Signs
Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: August 2, 2002
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 446 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
315
Mixed:
72
Negative:
59
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
DalekNov 12, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not the best film ever, but it's entertaining and it's different. The actors did a good job, and the atmosphere is great too when the aliens arrive; the tension building up at some parts. I don't really see why it's gotten negative reviews, the only parts that were bad is that it may be a bit boring in some parts and the storyline may be a bit confusing too. Apart from that, it's not a bad film and it's worth watching.… Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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8
csw12Apr 7, 2013
Signs is an intelligent thrilling movie with scenes that are scary in the non custom horror way. A chilling movie that will keep you at the edge of your seat while scaring you with the unknown.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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9
BrianMcCriticJul 10, 2013
About equal to the first two Shyamalan films. A great story mixed with great performances by Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix. A story about fate or choice and about regaining your faith.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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9
TheSandiMar 12, 2016
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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10
HasrionaJul 20, 2011
A properly scary film. It's by no means original, but it works well with what it has to create genuinely scary minutes with a good lead from Mel Gibson, and what works even better is it's underlying message of faith and hope in the face of aA properly scary film. It's by no means original, but it works well with what it has to create genuinely scary minutes with a good lead from Mel Gibson, and what works even better is it's underlying message of faith and hope in the face of a crisis, leading to a satisfying, complex film overall. It's not the best alien invasion film, but not many alien invasion films can turn the concept of invasion into a religious moral.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
beingryanjudeSep 1, 2014
I reckon most of the criticism lies with infamous third-act problems. Yes, you almost chuckle. Nevertheless, Signs is suspenseful on all accounts--a film that knows what its doing and does it really quite well.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
SpangleJun 7, 2016
Signs is an incredibly tense and atmospheric film from M. Night Shyamalan that does not provide many answers, but certainly provides thrills, chills, and spills, along the way. With a strong performance from Mel Gibson in the lead role, SignsSigns is an incredibly tense and atmospheric film from M. Night Shyamalan that does not provide many answers, but certainly provides thrills, chills, and spills, along the way. With a strong performance from Mel Gibson in the lead role, Signs is an incredibly well crafted science fiction thriller that does provide many answers, to the chagrin of many viewers, but I loved it. Plus, the emotional drama and personal trauma were both well handled and given the appropriate weight in the film. Together with the suspense, they combined to make a well told and truly engaging film. Additionally, the direction from Shyamalan is very good. Not only is it tense, but it is well paced and well told. He knows how to create suspense and thrills and does it here with incredible ease. Nowadays, it is sad to look back on a great film like Signs and think of what could have been with Shyamalan, but nonetheless, it is a very good science fiction film that proved thoroughly chilling.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
cameronmorewoodNov 12, 2012
It's better than Aliens, because it subtly captivates, rather than throwing green guts in our faces.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
YoursTrulyNov 13, 2012
I watch this every chance I get. As far as alien invasion fiction goes, this is not the most intricate or the most compelling. In fact, somehow, the alien's are a rather second-hand element in the film. It's more so about the family dynamicsI watch this every chance I get. As far as alien invasion fiction goes, this is not the most intricate or the most compelling. In fact, somehow, the alien's are a rather second-hand element in the film. It's more so about the family dynamics in a widowers household. The extra-terrestrial warfare is just the impetus that nudges them into situations where their personal stories can unfold and their deepest emotions can surface among one another. Directed with tact and steadfastness, acted with precision and beautifully paced to create an extremely hypnotizing atmosphere. Not to mention, infectiously hilarious on several occasions. This is a showcase in how to infuse subtle humor into a story. The jokes are super easy to miss and may very well go right over the heads of some which is unfortunate. But, by the same token, the quietness of all the funny along with the dimly lit environment in which it is placed really allows for it to illuminate like a firefly in the night sky and be a million times funnier than it would be in an in-your-face, no holds bar type of comedy. Highly enjoyable.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
Frightening, hopeful, and strangely majestic, "Signs" is one of the last best movies of M. Night Shyamalan playing with the audience's expectations every tense step of the proverbial way.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
TheWalrus2000Mar 9, 2013
Signs is nothing compared to Unbreakable and The Sixth Sense but Shyamalan still creates a creepy horror setting is this must see horror.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
mds03Mar 17, 2013
Scary, funny, sad, unpredictable, horrifying, creepy, mystifying, and gripping is everything that describes how brilliant this movie is. From start to finish you don't see anything coming. This is one of the scariest movies I have ever seenScary, funny, sad, unpredictable, horrifying, creepy, mystifying, and gripping is everything that describes how brilliant this movie is. From start to finish you don't see anything coming. This is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen and one of the best movies I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mel Gibson is fantastic for his role and so is everyone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! M. Night Shyamalan has created a masterpiece.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
DanBurritoSep 28, 2015
