Signs (2002)
This time they really did come from outer space.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin.
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Running Time: 102 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 12
Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
On DVD In 'Signs' Mel Gibson is Graham Hess, a farmer and family man living in Pennsylvania. He is also a pastor having serious doubts about his faith since the death of his wife in a car accident. Unexpectedly, an elaborate pattern of crop circles appears in his cornfield, which at first is thought to be a kids' prank. However, large numbers of similar crop circles begin appearing all over the world, and speculation as to their origins increases. The appearance of the crop circles is soon followed by the arrival of alien ships. At first, their intentions are unclear, but it doesn't take long to become apparent that an invasion is imminent.
This is very much a film of two halves. The first part is mostly psychological thriller, while the latter is good old-fashioned alien invasion horror. The flashback to the last conversation Graham had with his wife is awkwardly placed, interrupting the flow of action. The loss-of-faith subplot seems unnecessary and artificial. Few effects are used, and the film does not live up to the director's previous work (The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable). However, in spite of this the film still manages to be gripping throughout, and offers some genuinely scary moments, even though the aliens themselves are rarely seen. In particular, people who enjoy old-fashioned suspense-filled thrillers or horror films - those that rely more on lighting, environment, sounds and music than special effects - will find this film worth seeing.
DVD Extras: There's a pleasing amount of information in the extras, and the multi-angle feature is interesting.
The Making of Signs, Deleted scenes, Storyboard: multi-angle feature, Night's First Alien Movie.
It's Got: Some good scary moments and lots of suspense.
It Needs: A less obvious weapon against the aliens.
Alternatives: The Sixth Sense, Independence Day, Dreamcatcher
Summary: An odd movie, never quite one thing or another. However, it is gripping and so is well worth taking the time to watch for the thrills.
Review by Andrea Chee
Review Date: 5th February 2003
External Links
Signs at the IMDB
Comments2 Comments |
| I liked this movie very much and recomend this because is also a sci fiction and a horror movie. |
| Comment by:- Daniele Cristine Bravin | | 19 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Hi, youbody. Why isn't anybody writing signs about SiQnS here? The Village has 100s of reviews. I better make up for it then. Hello. My name is Quantum Stark. It's not really. I just saw siQns a 2nd time tonight. And, after recently seeing the slowest lowest film ever made - yes, The Village - siQns showed me how wrong my expectation/memory was that siQns would repeat that performance. It's a siQn. Don't I just love saying it? siQnssiQnssiQns. And seeing it? Sorry. One of the best and realest horror scenes put to film is the video of the alien at the children's party, and Joaquin's reactions are equally perfect and powerful. That rarely attainable gold goal of every supernatural tale - genuine believability or realism - is achieved effortlessly yet cleverly. I loved the expansion of the "siqns" (there is one AGAIN!) to include the spirit and the delving into other higher matters besides UFOs of "meant to be's" and coincidence. A strong point for me - and maybe all of humanity. (And agaon jaoquin!) Mid Night Shyeralien worked hard to twist the ends as many times as he could - indeed, to plat - and the second time went down better for me. The multiple weaves finally unravelling with the boy's asthma, meant to be so he didn't breathe the alien's poison gas, surprised like a magic charm. Often, seeing a film a second time, with no expectations instead of too high like the first which results in disappointment, twice matures a film like wine and allows greater appreciation of the good bits and seeing more gems. Especially against all the mass dross, does this film siqn, err shine. A small but only gem. A great film to eat with Twisties, or to see with crinkly hair. - Yours truthfully. (A siQn: What a double-edged twist is the name Joaquin Phoenix! Or should he say Joaquin SiQn Phoenix?) |
| Comment by:- M Night Hitchcock. | | 03 April 2005 | ip: logged |
