Politically Correct, but still "Works"

Rating: Null/10 (16 January 2003)

This film is enjoyable, yet has plenty of logical fallacies. Why so many errors in logic? Because logic is totally sacrificed to allow full play to symbolism.
My biggest problem is that neither of the two brothers bother get a weapon until it is almost too late, or even plan elementary tactics. They neglect to secure their dog, who is their most reliable alert device. And what Pennsylvania farm doesn't have at least a shotgun around? (Neither of these wussies would last a week on the Ponderosa.) The `Home Alone' kid would have nailed at least five aliens with booby traps.
Plus in a survival situation, young children get to vote? (Children are SO WISE.)
As stated before, these errors are deliberate by the filmmakers, so that all serves the symbolic needs of the tortured inner world of the Gibson character. But I still don't know if this film is triumphantly politically correct, or a subtle satire of political correctness.
My favorite scene is the brief one with the recruiting sergeant, who is a borderline psycho and absolutely right in his prognosis!
Sci-fi buffs will want `more' in terms of scenario and special effects. But despite its deliberate defects, this film `works', has some genuinely scary moments, and is well worth a look.