A great thriller, but not your typical alien movie

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2011)

Signs is a wonderfully crafted movie, going far deeper than I ever remembered it being back when I watched it as a twelve year old. Characters exhibit growth and dynamicism, while the entire film is very diverse with its thrilling and scary scenes, heart-wrenchingly tragic recollections, and pondering conversations. On the surface, it's a film about a man and his kids and brother on a farmhouse coming to terms with the onslaught of an alien invasion. Going deeper, it's a movie about coincidences versus miracles--are you faithful, or are you being reasonable? Countless times throughout the film, situations directly ask this question--was it meant to be? Or was it by chance? Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) is an ex-preacher who lost his faith after his wife died in a freak accident. His outlook lays the groundwork for his decisions made throughout the movie.
It's amazing how scary a movie can be without even seeing an actual alien. Throughout the movie, the suspense builds up, and then more details are revealed to the viewer, satisfying their anticipation. Then there's the grand finale, so to speak.
I believe where this movie shines is in the cinematography, music score, and ambient sounds. Some may say the acting is a little plain, but frankly, I picture their entire situation as shock. Considering that the crop circles began appearing only 6 months after Graham's wife died, the whole family would still not have gotten completely over the original fact--let alone aliens. Shock numbs the emotions.
I've seen this movie several times, now, and I always enjoy it.