Best alien movie ever that's not about aliens...

Rating: 8/10 (13 March 2003)

After the Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and now Signs, I certainly hope we see something new from M. Night Shyamalan very soon. He is already a recognized and marketable name as a director. I can't help but liken him to Alfred Hitchcock, though he is nowhere near and will likely never achieve that bar set by Hitchcock. Even the music and his cameo appearances in his films suggest Hitchcock.
I honestly didn't know what to expect going into this one. I knew it would be creepy. I wanted a thriller. I got way more than I expected.
People looking for another 'Independence Day' or 'Alien' need not apply. You won't see much of the aliens in this movie. But, as it turns out, this movie isn't about aliens at all. It's about faith. I have NEVER seen the subject of faith presented in such a novel and provoking way. Mel Gibson needs to take on more roles like this one, because here he truly shines. For that matter, the entire cast does a remarkable job, notably Joaquin Phoenix and Rory Culkin.
This movie had its scares, but at the same time it had some absolutely hilarious moments. This movie has found the balance between horror and comedy that clicks just so perfectly.
Don't just ask someone to tell you what happens. If you're at all interested, see this movie. Thought provoking, funny, scary, and entertaining, this is the best of Shyamalan's work to date. I eagerly await announcement of his next movie, and hope it continues his trend of quality and Hitchcockian suspense.