Signs

M. Night Shyamalan's Signs stars Mel Gibson as a farmer and former priest who discovers a series of crop circles in his corn fields. As the story progresses, Gibson's character and his family believe that Earth is being visited by extra-terrestrials.

Signs is Shyamalan's third major film, following The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable.

Fast Facts

1. Starring: Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix
2. Director: M. Night Shyamalan
3. Producers: Frank Marshall, Sam Mercer and M. Night Shyamalan
4. Released: August 2, 2002
5. Rated: PG-13
6. Running Time: 106 minutes
7. Budget: $72 million
8. Blu-Ray Release: June 3, 2008
9. Mark Ruffalo originally signed to play Merrill, but had to drop out due to health issues
10. Composer James Newton Howard based his score on those of Psycho and The Twilight Zone
11. Shot in Newton, Pennsylvania

Popularity and Reception

Signs was one of 2002's highest grossing films, earning over $227 million at the domestic box office and over $400 million worldwide in its initial theatrical run. The film has a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was reviewed positively by most critics, calling it an effective thriller with worthy scares and a sleek visual style. The film's detractors argue that the payoff is weak and the message hokey.

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