The Signal
| release date | February 22 2008 |
| studio | Magnolia Pictures |
| director | David Bruckner, Jacob Gentry, Dan Bush |
| writer | David Bruckner, Jacob Gentry, Dan Bush |
| starring | Anessa Ramsey, Justin Welborn, AJ Bowen, Scott Poythress, Sahr Ngaugua, Cheri Christian |
| rating | R |
| site | signalmovie.com |
| trailer 1 | Trailer #1 |
2 Comments
awesome
Bleck
Starts off with a bang and ends with a wimper.
Thats not to say this isn’t one of the best horror movies of the decade.
What makes this movie shine is the idea of a ‘signal’ or in Stephen Kings “Cell”, a ‘pulse’ causing people to act inhuman or in the movies case ‘Crazy’. One part of the movie that sticks out is the first Transmission which has the most carnage and is what you see in most previews. Sadly though it seems when a said character dies, the movie kind of follows. Not so much to the bottom of the barrel but it just felt like some of the movies juice ran out.
As I said before there are Transmissions which break the story into chapters. Each one a little less energy. Now you may think to yourself I’ve already read this story in Stephen Kings “Cell”. You haven’t. I have read the book and seen this movie and I can say that this idea was fresh in someones head. It only resembles the book with the idea of a pulse turning people mad, Unlike in Kings book where they turn into something like zombies then gain knowledge and even reach you and control you in your dreams. This is not as complicated.
If your a horror aficionado, then this is a fucking must.
“Do you have the crazy in you?”
Wasn’t that impressed, good opening but then sort of goes in circles.
The acting was really bad.
The acting was great. The direction was great. The most entertaining, and thought provoking movie I’ve seen in a while. Obviously, a lot of people won’t -get- it, though.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Not what I expected at all based on the trailer which makes it out to be a much darker film than it is. It’s more crazy than insane, which is to say it’s a happy balance between black comedy and horror. It’s surreal in it’s quirkiness. At the heart of it is a love story which I found endearing. Two people trying to escape their lives find themselves trying to reach one another and escape the society that is falling apart around them. I can’t say there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this film, it was a pleasant surprise. I’d give it a 10 but the concept wasn’t all that original so I wasn’t blown away, just a refreshing execution on an old idea.
The first half hour was good then it just sucked ass from there. It was trying to hard to be funny and totally ruined the movies tense and distubing moments with stupid humor.
I loved it!
Amazing, thought-provoking, beautifully horrific film. Watch it now.
The end.
I really disliked this movie. I dug the fact that it was in three parts, and some parts of it were shot well but overall I was very unhappy with the final product. I thought it was terrible overall.
amazing!
This movie is terrible. There are no redeeming qualities about it whatsoever.
I think this film was really well done. I am never one to appreciate humor in genre films, but I believe this was tastefully done in a rather dry style. The First segment of the movie was my favorite, as I thought the effects and atmostphere employed a very intense beginning as the flick’s solid foundation. The Second sect of the film is where humor was added to the film. Like I said, it’s not really my thing but at least they weren’t trying to crack jokes, it was more involved with creating comical character actions and reactions. (psuedo Monty Python) The third sect of the film mostly returns to more of a grim feeling, and ends on a rather sad note. Interesting that it took 3 directors to make it. I would have expected something a little more perfect with that much direction going down on set. But not much to complain about. A very strage film that is fairly satisfying and very unique.
I liked part of this movie and then there were parts that were just stupid. One crazy f up movie. Good luck when you rent this one.
I cant say I finished this movie feeling satisfied, In fact, I felt a little detached from the whole movie experience. As many are saying, Signal, divided into three parts, has an actual strong opening. As we are introduced to the characters, their attitudes and drama, connections are quick to form and bonds are almost instant, especially towards the films protagonist. Signal continues its strength with the ‘signal’ breakout and the insanity that ensues, an apocalyptic dream… and any zombie fanboy should at least find some enjoyment from this section of the movie. The downfall of the ENTIRE film occurs as the second section of the film begins, the post apocalyptic feel is replaced and confined into primarily one house, where so called ‘comedy’ is brought into the film. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like a laugh here and there, but the first section of the movie just really does not set you up for a comedic second section. The comedy is in my opinion, ‘stupid’ comedy; where characters actions are almost too ridiculous to entice laughter, but rather frustration. The film picks its ‘signal’ feel up with the final section of the movie, and while displaying some mind tricks near the end, I cant help but feel the ending was a little bit of a cheat; leaving you wondering why? and where things were going to go with our protagonist. As described, the second section of this movie just really does it in, and a really harsh movie goer will feel extremely detached as this separation between section one and section three is far too easily criticized.
