Get more than you bargained for...

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2002)

Like most people, I went to go see Signs for the Shyamalan twist. Although I did not get that twist, I still left the theatre feeling more than satisfied with this movie. What starts out as a film similar to Independence Day, ends up being a movie with an unbelievable message that is just so hard to come across these days. Mel Gibson and Joaquin Pheonix only add to the already amazing screenplay. The little kids also add great comic relief along with bringing along great emotional moments. Unfortunately, you people that go to this and expect Independence Day in a cornfield will probably be sorely disappointed. However, I went into this film expecting a film about aliens and invasions, but I left feeling just a little better about my life. What starts out as just another end of the world alien invasion movie, ends up to be a sincere tale about faith and its importance. You want to love gibson's character the whole film, but there's just something holding you back. The deeper and deeper he resents himself, the more you feel sorry for him, but the more you want to love his character. And in a shocking conclusion, (possible ***spoiler*** ahead) Mel, a former reverand, realizes that God really never left his side, which is just the message I needed to hear on this particular night. If you're looking for an alien action movie, this has it's moments but it's not likely that you'll love this movie...But if you go in looking for a whole hearted drama about faith that just happens to be in the middle of an alien invasion, will you like this movie? Signs point to yes.