An Invisible Sign (2010) Reviews

• Surprisingly warm and well-acted

  nancy_hse2011-04-14

  I'm really disappointed to see that this movie has such a low rating - it doesn't give the movie justice at all. First of all, the story is unusual and well-told - I haven't read the book so I cannot compare but I suppose that the basis is very good because in general adaptations tend to be worse than original books, and this adaptation is pretty good. The film explores the idea of growing up - when does this moment come? What should happen to finally show us that we are adults ourselves, that there is no other grown-up around? This process of maturing of a person totally locked into her shell is very interesting. Secondly, I must say that I've never been Jessica Alba's fan but now I can say that she's not only pretty but she can act. Hope that she will have more films coming that actually involve acting. Thirdly, the ensemble cast gives a really good impression. There is no one who seems out of place. And finally, the film itself leaves you with such a warm and positive aftertaste that any faults that it has seem totally irrelevant. Not a masterpiece but still a very good movie. 8/10

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• If only it were Invisible ...

  twilliams762011-07-03

  An Invisible Sign is one of those films you kind of wish you had never seen. There are plenty of movies worse than this one; but this one tries so very hard to be both loved and cherished that it leaves one feeling used. First-time feature-film director, Marilyn Agrelo (she had earlier directed the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom), uses so much saccharine in trying to sweeten Sign's audience into loving and liking and feeling for and/or sorry for this odd assortment of characters that one begins to wish strychnine had been used instead. In real-life, NONE of these eccentric characters would come across as likable and so one has to force himself/herself into finishing this film. Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four, Sin City, Never Been Kissed) plays Mona Gray, an odd-duck of a character who is kicked-out of her house by her parents years after her genius mathematician father has suffered a nervous breakdown (she is kicked-out for no real reason other than she is 20 and her mom isn't likable). Lucky Mona, though (!), as her mother has helped get her daughter a job as the math teacher at the local elementary school ... Mona having no degree isn't a problem (Mom lied saying she had one) as the school never looks into her past (I'm not kidding). It is at school/work surrounded by kids with greater problems than her own that Mona begins to wake-up to life and find purpose and meaning beyond a search for numbers. Mona also meets a fellow teacher played by Chris Messina (Julie & Julia, Monogamy, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) who becomes interested in her odd manners and seeks out her friendship. Just as these last few sentences suggest, An Invisible Sign IS oddly disjointed and filled with scenarios and situations that don't really go together. It is as if the film were pieced together because of "cute, little moments" ... instead of giving us a cohesive and plausible story. There is little-to-no charm here and the entire thing feels tried and odd to me. I believe Messina's character was written/created for the sole purpose of having a sane individual in the film (yes ... groan). Alba has tried drama in the past and has come across marginally successful at times; but An Invisible Sign doesn't help her resume. It is almost too bad this one wasn't invisible.

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• film does the book justice

  newmonter2011-04-07

  Watched this on On Demand and loved the quirkiness and the charm. Jessica Alba embodied "Mona Gray" well. I was a bit disappointed to see that America Ferrara didn't play the part until I actually saw the film. Jessica makes it work. Was also worried the movie wouldn't be as good as the book, which is one of my favorites,but the writers really did a good job. Chris Messina is always good in anything he does and he doesn't disappoint here. It was a nice surprise to see Sonia Braga on screen again. Sophie Nyweide is perfectly cast as "Lisa Venus", the sad, brave little girl who helps Mona Gray overcome her own emotional obstacles. This film is a sweet escape from a long day. Curl up on the couch and give it a whirl.

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• A lonely film

  themagikalman2012-08-21

  This film is a strange one but i would have to rate it higher than most. The main character is a more realistic version of what someone would actually be that had insecurity issues. I really enjoyed this film because I can relate the main character and what she feels like sometimes. There aren't many films that do focus on this aspect on life in such a real way, which many of us go through. that is why i had to give it such a high rating. As well as this Jessica Alba plays a really innocent cute character, something a little different from her usual The film is funny, sad, inspiring, and a bit weird. If you enjoy indie films you will most probably like this. If you are lonely and have social issues you will probably like this.

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• If you respect teachers, this one will make you very MAD. (SPOILER ALERT!)

  darlinghammond2011-04-05

  I appreciate the acting in this film, which is excellent. I find the story utterly disturbing. I also appreciate that there is a sort of a happy ending for many of the dysfunctional people, but if it's realistic, I am scared. As a teacher, I just found it shameful that this character was offered a teaching job (references not checked), then portrayed a truly incompetent educator (notice you'll never see the insanity of grades 1 and 2 after the opening scene) who is praised and then offered her job back AFTER BRINGING AN AXE TO THE SCHOOL! WHAT?!?!?! This socially awkward, communication challenged, judgment absent character is then given custody of a small child. Ummm.... Seriously? The character development was mediocre. The plot was a bit like clear broth. And it makes teachers (and lawyers and mothers) look horrible. I gave it two stars because I love the cast in other projects. I am sad that I spent money on this film. What a freaking waste.

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