It's a bit of a mess but it's also rather intriguing. The main problem is that it seems a bit too convinient at times. I know it's meant to be all about the question "are there no coincidences?" But even so, some of it gets a littleIt's a bit of a mess but it's also rather intriguing. The main problem is that it seems a bit too convinient at times. I know it's meant to be all about the question "are there no coincidences?" But even so, some of it gets a little ridiculous. But it's pretty interesting too. It has a very distinct Shyamalan style to it. I enjoyed it. It's one of the better Shyamalan films (and certainly better than "The Last Airbender"). It's better than a lot of the users on here are saying it is.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
reviewfrom19842Jan 8, 2017
Signs is not the best M. Night movie but is still a pretty good movie with good acting and decent writing .
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
MacsMusicDec 29, 2017
If you can look past the gaping plot hole, "Signs" is an almost perfectly crafted sci-fi thriller with really great humor and seriousness. The profound, serious stuff is moving and meaningful, while the humor is really hilarious. Not manyIf you can look past the gaping plot hole, "Signs" is an almost perfectly crafted sci-fi thriller with really great humor and seriousness. The profound, serious stuff is moving and meaningful, while the humor is really hilarious. Not many movies can mix profoundness with humor, but any that effectively can are almost always worth watching. Also, ALL of the characters are really convincing and very well acted. All in all, a really just plain great movie.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
ErikTheCriticOct 11, 2018
"Signs" is a suspenseful, intense and well-crafted sci-fi thriller. Yes, the movie is slow, but it does that in a good way and builds up the tension before it all comes down.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
I_loveJan 5, 2019
Some parts that are too silly, the alien looked awful, but it was entertaining, the score was great, but some scares were too in your face, some funny moments.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
Happy-KJun 13, 2019
Signs is a truly great Movie. Its about Aliens coming to earth. The Movie i tolled out of the perspective of an Family that has to deal with the loss of the Mother. The Actors do an great Job of Playing the Family. Its also mostly playing onSigns is a truly great Movie. Its about Aliens coming to earth. The Movie i tolled out of the perspective of an Family that has to deal with the loss of the Mother. The Actors do an great Job of Playing the Family. Its also mostly playing on an Farm. With something like that the danger of Containment is really high. But the Script and the Great Acting lets the audience think that the Story is constantly Moving. Also the reactions of the People seems more realistic to Aliens coming to Earth without knowing why. That gives the Movie an more realistic touch. Even with having an Theme with Aliens the Movie "Signs" is more about the Essence of Faith. The Family needs to deal with a great loss and the Father lost all Faith in Religion. The Movie is Really is about regaining of Faith and dealing with the bad stuff that can Happen to People. "Signs" is overall an fantastic and underrated Movie.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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0
RobVJan 28, 2008
Walk out of the theater Casey, walk out of the theater.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
2
DavidMJun 11, 2008
There have een a few bad films over the years that go to great lengths to insult the viewers' intelligence. But "Signs" takes the cake. 2/10 instead of 1/10 just for some good camera work and my generous mood. Otherwise, an awful film There have een a few bad films over the years that go to great lengths to insult the viewers' intelligence. But "Signs" takes the cake. 2/10 instead of 1/10 just for some good camera work and my generous mood. Otherwise, an awful film in countless ways.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
3
The3AcademySinsOct 25, 2019
Cheesy, wonderful, so-bad-its good brilliance. The acting is absurdly wooden. The script is so hamfisted that it sounds like it was written by an actual ham. The camera work is bizarre. Yet, despite all of that, Signs is charming in that M.Cheesy, wonderful, so-bad-its good brilliance. The acting is absurdly wooden. The script is so hamfisted that it sounds like it was written by an actual ham. The camera work is bizarre. Yet, despite all of that, Signs is charming in that M. Night Shyamalan way. Its not good by any means, but it is enjoyable.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
annbdMar 11, 2020
Nothing really special about this one. There is this one frightening scene, jump scare that I love and I literally jumped off my bed watching it. And because of that scene - it’s worth it haha
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Sosmooth1982Jan 11, 2023
Great movie. This is what's pretty much going on right now. All these alien sightings and ufo's going on. I think it's time to break out the aluminum foil people lol. I'll aluminum foil my whole apartment if it works haha!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
cabritaAug 8, 2011
The best M night Shyamalan movie ever made with so much style and fright that the build up of this movie will leave you breathtaken. this buildup all leads up to the end which will give you your breath back to rethink everything you haveThe best M night Shyamalan movie ever made with so much style and fright that the build up of this movie will leave you breathtaken. this buildup all leads up to the end which will give you your breath back to rethink everything you have seen from a new perspective. If one has faith to watch m night shyamalan's best feature you will be gladly surprised.… Expand
9 of 13 users found this helpful94
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9
bfoore90Jan 12, 2016
One of the last intriguing and truly good films of M.Night Shyamalan, it was interesting from start to finish and some of Shyamalans strongest work of his career. The story is great and very fitting to what Shyamalan style is and theOne of the last intriguing and truly good films of M.Night Shyamalan, it was interesting from start to finish and some of Shyamalans strongest work of his career. The story is great and very fitting to what Shyamalan style is and the performances from Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix are superb in a story about the supernatural, fate, and the choices that come with regarding to a man's faith in God. The ending on the otherhand, is a bit of a downer. Its almost too cliche for a story regarding aliens. As a whole, Signs is scary, hopeful, emotional, and weirdly majestic while M.Night Shyamalan plays to the audiences every tense step of the way.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
KaprawiecDec 7, 2016
I love this kind of movies - smart, funny and interesting from start to the finish. If it would be a bit faster paced I'd rate it perfect, but I appreciate concept of slowly building tension.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
MovieLonely94Sep 5, 2011
After my confrontation with solid foreshadowing "The Sixth Sense" and a not great, but very good "Unbreakable", M. Night Shyamalan did his job once again to give me his best to scare the living heck out of my soul with "Signs".

