WE WERE EXCITED TO SEE THE production, especially because this was its first stop direct from Broadway. A small group of us bought tickets with the idea of meeting for dinner beforehand then walking over to the theater. It is always a crapshoot when one buys tickets before the reviews, but we lucked out because all the reviews had been glowing about this high-tech production. As we were walking up to the theater, I had everyone stand below the marquee to get a group photo. The theater was one of the larger ones in the city, having been built in 1906. So, it is this majestic, opulent space with mosaic tiled floors, vibrant red colors, statues, and friezes. There were so many people outside the theater, I figured the show had to be sold out. There was a reason, however, why so many people were congregated outside; everyone had to go through a security check. I started to feel like I was at the airport. Anyone carrying a bag or purse had to get it hand inspected. One person in line was stopped because they had a small bottle of orange juice in their pocket. The usher wanted to confiscate it, but the patron argued they needed it in case their blood sugar was dropping. The usher was not at first understanding until the patron explained the situation, saying it was a health issue and if they had a problem to call the manager. The usher backed off and allowed them to go in with the orange juice.      IT WAS A SURREAL EXPERIENCE FOR me to have a security checkpoint to get into a Broadway show. Seeing people open their bags for security and seeing those with bulky coats having their pockets checked was weird in this venue. As they say, the times sure are changing. Having gone to numerous concerts and events when I was younger, there was no type of security except for the ushers, which came in all ages and sizes. Now granted, I remember a concert where someone threw a can of beer at the singer who got mad and stormed off the stage, but still nothing to prevent people bringing in things to the event. I understand we live in a different world, and I am not complaining by any means; heck, I am grateful to have TSA at airports and security measures at places where people congregate. After watching this psychological crime thriller, I do not know if I would even want to go to a concert now or if so, ask first what security measures have been put into place.      TAKING HIS DAUGHTER TO A MUSIC concert, a father soon discovers there is another reason there is so much security positioned around the arena. With Josh Hartnett (Wrath of Man, Black Hawk Down) as Cooper, Ariel Donoghue (Blueback, Wolf Like Me-TV) as Riley, newcomer Saleka Shyamalan as Lady Raven, Alison Pill (Eric Larue, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) as Rachel and Haley Mills (The Parent Trap, Wild at Heart-TV) as Dr. Josephine Grant; this film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan (Old, The Visit) had good intentions. I thought the beginning had a nice buildup of suspense which was immensely helped with Josh’s assistance. But soon after the script started falling apart when scenes became less believable. Then there were times where I felt the whole story was written to promote Saleka Shyamalan (his daughter) as a singer. By the end, the story was almost ridiculous. Granted, I am not a fan of M. Night’s movies; his past projects have always disappointed me. This picture had some good parts to it but just did not come together in a cohesive solid way. I just hope I do not think about it the next time I find myself at a pop concert.                               

2 ½ stars