Superb!

Rating: 9/10 (14 August 2002)

"Signs" is M. Night Shyamalan at the top of his form. Every scene meticulously crafted, awe-inspiring camera work and some genuine scares. Interestingly, the two people I saw this film with didn't like it. One thought it was completely contrived and predictable (which I don't understand at all). Perhaps Shyamalan creates "thinking person's" films, I really don't know. Having seen both "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable" (I liked both, although it took several viewings to understand what the director was aiming at), this one was by far his best work. Fascinating, flawed and unstereotyped characters (a bit weird, but "real" nonetheless) and a wonderful slow pace thankfully free of too much flash and special effects. Spectactular camera work, a haunting atmosphere... what more can you ask?
Hold on... except for the last 5 minutes. I think I "got" the faith message, and didn't need it hammered in with a baseball bat. I would have rated this film 10/10 except for that one flaw (which I suppose is necessary with a movie intended for 'mass audiences', and please don't take that statement as elitist). 9/10.