solid, suspenseful thriller

Rating: Null/10 (10 August 2002)

In a small Pennsylvania farming community, mysterious circles begin to appear in crop fields. They soon begin to appear all over the world, signifying an extraterrestrial presence. Local farmer Gibson, an erstwhile reverend who's lost his faith, prepares his family for a deadly invasion believing that whatever life may be out there has targeted his home. Smart, well-made thriller boasts solid performances and an effectively eerie atmosphere. Never quite reaches the intensity level you'd like it to, but it's done with such consummate skill and craft that it holds your interest. The climax, while exciting, is a bit too melodramatic. ***