Not what it appears to be

Rating: Null/10 (25 April 2003)

Signs borrows from multiple sources, primarily Hitchcock. Shymalan is touted as "The Next Hitchcock," but this does justice to neither Shymalan or Hitch. One can be influenced by Hitchcock while at the same time establishing a style of his or her own, and I think Shymalan has already successfully carved himself his own niche in the cinematic pantheon.
The film "Signs" is ostensibly an alien-invasion thriller, but it is really about something a lot more than its obvious subject. The film wrestles with questions concerning faith and God, something most of Hollywood has a tendency to disdain. It is this aspect of the film, tastefully done and not overbearing, that transforms what would otherwise be a good thriller to a very good film. That's not to say that there aren't flaws and plotholes, notably concerning the Aliens themselves in terms of their primitive tactics and the ultimate way in which everything pans out. However, the feeling of gloom and tension, the Night of the Living Dead-style finale, and its willingness to tackle issues of faith with tastefulness and sincerety, put this film very close to being excellent.
9/10.