A unique film which challenges us to use our minds not just our eyes

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2002)

First off I would like to say that I noticed that there were many people who commented that this film was not what they expected. It wasn't scary enough, there wasn't enough excitement, etc., etc. I, myself thought that this was a pleasant surprise. "Signs" was not just another sci-fi thriller with no point. It was a great tale of faith and redemption.
It amazes me how many people didn't seem to get this point. The film, to me doesn't really even fit into the genre of science fiction. The aliens are simply used as a vehicle to help deliver the film's message. The aliens could just as well have been thieves or murderers who broke into the house. The movie's point would still have been made.
Speaking of the film's message, I know that a lot of cynics out there think that the films message is an over used cliche. I disagree. In a world where all we see around us is pointless death and destruction I feel the themes in this film are very relevant and revealed in an original and clever fashion.
As for those of you who can't get past the "gaping holes" in the plot such as a race of intelligent aliens who can't even break a wooden door to get into a cellar, can you tell me of any film that doesn't have a hole somewhere in the storyline. **SPOILER** Let's take the classic thriller "Jaws" for example. You tell me how you can blow a gigantic shark to pieces, scattering it's blood and flesh everywhere and not attract countless other sharks. Brody and Hooper would never have paddled their way to any shore without being killed by other sharks. But that's okay. I can get past all of that because there were so many other great aspects of this film. Bottom line is that you can tear apart any plot if you really want to. **END OF SPOILER**
I think what happened was that some people went to this film wanting to sit back and not have to think about what they were watching and got upset when the found out they were going to have to use their brains a little. To me, the more thought that you have to put into a film usually means the more your going to get out of it.
"Signs" was a great film, with a great story and a great message. It is a shame that there are not more films being made like it.