Miracles or Coincidence?

Rating: Null/10 (1 March 2004)

Mel Gibson stars in the sci-fi thriller "Signs", which was written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan ("The Sixth Sense", "Unbreakable"). "Signs" primarily takes place on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. Gibson plays Graham Hess, a man who lives with his two children Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin), and his brother (Joaquin Phoenix).
The plot begins when Graham finds a crop circle in his field. He thinks it's a prank, but when reports come in from around the world about similar crop circles, it's obvious that something more is happening. The next day, Morgan hears some strange noises while playing with a baby monitor. Graham later hears the same noises and sees something in his field. Reports come over the television that lights are appearing in the sky close to the locations of the crop circles. With all signs pointing to an invasion by aliens, Graham has to protect his family.
Throughout the movie, we learn things that allow us to understand the characters. We learn that Graham was a reverend, but since the loss of his wife, he has lost his faith. We learn that Merrill was a baseball player, Morgan has asthma, and Bo has some obsession with water. This leads us to the critical intention of the director.
The central idea of "Signs" is that everything happens for a reason, even though that reason may not be apparent. Many instances that happen will ultimately affect the outcome of the movie. This movie also asks the question, `do you believe in miracles?'
What I like most about the movie is how the director sets the mood and timing. There are many instances of sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to see what happens next. Camera angles and lighting are used effectively to create suspense and fear. As for timing, the elements of the central idea which are spread throughout the movie all come together in the end to affect the outcome. I am a huge M. Night Shyamalan fan. Anyone who liked and understood his previous films will definitely enjoy "Signs".