR: M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN
STARRING: JAMES MCAVOY, ANYA TAYLOR-JOY, BETTY BUCKLEY

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GRADES

ACTING: 90
DIRECTING: 80
SCREENPLAY: 75
EDITING: 75
CINEMATOGRAPHY: 85

FINAL: 81/B-

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COMMENTS

If you have been waiting for M. Night Shyamalan to make some sort of comeback, his last two films may just give you hope. While Split isn't perfect, Shyamalan reminds us why people fell in love with him in the first place. He has crafted a thriller, that is designed to keep you guessing. Without the gutsy performance of James McAvoy here, I'm not sure this movie would have even worked. McAvoy, goes all the way, and it just elevates Split into something else entirely. Anya Taylor-Joy, is also solid here. While the story does teeter on the brink of destruction at times, it is the work of both Shyamalan and McAvoy, that hold it together. While there is no "twist" to speak of, there is a special reveal, that changes the game entirely. It also gives those of us who enjoyed Shyamalan's early work, a very special treat. It's the first time, in a long time, I am genuinely curious as to what Shyamalan will do next.