Great work!

Rating: 8/10 (4 August 2002)

From the director of Sixth Sense, and Unbreakable comes another great work for Shyamalan. This guy is on a ROLE!! Gibson plays a former priest (Father Graham) who has left the faith. He is a farmer and also is accompanied by his brother played by Joaquin Phoenix (Merril) who lives on the farm with him. Graham has "left the flock" after the tragic death of his wife in a car accident, and is now left to raise his 2 young kids. However, one day a crop circle appears in his corn field, and at first glance seems a prank. But later on the events that unfold at Grahams farm, and around the world, put his beliefs to the test.
First off, Shyamalan has created another GREAT film. There is great tension, story telling and casting. Needless to say the film isn't totally flawless but what is good is done magnificantly. Shyamalan's tricks us into believing this is a thriller, but in reality its a very spiritual movie about a quest for faith. Because of this, when things suddenly start to "go bump in the night" the movie kind of looses focus from an intelligent look into a troubled family, to becoming almost a horror show. Keep in mind, the little bumps in the night are done with great artistry!! Also Shyamalan is now starting to pull off what I call "Tarrantino" syndrome, in that he is starting to appear in his films more obviously. In this one, he is actually a minor character. His presence doesn't ruin "Signs" but it is a bit of a distraction since it is obvious the he is not an actor.
Luckily there is very little to be picky about in this film, and I look forward to this guys next "project". EXCELLENT stuff..
Rating 8.5 out of 10