'SIGNS' OF THE TIMES

Rating: Null/10 (5 August 2002)

SIGNS (2002) *** Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin, Cherry Jones, Patricia Kalember. Spooky sci-fi drama centering on tragedy-stricken family man Gibson (who deftly runs a current of emotional turmoil affectively) facing a mysterious chain of events when crop circles show up on his farm signaling an alien invasion. Filmmaker M.Night Shyamalan (who also appears onscreen) again plumbs the depths of supernatural and spiritual enigmas with deft Ã©lan while precariously walking the razor's edge of preciousness ala Spielberg and Hitchcock yet remaining true to his signature: man's desire to seek what is clearly in front of him (i.e. faith for the faithless).