Julian Shepherd

Fairy tales, in there basest form, are designed as warnings to children, and instructions. They teach them to dutiful, humble, kind, not to go alone in the woods, and generally have an emphasis on obedience or piety. This focus on instilling virtues as opposed to teaching ties in with why many (but certainly not all) protagonists are heroines. Daughter to this day have responsibilities at younger ages, and more of them, than sons. It would be important to impress upon them the importance of work ethic and sacrifice for the family: think of The Seven Swans, where a young princess locks herself away for years, mute, to sew the magic clothes that will return her seven brothers to their human forms.

Anti heroes have more appeal because they’re simply more realistic. People can relate to doing bad things for good reasons, or no reason at all. And the concept of working to better yourself is an inspiring one: its possibly why anti heroes are so often also super heroes. We all want to root for someone, and believe we would be rooted for ourselves, if it came down to it.

I personally have always found Shyamaln to be grossly overrated, although his first two films were rather good. He had a serious problem riding on his own coattails. Signs and Lady in the Water were overwrought and bordered on absurd, and ATLA’s adaption was simply an affront to both the fans and the creators. I can’t judge The Visit due to not having seen it, but when I watched a preview all I saw was a twist on your run of the mill Paranormal Activity based horror film. Overall its safe to say he killed whatever genius he had.