Excellent

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2002)

Normally I'm not a fan of Mel Gibson, but I must admit that this was one excellent movie. I did not regret seeing this one at the movie theatre, unlike some of the other releases from this year.
We've got a movie that combines two other similar stories: "The Arrival" and "Independence Day." Upon seeing the movie, it is kind of obvious of the similarities with ID4, but it does not go overboard. The movie is not heavily sci-fi nor is it heavy on (unrealistic) action. Signs is in fact a very suspenseful and exciting movie, more of a nail-biter than a rock-em-sock-em type movie.
With regards to "The Arrival," we've got some covert activities performed by the aliens.
If I had to pick out one of the most unlikely/unbelievable parts of the movie, I would have to consider the lack of government conspiracies. Today's modern myths and legends include government cover-ups, alien autopsies, conspiracies, etc. And it is commonly believed that there must be a core of truth buried beneath myths and legends. So why wasn't the government trying to cover up the crop circles or block media broadcasts?
Classic examples include: Roswell, the X-Files (the Mulder years, of course), Men in Black (NOT the movies), etc.
SPOILER ALERT...
All in all, the movie was excellent, except for the ending. The ending was weak. I guess it goes to show you that our water may not be as pure as we think (to take a different approach than the average reviewer)... If it comes down to a true alien invasion, a superior (technological) race should not be beaten by sticks and water. These guys did not appear to be the tiny, weak, large-headed aliens you see on Stargate SG1.
This movie will be added to my collection once it is made available.