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The usual mixed reviews are accompanying the soon-to-be release of M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening." Reviews of course don't mean much anymore, as people increasingly attend to make up their minds themselves. It's the response of those initial moviegoers that determines the success of a film from word-of-mouth, not the input of professional reviewers.

I'm not going to get into any spoilers in this post, but will mention the overall gist of the story.

Basically it's about the effects of an invisible killer that is spreading throughout the northeast portion of the U.S. It stars Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel.

Fans of M. Night Shyamalan should be happy with some of the images included with the film, as some have said it's some of the scariest they've seen in a long time; one of Shyamalan's strengths he's gone back to after the last couple movies he's directed which haven't done too well.

The Happening Trailer

Shyamalan said he considers this a "fantastic, fun B-movie." For those that may remember, these are very similar terms used by George Lucas in reference to the Indiana Jones movies in the beginning of their runs.

The movie plays mostly on the existing fears of a lot of people. Shyamalan says about that "There's so many things to be paranoid about right now. I was so clear about what kind of movie I was making."

A number of reviewers screening the film said they feel it will start fast and fade just as quickly, which could be true. Much of its success could be determined on how front loaded it is, rather than its durability.

One thing I do like, and which should give it a strong start, is it's been marketed pretty well, and I thought the trailer definitely generates interest in seeing the movie.

If some of the scenes are as scary and tense as mentioned by some, it could add some heft to the project, and perform better than many have predicted.

Even though there seems to be some consensus that the film slows down in the second half, the first half is considered really good, making it worthwhile taking a look if you like this type of film.