-Make Them Play – “Don’t just stare at it, Eat It.”
“The Signal” is the story that Stephen King’s “Cell” SHOULD have been. Also, Eli Roth’s film adaptation of “Cell” being cancelled, It’s also the closest thing we’ll get to a movie like that.
Finding out after viewing the film that it was actually done by 3 different directors, was a shock, while the “Episodes” are noticably different, it all meshes very well into a non-stop, bloody, funny, post-apocalyptic experience.
If you like post-apocalyptic style movies, you will definately not be disappointed with “The Signal.”
average
David Bruckner, Jacob Gentry,And Dan Bush Have Created A Film That Strays Away From The Average Horror Film.The Signal Is A Perfect Balance of Comedy, Action, And Drama.
What began as an interesting movie, ends in confusion and you seem quite glad when it’s over because it all seems a bit too confusing for the general horror film, i loved the first 30 minutes, then it spiraled into trying to much humor and confusion, disapointing overall, films that have promise and good ideas, but arent executed well are very frusstrating
one of the best movies i
awesome
I really liked it. Good little movie.
its good…and im not just sayin that cuz my old lady gets decapitated in it w/ hedgeclippers….
It was ok nothing special. I dont see what the big deal is. Whatever.
another of my faves of last year,this movie was soooooo well made by all of the directors with charecters you actualy cared about,and a different spin on the whole everyones crazy idea.I had high hopes for this one and it did not dissappoint!
Vibrant, exciting, heart breaking, twisted and a times laugh out loud funny. One of the best indie horrors to come along in years.
I’m not sure why this film got such a good rep. It’s not very original or entertaining or chilling. despite the nightmarish first third the film receeds into a comic ridiculousness before returning to the first third and than resulting in some Lynchian muddle fest. The Signal wnats to be another version of 28 days later or Dawn of the dead remake but comes across as a cheap and over confident rip off.
The signal was a Fairly decent film. I will admit i had high expectations going into the film, and being so, it did tend to dissapoint…..slightly. The story line is great, the acting is fine, and with the budget of the film, the film makers did a great job…But thats where the problem comes in. Film makers. plural. It was a new and fresh idea but the film was actually filmed by 3 people. I honestly think this is what brought the film down. Each film maker has their own style of shooting. And while some would think it would make the movie more interesting, I think it took away from the pacing and over all feeling of the film. Kudos for trying. but to me it wasn’t the original vision and ended up stranded some where between creative and pretentious. The film is really good and truly has some jaw dropping and emotional climaxes. But due to the directing flaws i couldn’t enjoy it as much as i wanted.
I love the way the story was told and how they used three different directors for each part of the film.
Great movie!
Loved the way it jumps from horror, to really dark, awkward comedy, and then back to horror.
Great execution on crossing over numerous characters.
Nice story with interesting characters but definitely no masterpiece.
This movie screams mediocrity. Decent acting, an ok story, average gore, it’s almost frustrating looking back at the film and having no points to praise or criticize, worth watching but only once.
This movie is very underwhelming. I’ve heard great things about it, but it just didn’t live up to the hype. Also, the second ‘chapter’ doesn’t seem to fit the movie and really kills the entire mood. Without that second chapter this movie gets an 8 — with it, a 6.
ORIGINAL is the best way to describe The Signal.
The humor in the Second Transmission is corky.
And i loved Lewis. very funny and creepy.
LOVED the final 3 seconds-CLASSIC!!
surprisingly good. Loses a point for a disappointing ending.
great movie i love horror/comedy movies
I got mixed signals with this one but it was entertaing though but nothing worth seeing.
