More than Sci-Fi

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2002)

Most reviews of this have been mixed, and some seem to have missed the point. Night has developed some similarities between his films now, e.g. the use of colour (Red- 6th Sense, Purple-Unbreakable, Blue- Signs). Here he makes his debut acting role as the Vet. Some say the inclusion of an Asian man in a film at this point in history is emphasising the problems people have with people of colour, since 9/11. I don't know about that, but go see this film if you want to watch a funny, intelligent, thought provoking films. I am not a big fan of Sci-Fi's so cannot tell you if this is a good one or a bad one. (Seeing a little less of the aliens may have been better.)
The relationships in the film are executed perfectly. Joaquin Phoenix is very funny, showing another dimension to his acting. Don't go expecting to see Commodus or Toby N Tucker, or any of the others he plays. The kids are good actors. You believe they all are a family.
The emotional scenes are very touching without being corny. And I bet you leave the cinema arguing about the existence of aliens, and whether you believe we are on our own or not. Do you believe?