Signs

written and directed by M Night Shyamalan

starring Mel Gibson

A horror film – no way! A supernatural thriller – I think not. A bit of beer-money for Mel Gibson and a chance for some lesser-name actors to raise their profile – quite probably.

The storyline and script for Signs could well have been something Chris Carter of X-Files fame wrote whilst in school. I’d love to see someone intelligently thinking through the implications of aliens visiting earth and the events surrounding such a visit. Transportation, communication, body-shape, strengths and weaknesses are all basic features which could be imaginatively portrayed. Flying saucers (yes, this film does stoop that low!), squirrel-type chirping and clicking, little green men with red blood, speed and agility, and allergy to water just aren’t good enough.

Yes, I’m giving away key bits of information which would spoil the film if it had an ounce of intelligence. If you want a film to jump up and shout boo, this film will do that on a few occasions. If you like the feel-good, we-beat-the-aliens kind of ending, this won’t equal that of Men in Black, but will satisfy.

Remco, thank you for buying my ticket. I’m sorry it cost so much. The film would have been a nothing on the small screen if I’d rented it, though we could have used the money we saved to watch something better.