TheAfter my confrontation with solid foreshadowing "The Sixth Sense" and a not great, but very good "Unbreakable", M. Night Shyamalan did his job once again to give me his best to scare the living heck out of my soul with "Signs".

The story/premise about a preacher, his younger brother and his two children something very horrifying was spooky, yet very cool. The moral lesson about faith is really the right thing to teach your kids when you're in a church.

Before I continue, I just want to say that I only go to church once in a few years or so. Just to remind you.

Back to the review. The tone of this movie was absolutely dark and I think it was very good when it comes to other movies with darker overtones. Even the action was very impressive.

I also liked the actors for doing such a great job, especially Mel Gibson. Everywhere he goes, "Hamlet", "Braveheart", "Pocahontas", "Chicken Run", "The Patriot", you name it.

Signs is an entertaining movie and it's M. Night Shyamalan's strongest works in my opinion despite the fact that I didn't like the way his career later went downhill for such stinkers like "The Village", "The Lady In The Water", and "The Happening". "The Last Airbender", unlike his previous films, was a guilty pleasure in which you already know that.

The ending was weak and too cliched it ruined a fewer aspects of the story.

Bottomline: Great movie, worth checking out.

9/10… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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9
BradySmithApr 5, 2016
An eerie, suspenseful, emotionally touching near masterpiece. With a great cast giving great performances, a witty, brilliant, and extremely detailed script, and some expertly sensitive direction, this may be Shyamalan's best movie. It's suchAn eerie, suspenseful, emotionally touching near masterpiece. With a great cast giving great performances, a witty, brilliant, and extremely detailed script, and some expertly sensitive direction, this may be Shyamalan's best movie. It's such a shame that he had to go into such a downward spiral. I truly hope he gets his mojo back because his first 3 films (this one especially) were just brilliant. Signs will scare you senseless because Shyamalan knew how to build the suspense slowly and effectively, with hints of menacing creatures, not guts and gore. The incredible score by Newton also adds layers of astonishing depth onto the already touching story and nuanced performances. A classic, plain and simple. Its reputation will only grow as time goes on.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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6
MovieGuysMar 22, 2014
The fact that M. Night Shyamalan directed this movie is unbelievable. The movie wasn't all that great in general, with its only-okay acting and decidedly tedious story, but for an M. Night Shyamalan film, this is like "The Godfather".
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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3
NickA.Sep 9, 2006
Once again Mr. Shyamalan makes another film that seriously dents what reputation he had left as a director and writer. He manages to take some interesting themes and then cheats the viewer with a simplistic and cop-out ending which left me Once again Mr. Shyamalan makes another film that seriously dents what reputation he had left as a director and writer. He manages to take some interesting themes and then cheats the viewer with a simplistic and cop-out ending which left me wanting to put my foot through the TV screen! Regardless of how good a movie is, what directors need to remember is the viewers lasting impression of a film is how the strands are brought together at the end. After two good first efforts Mr. Shyamalan is hurtling into meltdown.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
4
homer4presidentMay 18, 2015
This just isn't my cup of tea. I'm not much of a fan of M. Night anyhow. I mean, he isn't a terrible director, but he should probably give up on writing. He's just bad with dialogue and its films like "The Last Airbender", "The Happening",This just isn't my cup of tea. I'm not much of a fan of M. Night anyhow. I mean, he isn't a terrible director, but he should probably give up on writing. He's just bad with dialogue and its films like "The Last Airbender", "The Happening", and this that prove that. As for movies like "Unbreakable" and "The Sixth Sense"...those are alright. His other movies I haven't seen, I'd say yet but me not liking the guy sort of keeps from wanting too.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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4
NF123Aug 19, 2010
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They come to invade and don't know our planet contains water? Are they serious? Otherwise the film is reasonably strong in acting and even has a few tense moments. But nothing can redeem and I quote "NickA"here, the cop out ending.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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8
