Review of signs (2014) by Max W — 01 Jun 2013

I am not alone in naming Signs as one of Shyamalan's best films. This is actually my personal favorite of his, and not because it is about aliens. The direction, the score, the cast, the tone, the concept, the humor; everything comes together so well. The double meaning of the title (signs from aliens and signs from God) is ingenious. I find that Gibson's monolog about the two groups of people who are either filled with hope or fear, holds true in real life.

If you ask me, Mel Gibson deserved an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Knowing now, that he is a recovering alcoholic, it is not hard to see why he was able to bring such depth to the character. My favorite part is when he is holding his son during the asthma attack, and he finally begins to talk to God again. He is angry but he is talking.

This film is nearly perfect. And so much better than typical alien movies like Independence Day. If you didn't really "get it" the first time, watch it again. I have to watch Shyamalan films at least three times before I really know what I think about them. His movies require an investment from the audience. You probably won't catch it all the first time.