Critic's Corner: SIGNS

This film, which can be rentedfrom your local video store, israted on a scale of 1 to 4 caducei:

SIGNS

The Sixth Sense

Unbreakable

Signs

(2002): After beingcompletely impressedwithand utterly disappointedwith, Ireally did notknow what toexpect from M.Night Shyamalanwhen I went to see .Somehow this movie landssomewhere between the 2 interms of quality. The conceptwas interesting, the camera workwas clever, and the suspense wasgut wrenching. I really enjoyedthe performances of Mel Gibsonas the former reverend, GrahamHess, and Joaquin Phoenix ashis supportive brother—theirtalent helped to make the storybelievable. Because this is awork driven by suspense and anticipation,I dare not give awaytoo many details, but it sufficesto say that I was spooked. Whatstruck me as most interestingabout this movie is how it capturesthe mindset of our nationin the wake of September 11—disbelief, fear, clinging to everybit of information from themedia. For me, watching thismovie was like reliving those firstdays after the terrorist attacksoccurred. Although the filmstrays into clichéd scenes andconclusions, overall it succeedsas a sharp thriller.

Rating: 2.5

Lisa A. Tomaszewski, managing editor of

Physician's Money Digest, is currently

working on her PhD in literature at

Drew University in New Jersey. She is an

avid fan of film and has taught a summer

film course at Fairleigh Dickinson

University. She welcomes questions,

comments, or suggestions for future film

reviews at 732-656-1140 ext. 195 or

ltomaszewski@pmdnet.com.