NickS.Aug 2, 2002
Signs was exactly what we needed this summer. A fun, entertaining film that makes you think. It was an enjoyable theatre-going experience with a lot of scares as well as humor. Mel Gibson has never been better and the rest of the cast was Signs was exactly what we needed this summer. A fun, entertaining film that makes you think. It was an enjoyable theatre-going experience with a lot of scares as well as humor. Mel Gibson has never been better and the rest of the cast was fantastic, especially the kids. Shyamalan is a natural at working with kids. I had no idea what this film was about going in, but I left extremely satisfied as well as feeling good about life. It's nice to watch a film about something that matters and also be entertained by it. Shyamalan is a definite talent and I can't wait to see what he brings us next. Blanco can kiss my ass!!!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
8
MackJan 6, 2009
Yes the statement that the director is trying to make is silly and heavy handed. However, his ability to make the events seem like they could really happen and the reactions of the characters play out very realistically before they collapse Yes the statement that the director is trying to make is silly and heavy handed. However, his ability to make the events seem like they could really happen and the reactions of the characters play out very realistically before they collapse at the end. The build up is definitely worth putting up with some dissapointment at the end.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
DanaCSep 13, 2008
A tacky morality play packaged in a lackluster retelling of War of the Worlds, delivered with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AlexZ.May 15, 2009
This is a movie about hope. It's tagline for me is "Can it be there are no coincidents?". Some people think that it advocates religion and faith. I think the return of Graham at the end to religion is a plot device and a necessary This is a movie about hope. It's tagline for me is "Can it be there are no coincidents?". Some people think that it advocates religion and faith. I think the return of Graham at the end to religion is a plot device and a necessary parabol for everyone else, as we all have hopes and faith, each at different grounds. I felt deeply emotional by the end of this film. A miracle is the final ring of a chain which start from us. Among the most humanist film I've seen.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
dutchbbMay 15, 2011
Boring religious piece of garbage. I'm very sorry I wasted almost two hours of my life on this. Must be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes have it wrong, metacritic generally has the correct score, althoughBoring religious piece of garbage. I'm very sorry I wasted almost two hours of my life on this. Must be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes have it wrong, metacritic generally has the correct score, although personally I would rate it even lower.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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0
dbb79May 30, 2011
Boring religious piece of garbage. I'm very sorry I wasted almost two hours of my life on this. Must be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes have it wrong, metacritic generally has the correct score, althoughBoring religious piece of garbage. I'm very sorry I wasted almost two hours of my life on this. Must be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes have it wrong, metacritic generally has the correct score, although personally I would rate it even lower.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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2
absurdioJun 10, 2012
There is excactly one, and only one interesting/exciting scene in this movie: Hiding in the basement while the world upstairs has gone mad. Everything else is standard Shyamalan-fare - a pretentious, over-ambitious build up, that isThere is excactly one, and only one interesting/exciting scene in this movie: Hiding in the basement while the world upstairs has gone mad. Everything else is standard Shyamalan-fare - a pretentious, over-ambitious build up, that is completely wrecked and torn apart at the end through childish banality, making you leave the cinema fuming over mis-spent cash and time.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
FlippySuperOct 17, 2012
And the nostalgia critic changes it all people!This so called "great movie" is just a disaster piece of **** with no sense that deserved no popularity and sucks all my balls fulled with crap and **** pieces of **** that are better than this bullcrap!
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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6
Meth-dudeAug 3, 2018