I watched this last night and i was surprised how good it was. although some parts tried to hard to be funny and a little dragged out. it was pretty damn crazy in parts and i really enjoyed the characters. i recommend checking this out
mixed signals. starts off good then just gets really weird and cheesy and it never returns to what it should have been.
maybe watch the 1st 15 minutes or so if your extremely bored, but after that it just gets retarded.
There are much better movies to spend your time with.
Watch “Altered” or “Orphan” or “Inside” instead
It started off promising, and then took some getting used to because of the total tempo change from zombie horror to comedy/horror…and then back to kinda horror. The first scenario really worked, I thought–all serious about zombie takeover. Then the second act came about, and it seemed to work because it was pretty funny. A bit weird because it seems like several acts instead of a whole movie, but still worth a view.
A lot of it:
Funny, curious, frentic, amazing, turn arounds all the time, a hard line to folow, but quite entertaining. A bit of gore here and there, not to much, just enough to shock you while watching it.
good movie.i loved.
One of my favorite recent low-budget horror films. Great, simple premise. Great acting. And the fact that it was directed by three diferent director’s was cool and unique too.
Movie was decent nothing special kind of dragged on a bit kills were funny worth a watch.
I had heard nothing at all about this movie. I watched it and found it very entertaining and random. Well made for a cheapy. pretty good acting and a nice offbeat script and story.
This is interesting and dare I say it fun! Worth a watch.
I loved this movie. I never heard of it till I found it on netflix and found it entetaining with plenty of creative kill scenes. Any movie with a talking severed head definitly goes on my got to see list.
great fuckin movie, JUST csaw it for the 1st time on the movie channel, so good
This film is one of my personal favorites… Lucky you, it’s streaming on NetFlix right now! Put down the iPad, fire up the flat screen (you know, dude… The BIG one down in the man cave that you bought for the Super Bowl last year;), and prepare to be entertained… You can thank me later…
Interesting storyline but i felt it was lacking something i cant put my finger on, fun b-grade film.
Wow what a mind fuck of a movie! The kills were cool, but every time I thought the movie was gonna make sense it did some other bullshit that just confused the shit out of me, especially the end, what the fuck was that! Newayz the ONLY reason to watch this shit is for the kills and thats it, don’t expect a good movie though. And why were they acting like that Lewis guy was fuckin Michael Myers or somethin, they never fought back like normal fuckin human being would! OK I’ll end my rant here, like I said watch it once for the kills and then erase it from your brain.
Starts of good but its a downward spiral for sure.
I still recommend watching it for the 1st 15 minutes or so but it’s a realyl weird movie I didn’t really dig it.
Hold everything! This is one of the most intelligent horror movies I’ve seen. It is a social and political commentary where we are actually part of the characters. When the movie opens with the “fake” B-movie horror scene, it seems so crappy. Even so, we can’t turn away and we get sucked in by “the signal” that leads into the real movie. I didn’t get it at first, but when you think of the main character woman as being a citizen who isn’t sure what to do to save her own life, you notice she’s torn between two sides, conservative (take no chances, use violence before they get you) and liberal (think of the possibilities of killing innocent people while defending yourself). The contrast of liberal and conservative gets pretty dramatic once you notice it. The signal might be propaganda itself shaping society and the people, turning them insane and violent. In the end, the woman is torn between the two at the depot, turned pretty numbed and crazy from it all, not knowing what to think or even caring. When you see the movie in that light, it becomes pretty genius, indeed. Tons of other details in this movie to check out, but definitely not as light a movie as it first appears….
The best mindmelting movie I’ve seen since Kaboom!
Pretty good, the segments blend together well. Very fine line between the affected and unaffected makes it quite nerve wracking.
The Signal. What a movie. The 3 directors deftly mix together the three tones they bring to their own parts. The first “transmission’ is unsettling, scary and disturbing, the second part has some genuinely amusing dark comedy moments and the final part ends the movie on a perfect haunting note. The best movie i have seen this year so far by a distance.
This film is phenomenal. I have heard negative things about “transmission 3″ being too gimmicky, but I just don’t see it. Although the second act is easily my favorite (the humor is spot on) I still feel as though each part does it’s own thing to pull this film together and make it what it is. It’s gory, it’s funny, and most of all it’s thoroughly entertaining.
