The Signal (2014)

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1. 

   KuroSawWhat

   What initially drew me to The Signal was its comparison to Primer--one of the most intriguing sci-fi films of the past decade--by some critics. For much of the film, that comparison is very accurate.
   
   The Signal offers a lot of the same down-to-earth realism, mystery, and low-key, drawn-out tension that made Primer such a riviting viewing experience. But then there's the last Act of the film... As much as the first 2 Acts had me completely entranced, Act 3 had me glancing at my watch. Without giving anything away, let's just say that it delves into the usual Hollywood trap of science-fiction, that offers lots of action, not much substance, and forgets all of the wonderful pacing and tension that was built up earlier in the film. Had it followed through with a consistent tone, I'd probably be recommending The Signal as a Film of the Year, because its cinematography, acting, and general concept are all fantastic and completely engrossing. But that last Act, man.... woof. 9 years 10 months ago
2. 

   Yarnold66

   An unholy mess of a film. Full of plot holes and going nowhere. 7 years 11 months ago
3. 

   Siskoid

   The Signal starts out as hacker movie where the three principals are decoding messages and following a mysterious signal to its source somewhere in the desert. Apprehended by Area 51-ish personnel, the film turns into a strange, Kafkaesque prison/madhouse puzzle movie, where it's most interesting. The third act, however, completely loses the plot, and more importantly, the tone. Suddenly, it's a big budget special effects-fest, with slow-mo action and lots of gunfire. And here you were thinking the entire budget was spent on Laurence Fishburne's salary. The movie can't even claim to have defied my expectations with its final twist, not really. And it had started so well... 8 years 10 months ago

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