Chilling and Compelling

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2002)

M. Night Shyamalan's newest film "Signs" follows the same path as his two previous hits (The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable) did. Signs is a thriller no doubt about it, but while remaining in that category it is also a compassionate drama faith and family. Interestingly enough, the plot truly has not much to do with crop circles. Yes, they are where the origin and surface of the film lie, but once the story begins to unfold that this is truly at it's core a film about human redemption and love.
Up to this point I have concentrated mearly on it's dramatic aspect. But, "Signs" is also on hell of a suspense filled movie. I was reminded constantly of films like Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense" and Amenabar's "The Others." Theses films came to mind purely because they rely on traditional scare tactics (shadows, things that go bump-in-the-night) as opposed to modern digital effects. One of the scariest sequences in the film is when Mel Gibson and his family are in their boarded up farm house and we hear the dog bark and then go silent. It is at that point that the camera pans the wall and we see shadows lurking around outside. Who are they? Aliens? Pranksters? Whoever they are we are scared stiff. "Signs" is definately worth the admission price. Look at your other options. The only other quatlitly movie in release right now is "Road to Perdition" (which will sweep the awards next year). "Signs" is the work of one of the best directors in Hollywood today, and it will remain one of his best works.