While the first half of the movie is quite slow and the CGI is a bit dated, the movie is still impressively suspenseful. The acting is great, the story is interesting and original and the movie had a few thrilling scenes. If it wasn't for theWhile the first half of the movie is quite slow and the CGI is a bit dated, the movie is still impressively suspenseful. The acting is great, the story is interesting and original and the movie had a few thrilling scenes. If it wasn't for the weak conclusion and the numerous plot holes, this movie could've been great.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
ydnar4Aug 27, 2014
I have been a fan of M. Night Shyamalan in the past but this film did not do it for me. I'll give credit to Mel Gibson on this one as I thought he was a strong point but there is not a huge twist that we expect in this film. Not evenI have been a fan of M. Night Shyamalan in the past but this film did not do it for me. I'll give credit to Mel Gibson on this one as I thought he was a strong point but there is not a huge twist that we expect in this film. Not even comparable to Unbreakable or The Sixth Sense.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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2
Kai82Dec 30, 2019
The first half is a good movie with solid character development, suspense and good storytelling / set up. Then came the most stupid plot twist and story telling failures I have seen in many years. The best description would be its likeThe first half is a good movie with solid character development, suspense and good storytelling / set up. Then came the most stupid plot twist and story telling failures I have seen in many years. The best description would be its like chocolate coated brussels sprouts (I don't want to use the term sugar coated turd). For the good part: The characters, set up and development are consistent and well fitting. There is nothing to complain in this compartment. The premise and set pieces are also well done and I like the suspense that is slowly created. For the bad parts that will inevitably drag this film down: The plot twist is idiotic. I can not describe it accurate without spoilers but I will try to give you examples before the spoiler section. The villains are so incompetent that they should not be able to survive by themself. Even the James Bond villains would face palm in disbelieve. They are far superior and can outsmart us at any given time but are also so stupid that you would ask a child for better solutions. !!! Spoiler warning !!! You have be warned. Here is the point of no return: The villains are aliens who want to conquer earth. Problem 1. Water works like high concentrated acid on them. Have you seen the earth from space? It is nearly 75% water. Also there is water everywhere. Even in the air is humidity. This is the last place they want to visit ever. Problem 2: They are far more advanced than humanity. They can travel between star system in their lifetimes and have nearly perfect cloaking devices. This is far beyond our technological abilities (We have theoretical solutions for that which we cant build yet or we don't know how to archive). The point is that they did not bring weapons and tools with them. They have no protective gear (water), no weapons that are a treat (Handgun outclasses everything they use) and can be trapped by normal wooden doors. Problem 3: This movie makes God look cruel and incompetent. The twist is that everything was planed by God to help the characters overcome this threat. He killed the main characters wife in a car accident (See perpetrator) and with that tortured him, his family and the accident perpetrator (He did fall asleep for the first and only time during driving in his life and sees this as faith). He gave his son asthma and his daughter a minor disability. This restores the main characters faith in god. By the way I am christian but not a zealot / fanatic. God is better than this and could solve this issue in much better ways. Overall this movie had potential but is wasted. I don't know how much the studio has interfered with choices. There is a rumour that the aliens should have been demons and that parts of the story should be done in another way.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
kyle20ellisApr 1, 2022
This was a movie I wanted to like, with its cast and great idea, and also that I loved The Sixth Sense and liked Unbreakable very much. Shyamalan has definitely done worse than this though with The Happening, Lady in the Water and The LastThis was a movie I wanted to like, with its cast and great idea, and also that I loved The Sixth Sense and liked Unbreakable very much. Shyamalan has definitely done worse than this though with The Happening, Lady in the Water and The Last Airbender(I'm watching The Village as we speak and presently it is difficult to judge whether I dislike it or not), but this was a disappointment. Signs does have some good values, such as a genuinely tense first fifty minutes or so, very good cinematography and score and credible turns from Joaquin Pheonix, Abigail Breslin and Rory Culkin.

