It seemed like a sure thing.

But M. Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable,” which stars Bruce Willis in a quiet, placid fatherly role much like his character in Shyamalan’s smash hit, “The Sixth Sense,” does not reach the same height as his past box office record-breaker.

In “The Sixth Sense,” Shyamalan established a name for himself with his eerily tranquil story and style of direction,

Although “Unbreakable” contains the signature qualities Academy Award-nominated writer/director/producer Shyamalan is known for, the film proves to be a great disappointment. While it claims to be a solid structure even in the title, this movie falls short of the hype that has surrounded it since production began.

Starring Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction,” “Rules of Engagement”) in a role unlike any he has played, the story puts the two powerhouse actors opposite each other. Seems like a great opportunity to see excellent actors doing excellent work, doesn’t it? Well, it is and it isn’t.

On one hand is Elijah Price (Jackson), a man suffering from a crippling brittle-bone disease who has some unusually high hopes and ideas because of his rather low esteem as “Mr. Glass” (that is what the other kids called him in grade school). And on the other is David Dunn (Willis), a troubled father with a crippling marriage who seems almost too passive to be real.

Willis and Jackson, who regularly give outstanding performances, mostly leaving no room for complaints, don’t seem to be in high gear in this movie. Willis’ character is even more solemn and sad than his clueless child psychiatrist in “The Sixth Sense.” It just doesn’t work for him. And Jackson, who actually gives a great performance as the eternally hurt Price, would have been better with more development.

Except for a brief conversation Dunn has with a woman on a train, the story only shows the two characters in the kinds of situations that complement their bitterness. It’s disappointing.

Teaming up in “Die Hard With A Vengeance,” the two seemed to complement each other well. They continue to do so in this film, but not at the same level. The story, which could have been the third brick in the foundation of a great film, was lacking.

There always seems to be a buildup to the possibility of an eminent climactic event, but it never comes. The movie drags, and unfortunately, everything therein is pulled along with it.

High expectations sure can ruin the fun. With “The Sixth Sense” still riding on the shoulders of both Shyamalan and Willis, it was no wonder this film came with so much anticipation. The creepy demeanor of that film, along with the practically unpredictable twist at the end, made it a success. So, it appeared they could pull it off again, and maybe it would be even easier this time with Jackson to support whatever pieces seemed to fall.

However, even with a pretty big twist at the end, one that can be called much easier than the one in “The Sixth Sense,” there is an unfillable emptiness in the movie.