SteveSWohlgemuth

I was so excited when I saw the trailer and couldn't wait to see this. I loved "Signs" and this looked even better, but sadly I was disappointed. It had a cool look and ultimately a decent twist, but it was the beginning of Shamyalan's slow downward spiral. It's one of his better films, but not a work of genius... he had a moment when he was capable of that.

This is one of those films that you never forget. The creep factor is just right... until the end, but that is somewhat inevitable. I believe that the best horror has to touch something deeper in us rather than just providing cheap thrills, and "Signs" does that nearly to perfection. We grow to love these characters and to sympathize with them. Child actors are always tough, but these kids put in nuanced and believable performances. It's also a film with a deeper message, that nothing is ever by chance and everything in our lives, even the smallest quirks, has a purpose. That's probably why some people don't like it. They prefer that their horror doesn't have an uplifting ending. Sadly, I don't think Shamyalan ever made anything better. His recent films disappointed me because I keep hoping for another "Signs."

This film seems a little campy now, but boy does it have a relevant message. This was the best acting Piper ever did. I believe that the best horror touches our real fears, and "They Live" does that in a big way.