However, what promise Signs did have is almost completely squandered around the halfway mark. Shyamalan's direction is uneven here, first it's alert and tense and then it became lazy and lethargic. The script has an uneasy mix of cheesy and maudlin, the characters generally are underdeveloped and the story either suffers in the second half from also being underdeveloped or even worse not making much sense.

Although Mel Gibson has done worse performances than this I found his performance rather laboured here, doesn't help that his character doesn't engage or that some of the worst dialogue is with him.

What disappointed me most about Signs was that after such a good start, it is spoilt by scenes that come across as too mawkish and over-sentimental than genuinely poignant, creaky flashbacks that severely undermine the suspense and the truly ludicrously melodramatic ending. Not to mention some glaring and even in some cases unforgivable plot holes, particularly the aliens being killed by water.

All in all, disappointing. I liked the performances, visuals and especially the tense, spooky atmosphere created at the start, but it just got lazy. 4/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
amheretojudgeSep 17, 2018
still under production..

Signs Signs is a plot driven horror thriller about a family living on a farm that is shook up after the symphony of horror enters in their house. Despite of being of horror genre, there isn't a single loose threadstill under production..

Signs

Signs is a plot driven horror thriller about a family living on a farm that is shook up after the symphony of horror enters in their house. Despite of being of horror genre, there isn't a single loose thread of thrill for the viewers to root for either the characters or the storyline. The primary reason why it fails to create the anticipated crispy environment is because of its pretentious and shallow characters that the audience never cares about. The characters goes deep in order to draw out the emotions but unfortunately they are still undercooked if not one dimensional. The essential bits that usually antes up the horror and decorates it with long gasping of airs, is the missing puzzle in here. Neither the background score, not the sound effects factors in, addition to that, the art designing is daft and visual effects still under production, which scrapes out the heat from the asset. Gibson gives few good sequences especially his caring response towards the children whilst unfortunately Phoenix seems distracted and not in his game as his portrayal just doesn't seem palpable to the theme of the feature. Shyamalan's vision in here requires plenty of preparation and in order to do so, he spends his first two acts on building up the structure and when it finally hits on screen the viewers are exhausted and numbed by it to feel electrified by its rendezvous point. Having said that, Shyamalan's execution still delivers few good moments but the audience is never in an awe of it, in the entire course of the feature. The emotional repercussions that the flashback sequence breeds, its simplistic and practical take on something such fictional that offers much personal experience and its final nail biting seen-this-seen-that drama are the high points of the feature. Signs is more pretentious that it claims to be and surfs more than it hopes to be, it's a huge misconception iterated in a horror.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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3
FilipeNetoJun 29, 2018
This film is about a former evangelical pastor who lost his faith but who will be put to the test when his corn field is partially crushed, creating a crop circle. Directed and written by Night Shyamalan, the film quickly creates a mysteryThis film is about a former evangelical pastor who lost his faith but who will be put to the test when his corn field is partially crushed, creating a crop circle. Directed and written by Night Shyamalan, the film quickly creates a mystery around crop circles, an well known phenomenon in the eighties and nineties, which fueled many supernatural theories. In fact, anyone who knows a little about that quickly realizes the direction of the plot, which simply explores the most publicized theory about crop circles. From this point of view, the film has no mystery and its easy to foresee the ending. Some religious notes arise in the plot, but it ends up lefting because it does not match with the sci-fi action after that. The fact that the main character is a former pastor isn't enough to bring religion here. Mel Gibson gave life to the main character but is far from being inspired. He seemed too theatrical most of the time. The rest of the cast was decent enough, but there was not much to do there.… Expand
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7
akshatmahajanJun 17, 2021
Signs is different from other alien invasion stories. It doesn't show aliens attacking humans and humans fighting back. If tells the story from a family point of view, how it is effecting them.

The direction was nice. The directorSigns is different from other alien invasion stories. It doesn't show aliens attacking humans and humans fighting back. If tells the story from a family point of view, how it is effecting them.

The direction was nice. The director manipulated the viewers into seeing and believing what he wanted you to believe.

All actors including Gibson, Phoenix and children played their parts properly.