This film is phenomenal. I have heard negative things about “transmission 3″ being too gimmicky, but I just don’t see it. Although the second act is easily my favorite (the humor is spot on) I still feel as though each part does it’s own thing to pull this film together and make it what it is. It’s gory, it’s funny, and most of all it’s thoroughly entertaining.
A city, an apartment complex, a small household, the streets. It does not matter where you are: for the noise will catch up to you either way. “The Signal” is a frightening, ingenious independent horror film about mysterious transmissions that are communicated by radio and television broadcasts. It is also a story divided into three simple acts; each meant to say something interesting about human nature – with the overall message divided amongst several people. They’re normal inner and outer city residents; living the good and decidedly normal life until strange colors and images start to invade their flat screens. It isn’t long before their neighbors and close friends go mad and embark on little individual killing sprees.
To me, there isn’t much sense in me describing all three acts of the movie in extreme detail; so I’ll just tell you how it all goes down. As the movie begins, we meet a blonde woman named Mya who is cheating on her husband Lewis (A.J. Bowen) with a skinny tattooed guy named Ben (Justin Welborn). She returns home after spending part of the night at his place, only to find Lewis and his friends fretting over the images that grace the screens of their televisions. We’re told that the game was on; but now, there is no game. It doesn’t take long for Lewis to become delusional and unreasonably pissed off (usually about ridiculous things), and at that, he kills one of his friends, while the other one (a black dude, of course) escapes. Mya also flees the scene and meets up with that very black dude, although it’s safe to say that they’re not together for long; even though it is worth mentioning that he has a cool little home-made weapon that he uses to slay the crazies.
Another segment focuses on a suburban home, where a whole lot goes down. The house belongs to a woman named Anna and her husband, who she has killed after he caught on to the crazy virus thingy. This is a shame, for they were planning a big New Year’s Eve party with a lot of people planning to attend, and many decorations already set up. But now, there are more serious matters at hand; and Lewis arrives at the house (as does a neighbor named Scott, played by Scott Poythress) with a tank full of insecticide, which he uses to blind his victims. This is sort of an intriguing part of the movie, since it deals with a number of different tones. While in the house: there is dark and deadpan comedy, gruesome horror, discreet social satire, and relentless apprehension. It’s both humorous and scary; because to me, the situation feels real, and so do a good number of these people – whether the movie intends for them to be objects for satire or not.
The problem that critics seem to have with the movie is the fact that perhaps it is attempting to tackle too much at one time and try too many things at once. Indeed it is; but rather than scoff at how uneven and absurd it gets in some instances, I was left intrigued and satisfied. It’s a brutal, diabolical experience of a movie, and while it may not be perfect, it has some welcome human touches laced with aspects of comedy and genuine terror. It may not be as original as it wants to be either; but oh, what the hell. This is still a damn engaging movie.
Made on a relatively low budget of only $50,000 and shot in just thirteen days; the work that went into “The Signal” is pretty darn impressive. For an indie outing, I’d say it’s nicely played, and for me it works. There are some clever moments where the influence and inspiration to make the film shines through; such as one where the black dude’s decapitated head is brought back to life a la “Re-Animator”. True, not all the scenes are particularly memorable, but almost all of them are worth praising. There is suspense, there are scares, and there’s also some decent human drama. I never found it absolutely compelling – or even emotionally resonant – but the movie makes it its job to scare us, and it does that quite well. Just try to forget the fact that it kind of resembles a Stephen King novel with a similar premise, and you will probably be alright. But then again…maybe not.
The actors are convincing, and the direction from the visionary threesome – David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry – is suitably riveting. For something that cost so little to make, it does a whole lot more than what most Hollywood horror movies do. That’s saying something; given that I’m not one to just dismiss every Hollywood horror production that comes along. I am accepting and open-minded, always willing to have fun when fun does indeed come my way, but nowadays; the independent films are taking the world by storm, and “The Signal” skillfully feeds the need for unforgiving and savage entertainment. One moment bleak and another breathtakingly intense; if this is what someone can do with a handheld movie camera, I’d think our future is a whole lot brighter than we initially thought. You know, as long as the movie doesn’t imitate life.