The Signal (2007)

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... instead of a film that effectively progresses its characters and storyline, you have three different films that each try to convey a separate genre of horror/suspense filmmaking. It works to a certain degree, until you begin to realize that the film is not going to conclude with a satisfying resolution. In the end, you'll also feel as if you just sat through three different films that didn't really connect in as many interesting ways as you would have hoped they would.

Aside from its questionable structure, The Signal is not without its many successes. The characters are all strong individuals, given unique quirks and characteristics, and the cast, all do a marvelous job at bringing these characters to life. The second act of the film almost seems like a skit to a hilarious farce than it does an addition to, at least as to what the first act portrayed the film as, a slightly twisted spin on your regular zombie flick. Still, the actors pull off both styles amazingly well. This is a good thing, because The Signal wants to be a slasher film, farce, and drama, throughout each separate chapter of the film. The talent, including director and screen writer David Bruckner, does an impeccable job at showcasing an outstanding variety of performances, but again, The Signal is really three different types of films in one, when it really would have worked a whole lot better as just the single picture. It was an extraordinary effort, but the end result was just me finding myself asking the internet gods when Bruckner will release his next film.

Along with the strong performances, there is plenty of gore to satisfy any type of horror film fanatic. Some of the kills (hedge clippers to the throat!) are truly grizzly in their presentation. There is rarely any time to even cover your eyes because most of the gruesome kills happen within a split second. This is especially true within the films first chapter, which primarily is Bruckner showing his audience that he certainly knows how to construct a solid slasher flick.

The Signal, is a film that shows a tremendous amount of potential for David Bruckner. This debut film shows us that he has a lot of imagination and creativity to offer an industry that is constantly trying to revitalize itself and its' traditional sub-genres. It's worth picking up, especially if you are one to draw out your own conclusions to films that leave some questions answered, but many a mystery.

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