Overall, you should give it a watch. One thing to keep note, everyone may not like this movie. This movie needs understanding.… Expand
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0
RyanMJan 9, 2009
Horrible Movie. Cheesy and unrealistic. It advertised that it is going to follow the mythology of Earth's encounters with extra-terrestrials. Instead you get a completely shallow suspense film with an unoriginal story. If you want good Horrible Movie. Cheesy and unrealistic. It advertised that it is going to follow the mythology of Earth's encounters with extra-terrestrials. Instead you get a completely shallow suspense film with an unoriginal story. If you want good science fiction you will be terribly disappointed.… Expand
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2
J.RebJul 21, 2006
this is a horror movie....I thought it was a comedy. If this is actually suppost to fit into the horror genre then ill give it mark that is due but as a comedy its a 4 because it there were too many boring parts between the funny bits. By this is a horror movie....I thought it was a comedy. If this is actually suppost to fit into the horror genre then ill give it mark that is due but as a comedy its a 4 because it there were too many boring parts between the funny bits. By the way, no im not smoking anything to all the people who liked this movie, when I watched this the whole theater burst out laughing in some scenes.… Expand
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10
JustinJun 2, 2007
I'm surprised by the mediocre reviews! I love this movie. I think people get mad because it is not the horror movie they expected. Signs is clever; funny, scary, and just entertaining!
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4
PaulM.Sep 16, 2002
For the first half of this movie, I was captivated. The characters grew and had depth, the history of the family, the religious aspect. It was a joy to behold a master director weave his magic. Then it all went horribly wrong. Holes started For the first half of this movie, I was captivated. The characters grew and had depth, the history of the family, the religious aspect. It was a joy to behold a master director weave his magic. Then it all went horribly wrong. Holes started to appear in the plot, (what, NO weapons at all?) plus... these aliens navigated from across the galaxy, do they really need these signs? The "finale" .... was pathetic, sorry. Not so much because of it's contrite nature, but because are we really meant to believe aliens would invade earth without doing their homework to check for natural hazards .... As a sane and balanced agnostic, I was delighted with the way Gibson challenges his faith. I was less delighted with the "twist" at the end. It's meant to get you thinking... but it simply makes smart people think even more - so yeah, I believe in coincidence. Grrrr.... like the ending to Unbreakable, the last 20 minutes of this movie left me feeling cheated. … Expand
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9
RandyM.Jul 5, 2006
Signs is exactly what the horror genre needed-a jolt of originality to the seemingly repetitive horror settings. This movie drips with originality, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. M Night Shyamalan-I salute you.
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10
DavidSOct 27, 2008
A thoroughly under-rated masterpiece. After watching the trailers for this movie, I can see why some people were disapointed. The trailers seemed to have been geared to attract the 'War of the Worlds' fans. However, a lot of A thoroughly under-rated masterpiece. After watching the trailers for this movie, I can see why some people were disapointed. The trailers seemed to have been geared to attract the 'War of the Worlds' fans. However, a lot of peop-le seemed to have missed the raw craft and style with which 'Signs' is executed. To begin with, M.Night Shalamyn's movies scare me the most out of any other movies I have seen. His use of manipulative camera angles, building music, and slow development create some truly memorable moments. On top of this, the back-story is extremely believable, the acting is unique and top-notch, and the musical score is brilliant. It is a very subtle movie, however, so only people who actually like HORROR should watch it, and watch it alone. All you guys who just want to see blood and boobs should watch Hostel or some other piece of garbage with your friends.… Expand
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7
AndyMar 18, 2007
Entertaining but lacking orginiality and reasonability.
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10
DamianAJul 13, 2008
These reviews are indeed surprising. This film is a work of genius from the mind of M. Night Shamylan, but it still dissapoints me that his newer works don't have the same gripping, terrifying and awe-inspiring feel.
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2
MowidMDec 19, 2007
Too stupid for words. Contrived story and badly executed film.
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9
JPKJul 11, 2019
Really Good
Signs is a very divisive film, But I honestly loved it due to it's mysterious and suspenseful tone.
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8
Rcavey92212May 5, 2020
I'm not a big fan of Shylaman's (Sixth Sense) stuff although I do tend to enjoy it somewhat the awful Unbreakable, happening and after earth aside. The movie is a edge of your seat suspenser in glorious Hitchcock style about a little familyI'm not a big fan of Shylaman's (Sixth Sense) stuff although I do tend to enjoy it somewhat the awful Unbreakable, happening and after earth aside. The movie is a edge of your seat suspenser in glorious Hitchcock style about a little family at the cusp of a full scale alien invasion. The movie is creepy, intense and filled with solid performances from Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Abigail Breslin and Rory Culkin. The only real issues I have with the film is instead of keeping it simplistic we are burdened with the goofy Shylaman twists. Although it doesn't come together completely it's an exciting film that holds up quite well.

Budget: $72m
Domestic Box Office: $228m
Worldwide Box Office: $408m

4.25/5… Expand
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8
ahmedaiman1999Aug 5, 2019
I have never been a big fan of Shyamalan's arguable masterwork, The Sixth Sense. Simply, because it leans heavily on its plot-twist, which I figured out from the first 5 minutes of the film. However, this was my only major issue with theI have never been a big fan of Shyamalan's arguable masterwork, The Sixth Sense. Simply, because it leans heavily on its plot-twist, which I figured out from the first 5 minutes of the film. However, this was my only major issue with the entire film. Almost every single aspect of that film worked for me. I loved its uniquely warm atmosphere that boosts everything in the film: from the drama to the horror. I can say that Signs shares most of The Sixth Sense's merits.

From the way of building suspense to the somewhat cheesy melodrama that works perfectly to tackling themes of parental fear and invulnerability, It's safe to assume that Shyamalan has been immensely influenced by Spielberg's films. And all that Shyamalan excels at in this film.

What makes Signs different from similar Alien contact films at its time is its philosophical question it addresses, its commentary on faith and the moral dilemma the protagonist faces. I would be lying if I said that the philosophy is well woven into the plot: Shyamalan really has went too far here! As a result, the dialogue can be occasionally off-putting and the questions the film poses will definitely feel muddled.

