A great film....

Rating: Null/10 (5 August 2002)

M. Night Shyamalan outdid himself yet again! With films such as the Sixth Sense and Unbreakable in the bag, expectations for Signs was high. I went to see Signs the second day it was out. I waited in anticipation having seen all of Shyamalan's work. The film takes place in modern day Bucks County, PA at a large farm owned by Graham Hess (Gibson). Graham is a former Minister who ambandoned his faith after the untimely death of his beloved wife. His younger brother Merril (Joaquin Phoenix) moved in to help with the children and farm work after the death of Graham's wife. I must say that there is no dilly dallying in this movie. Starting off right away, you get thrust in to this strange occurence without knowing anything about the characters. This kind of opening is hard to obtain because it forces the movie to develop the characters as it is also developing the plot. This often times makes the actors seem as though they are talking to the audience instead of carrying on a dialogue with each other. However, Syamalan does this beatifully and keeps you absorbed in the plot while subtly exploring the characters. Without giving away the plot, I will say that I loved Signs. I do understand some people may not like it. If you are going to see a bloody, gorey, film soley about aliens...I would suggest you stay home. But this film is not only suspenseful but includes extremely moving family sequences, and some humor. It really explores faith in times of peril and the ability of a family to stick together. This film was wonderfully cast with outstanding performances by Gibson (of course), Phoenix, Rory Culkin, and Abigail Brenson. Good work Shyamalan!!!!!