R U Agitated? Then Go See "The Signal"!

There are moments when a film you've seen, when viewed for the first time, automatically becomes so ingrained into your mind that they have a profound affect on you emotionally and mentally. "American History X", "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "Casablanca" and "Memento" are but a few that have truly influenced me and have affected me when first viewed by my eager eyes. I remember the first time I watched "American History X", it was in a college English class. I forget the reference as to why we were watching it, but it was a disturbingly moving sensation to watch one of (if not the best) Edward Norton performances in a film that was both haunting and real. Christopher Nolan's "Memento" was a true testament to the art of film-making. Being able to tell a captivating linear story by telling it backwards blew my freakin' mind.

   Films are a powerful form of art and entertainment. Having a profound experience with a film is one of life's many great experiences. Now, not every movie is capable of truly making a dent in the emotional wall of today's society. Everyone is different and enjoys different things, which is good. That variation allows for a wide movie-spectrum of highly emotional, moving pieces on one end and high-powered popcorn-flicks, meant mainly to entertain on the other; making the trip to a movie theater a tough one. Most people go for the big movie, full of action, special effects; a bigger bang for their buck. I get it, it's expensive to go to the movies nowadays. People want their money's worth. I'll admit, I fall into that category all the time. However, what I love most about this spectrum of variety isn't so much what's on the ends, but what falls into the middle. There are some films, more than you may think, that fall between the cracks of these big-budget movies that are absolutely riveting. Sometimes they find success, most times they don't. "District 9" is one of those films that found success when it wasn't expecting it. It is so obscure, full of originality and emotional drive that it not only blew me away; but in a more profound move, like a tick to the flesh it lodged itself so deep into my psyche that it's tough not to strongly consider it when asked what my favorite sci-fi movie is. It's that idea of a film avoiding the pomp and circumstance and  allowing its originality and freshness to drive the experience that really makes me love the art that much more. "The Signal" is one of those films that has burrowed in deep, and it won't be forgotten anytime soon.

   "The Signal" follows three friends Nic (Brenton Thwaites), Haley (Olivia Cooke) and Jonah (Beau Knapp) on a road trip across the US. Along the way they are drawn towards an isolated area by a strange computer-hacking genius. Upon reaching their plausible location they find evidence they're on the right track, when things suddenly get a bit hairy. Things go dark and Nic wakes up in a sterile hospital-environment with no memory of what happened, being questioned by the mysterious, hazmat-suit donning facility administrator Damon (Laurence Fishburne) about the signal. Nic's only concern is getting out. It's a dry synopsis but to get much farther into it would be treading the waters of spoiler alerts.

    "The Signal" does an amazing job at unfurling the plot, though it does so at a slow pace. It's familiar sci-fi but from a fresh and new perspective. The story plods along with ease and finesse. It doesn't get boring, in fact just as you get used to the pace of the story and before you know it, the climax of the film is upon you with fervor and intensity. It will leave you sitting in your seat going "What the-?!", not because it doesn't make sense but because it's that good. There are striking visuals and really great acting. You won't see a lazy, factory-rehashed sci-fi idea play out before you, but an original piece that is truly breathtaking.

   It's the summer time, which means we're in for a season of fun, grand, and exciting movies; movies that have that big bang for your hard-earned buck. However, I implore you to take a moment and step away from the blockbuster gorge-fest and test the waters with a dish just as potent. You won't be disappointed.