The Signal (2007)

The Signal (2007)

Directed by: David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry
Screenplay by: David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry

Genre: Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Running Time: 103 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned DVD

Do you have the crazy?

[IMDb]

Comments: The Signal comes very close to being an amazing film. The problem lies with the fact that there are three people that direct the film, each having their own segment. While the breaking up of the film into three parts could have been its greatest strength, it is sadly its biggest weakness. The three main characters are in each segment, but each has a segment told from that character's point of view. The first section, dubbed "Crazy In Love" is much like a zombie film, where the signal causes people to go apeshit and kill everyone. There's lots of running and hiding throughout the first 30 minutes. The second segment, "The Jealousy Monster," while still pertaining to the signal, is comedic and funny as hell. This kills the atmosphere, and the tone of the film does a complete 180. The final segment, "Escape From Terminus," returns to horror, with a lot of drama thrown in. The comedy ends, and we return to the complete seriousness of the first segment. While I loved each part (the comedy section had me laughing hysterically), they fit very poorly together. The character of Lewis is balls-to-the-wall psychotic in the first and last segments, yet funny and enjoyable in the second. Therein lies the problem. However, The Signal is still very original, and it blew me out of the water, as I was expecting a low budget, no originality horror film. I completely applaud the effort.