Great Movie, Christawful Finish

Rating: 7/10 (7 October 2002)

This film has been wrongfully promoted as being a full-blown alien invasion movie. The actual invasion turns out to be a lot less prominent than you expect. The film focuses, instead, on the family of Father Graham Hess (Gibson), a priest who leaves the church after the death of his wife. It also has a strong message about faith, which some might find too preachy. Another part which goes uncommented on is the light-hearted comedy that is on display (`I am insane with anger!', `It was very dark.'). Perhaps disappointingly, the aliens end up being a mere vehicle for the true meat of the film; the emotional responses of the characters to the deadly situation they are put in. Nonetheless, suspense is masterfully built up throughout the film, with excellent usage of light and particularly sound. I can't say much more without spoiling the plot. However, I will say that the conclusion is extremely disappointing, and ends what was a very good, suspenseful production on a slightly low key. Also, you may soil yourself at the scary parts, or just laugh, depending on your disposition.