"Glass" disappoints on heels of "Split" success

Rating: 2/4Night Shyamalan’s “Glass,” stood at the top of the box office in its opening weekend in theaters. “Glass” culminates Shyamalan’s trilogy of thriller films which began with “Unbreakable” which hit theaters all the way back in 2000 and continued with “Split” in 2016. In Shyamalan’s latest film, Bruce Willis reprises his role as vigilante David Dunn as he attempts to reign in Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy) who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. The most villainous personality associated with his disorder is The Beast, which possesses superhuman endurance and strength. Dunn must also face Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), aka Mr. Glass, as he attempts to manipulate both Dunn and Crumb in his own quest for power. The men must choose to continue viewing themselves as possessing superhuman abilities or to follow a more civilized path.The theme of vigilantism is prevalent in the film as Dunn takes it upon himself to act as a hero in the face of perceived animalistic violence and evil. Psychiatrists try to control the behaviors of both Dunn and his pursuits through various procedures and isolation, but to no avail as the captured break free. While the hyperactive personalities and superhuman abilities of the film’s characters are entertaining, the film attempts to compensate for lackluster character development with narrative gimmicks, such as a series of unnecessary switches between Crumb’s identities. In the most simplistic terms, the film manages to be both very confusing and annoyingly predictable. Neither Glass nor Crumb proceed with legitimate motivation for villainy. While they desire attention and power through rebellion, they embark on revenge power trips without a true happily ever after for villains in mind. What do they desire to do with their newfound control? Audiences have seen unthwarted power trips across entertainment many times and they never end well for either the well-intentioned or the evil; this movie fails to distinguish itself. Yes, fans of thriller films will enjoy the violence and fragile personalities of the superhuman characters. But due to its predictability, the film lacks many “edge of your seat” moments that are definitive to the genre and beloved by its fans. As “Glass” falls far short of series’ expectations, it would be ill-advised to put this at the top of your must-see list. However, if you are interested in a somewhat thrilling story about the dangers of untapped power and vigilantism, you can achieve some fulfillment and entertainment before complete film-viewing regret washes over you.