An entertaining movie that is both thought provoking and suspenseful , starring Demi Moore- Could the end of the world be far off? Maybe not...

The Seventh Sign is an apocalyptic thriller/drama, based on the prophetic book of Revelation in the Bible. It stars the aforementioned Moore as a seemingly ordinary housewife on whom the fate of the world may rest.

A mysterious stranger is traveling the world with curious documents bearing unusual seals, that when broken, have castastrophic results. A sea boils, a river turns to blood. Those familiar with the book of Revelation will recognize these as the biblical signs of the end times. While officials of the Catholic Church investigate the remarkable events for proof of authenticity, the seal toting traveler eventually ends up on the California doorstep of the emotionally delicate and anxiously expectant Abby Quinn (Moore).
Introducing himself as David, the stranger rents a room above the Quinn's garage, and it isn't long until Abby develops an interest in David's activities. Already consumed with fear for her unborn child due to a previous miscarriage, and haunted by dreams that seem to be connected to David, Abby sets out to learn more about him. The more she discovers, the more frightened she becomes. Husband Russell (Michael Biehn, Terminator, The Abyss), though concerned, believes her new found preoccupation with religion is due to the emotional strain of the pregnancy. A defense attorney, Russell has his own preoccupation-the impending death sentence of a mentally retarded client (John Taylor), convicted of murdering his incestrous parents.

The critics didn't really give this movie glowing reviews, but I liked it alot. Directed by Carl Shultz, the Seventh Sign, though not without flaws, is entertaining and thought provoking . The screenplay, written by George Kaplan and W.W. Wicket offers up some nicely placed plot twists and the "what if" aspect gives the film a suspenseful edge.
As with any movie based on religion, this one has to take liberties with certain aspects of the storyline, as so much of it is open to interpretation. Whether it is the order, the timing, the meaning, or the reality of the events prophesied, it isn't likely that the viewer will necessarily agree with every aspect of this particular interpretation. I certainly didn't agree with all the possiblities depicted, but then-it really is just a movie. The good news: its not necessary to believe, or even be familiar with the book of Revelation to entertain the possibility suggested in this fictional scenio- if only for the duration of the film. The relevant religious background unravels during the course of events adequately enough for the biblical novice to follow, but viewers that come into it with beliefs similar to those depicted will likely find this movie to be more effective.
At times a little "busy", a couple of sideplots that seem unecessary eventually do tie in to become important to the whole, and add nicely to the storyline.

I'm not a huge fan of Moore but she is better than usual as Abby, a woman who is alternately hopeless and hopeful, weak on the surface-but possesses a determined inner strength. Not surprisingly, there is one (third tri-mester) nude scene of Moore in the bathtub. (trivia: filmed during one of her actual pregnancies-before the famous Vanity Fair cover). I have no idea why.
Biehn, though given little to do gives a solid performance as does Manny Jacobs as Avi, a young Jewish student who appears to be Abby's only active ally. The standout performance, however, has to be that of Jurgen Prochnow whose memorable portrayal of David captures the mysterious quality of the character and keeps the viewer curious.


As ordinary-people-with-the-weight-of-the-world-on-their-shoulders movies go, this is one of the better ones. It might even leave you thinking long after the credits roll.






Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older