->SIGN<- of a talented director! So clever...Eh?!

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2005)

Signs does not have much originality in its plot, (aliens attempt to invade earth and wipe out the human race!) but what it does have is a director who is a master at creating moments of unbearable tension, with the comparisons to Spielberg being very much vindicated by this film. Shyamalam has taken a fresh spin on the alien invasion story by focusing the entire action with one family, ironically in a way that was imitated to an extent by Spielberg himself with "War Of The Worlds". The fact that the characters are given room to display a certain amount of depth and humour (particularly in the discussion early on between Graham, Merrill and Officer Paski) make them likable and empathetic which is key to the success of the tension in the set-pieces later in the film and that Shyamalam keeps the aliens hidden until the final act suggests he is a director who is clearly aware of what true film fans appreciate in modern cinematic storytelling and that does not necessarily involve a huge overdose of CGI. Admittedly the alien in the climatic scene does look a tad unconvincing but it is the testament to the films' overall strengths that this barley affects its impact. Strong performances from its two young actors, Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin, as well as the ever reliable Gibson and Phoenix on top form make this film an excellent piece of entertainment which arguably improves upon repeat viewings. Pity about "The Village" though Shyamalam!