However, as a consequence, the characters (especially the protagonist Graham Hess, played by Mel Gibson) are quite well-developed and multi-layered. What is even more impressive is how our main characters' vulnerabilities shape the aliens. Through brilliant use of foreshadowing and flash-backs throughout the film, I couldn't help being dazzled by the complete picture at the end.

Speaking of the end, there's no need to talk about the notorious implausible plot-twist that also, unfortunately, happens to be the film's major plot-hole. Nevertheless, I think it can be swallowed with the help of a glass of water! … Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Signs is a suspenseful science fiction thriller, brought to you by the director of other similar movies like the Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and The Village, M. Night Shyamalan.

This movie has some of the usual elements of his other movies, although one thing thats slightly different is that your shown more, visually, at certain points towards the end of the movie mostly, of the aliens or presence there, though even then its mainly just glimpses.

It is a very atmospheric and absorbing movies and the cast do well at sucking you in, making you believe what they think their seeing and experiencing. In that way, its very cleverly done, given as soon as you think it through, its pretty clearly a prepostorous (sp?) situation, with talk of the end of the world being discussed on the TV, while little appears to be actually happening in the families home or nearby.

As is even mentioned during the movie, its quite like War of the World, only with much less action and its slower paced but it has the same 'end of the world' theme.

By the time the finale, as it were, the alien creastures arriving at the Hess family home comes, I'd become so intrigued and compelled to see what would happen, the movie had worked in sucking me into this rather paranoid world, where the world seems to be under attack.

I noticed that there were points, mainly towards the end, where the camera would seemingly look away, show a different angle so you couldn't see for sure what was happening. Showing, for example, the torch on the ground and hearing and seeing footsteps and noise but nothing else, its a little like the Blair Witch Project, at the end of that movie, how the camera showed the final scene, it sort of reminded me of that.

There is quite a touching scene at one point between Mel's character, Graham and his son Morgan, which is touching and kind of upsetting too, although it could also be seen as being a bit over the top and melodramatic to some. Also I think the ending may disappoint some, in that at the end I did think it was pretty anti-climactic. However, it didn't disappoint me like the ending to 'Next' did, for some reason, so it could be worse!

This film is similar in some aspects to both The War of the Worlds and to The Blair Witch Project, I felt. While it does spoil things to some extent in how much it shows you these alien beings right at the very end, little is shown up until then and its all very suggestive in terms of what may be out there and going on, until then, so in that respect its similar to both The Blair Witch Project and to M. Night Shyamalans' other movies. When the aliens are shown in quite a close up way, I did find this a bit disappointing, what was shown just seemed a bit silly I suppose, after all the build up to it.… Expand
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10
KidBrosReviewJan 23, 2020
This film is just amazing! It is very well crafted. It is definitely one of Shyamalan's best films
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9
CourtneywAug 9, 2020
One of my all time favorite movies. The story is great the acting is amazing. Beautiful story telling.
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7
AJ_13Jun 28, 2022
Liked it but left me wanting a bit more. I entered "Signs" knowing it wasn't gonna be the typical alien film, knowing they would be secondary. I created big expectations on the family side of the story, hoping for a dramatic twist that wouldLiked it but left me wanting a bit more. I entered "Signs" knowing it wasn't gonna be the typical alien film, knowing they would be secondary. I created big expectations on the family side of the story, hoping for a dramatic twist that would reformulate the movie as a whole. So I was a bit let down and thats probably my fault. Undoubtedly my favourite aspects of "Signs" are the directing (exquisite) and the score. M. Night Shyamalan moves masterfully the camera and builds suspense to the perfection. The whole cast nails it.… Expand
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10
Depose570May 16, 2021
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8
Simon-JJul 14, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Underrated by critics! I just *love* the slow-burning dread in this film. That coupled with a compelling script, simple but effective cinematography and all of the performances (especially Mel Gibson's nuanced, softly-spoken ex-pastor) combined to create a unique, memorable atmosphere.

The way it pings between suspense and surprising uses of humour without creating a jarring tone is quite masterful; love that shot when Joaquin has joined the children wearing the tin-foil hats, and they look up at Mel Gibson in unison.

Finally, the film has a terrific and bold score by James Newton Howard built around a main motif of just 3 notes. And I really enjoyed the religious overtones which added an extra compelling element. And and and… Expand
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6
NickTheCritickNov 2, 2021
This movie worked well when it came out but it's not ageing that good. Everytime I see it I find it less good than I thought the time before. It should be an horror movie but it really seems a parody of itself.
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5
DolphinReviewsJul 21, 2022
It's an alright movie. It has it's moments. Some good horror elements were used.
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9
matthias17Apr 30, 2023
a very tense and sensational sci-fi movie, superb acting performances and great masterpiece of cinematography. It is definitely worth the watch.
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