Shymalan does it again!

Rating: Null/10 (6 August 2002)

Sorry, but if you didn't like The Sixth Sense or Unbreakable, then you are not going to enjoy Signs. All three were directed by the great new director M. Night Shymalan, and they are not your typical summer boom boom sequel clunker crap. His movies put character and story before the special effects, and move slowly so that you can get to know the cast, instead of clocking in at a quick, popcorn digesting 80 minutes. Signs, unlike Shymalan's past efforts, does not have a shocking ending that will knock your socks off, but the ride is enjoyable enough and I can understand why he didn't want to rely on that gimmick as a director. There are many moments where you just have to laugh, about twice as many that make you want to cry, and even more where you're creeped out to the point where you're pressing into the seat. Some may have a few questions about the ending, but I think there are enough clues for the audience that it all makes enough sense. The acting is pure gold, too, from Mel Gibson's reserved, cold manner to the naive, curious delivery of the two children. I especially liked Bo, the tiny girl who has about a hundred adorable lines. Mel's brother in the movie, Joquein Phoenix, also gives a nice parallel to the polite, faithless Gibson character. It is odd to see Phoenix glued to the TV screen, since it reminded me of how people must have been on 9-11, but the thought never disrupted the film. So if you like Shymalan's films, great thrillers, comedies, or just a film with a good message of faith, then go see Signs. I do not think anyone will be disappointed. ****/****