Can You See the Signs?
Shyamalan Returns At High Intensity

M. Night Shyamalan is rapidly becoming my favorite modern director. With credit as writer/director/actor for such hits as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable on his filmography, he appears poised to become the next golden boy in Hollywood. So, with eager anticipation I have been waiting for his latest offering, the eerie science fiction film Signs.

Signs stars Mel Gibson as Graham Hess, a former reverend who has renounced his calling following the death of his wife. He lives on the family Pennsylvanian farm with his two children Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin) and his brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix). The family's angst-filled sorrow is made more unbearable by the sudden appearance of crop circles in their corn fields.

What ensues is a powerful, thought-provoking (and sometimes frightening) story about hope, faith, and the fear we all harbor that we may be alone. While some will undoubtedly get hung up on the "science fiction" aspect of this film, it transcends the genre by making the story a personal one. This is not a story about aliens or flying saucers. Instead, it is a story of one man's family and his own search for the meaning to his existence.

Gibson is perfect in the role of Graham Hess. He plays it with an intense weakness and vulnerability that makes us question if he has the strength to handle such a situation. While it is difficult to imagine Gibson not taking charge and saving the day, his ability to step into such a passive role is refreshing and a testimony to his talent.

Although the tone of Signs is quite dark, there are lighthearted moments (mostly with Morgan and Bo) that remind us of the human nature to find happiness in the simplest things -- even in the most dire of circumstances. Whether it is Morgan's humorously adult analysis of the situation or Bo's cherubic face, the audience finds relief in the tender portrayal of the children who soften their serious father.

Be warned, Signs is not for everyone. Children, especially, should be kept away from this film. This is not Close Encounters of the Third Kind or E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The story is both frightening and intense, and there is violence that can make even an adult squeamish. That said, I think this is an outstanding film that needs to be contemplated before it can be truly appreciated.

MY RATING: 8 out of 10.

RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 107 min.