The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

I'm a big fan of Jessica Alba and was disappointed when the Fantastic Four franchise was dropped. I really expected more from this film, but the only mature performances among the main characters came from the reliable J.K. Simmons and 10-year-old Sophie Nyweide (who stole the movie for me). I realise that the parts played by Jessica and dad John Shea were difficult, requiring them to reveal glimpses of former brilliance along with the subtle emotional and mental damage (respectively), the combined effect of which turned mother Sonia Braga into a hag (a role that didn't do her justice either). Unfortunately, they both missed the mark and Jessica came across as simple almost to the point of retarded. The school head was a caricature figure, as was the 'bad girl' (an issue that was dismally not addressed). Indeed the whole film seemed a bit like a caricature, which is disappointing, since all the ingredients were there to produce something a lot better - a real missed opportunity. The best scene (apart from the maudlin ones involving Sophie) was when Jessica determines to find out what happened to JKS. I would really love to have liked this film more, but won't be keeping my copy.

I am compelled to review this movie because it is very underrated and has a lot of negative reviews. I don't understand the negativity at all. If you have any interest in math, for instance, this is a good movie for that alone. I didn't see anything bad about the acting, directing or dialog. Perfectly fine and engaging feel-good movie about troubled people and how they deal. No doubt a good adaptation of the book (which I haven't read).Several people express confusion at why Alba's character is thrown out of her home by her mom because her father got sick. This is not directly explained in the movie, but I think it is extremely clear: it's because her mom wants her daughter to have a life of her own. Not to be tied down taking care of the sick dad. I don't really see anything very strange about that.The movie is adorable and emotionally effective most of the time. Where I do start to get a slight problem with this movie is towards the end. The whole ax thing got over-dramatic, the reinstatement after the firing was not explained (although I suspect it probably was in the book - clearly it had something to do with the hotshot lawyer mom of one of the pupils), and the guy's comment about being her "bathroom monitor" was a very strange reaction, clearly only supposed to create artificial tension until he changed his mind seconds later. Add to this that the ending was perhaps a tiny bit too syrupy. But somehow it makes sense; most of the elements do combine to make a well-rounded whole.I enjoyed the movie and I continue to be shocked by how off-putting some people found it. I guess a lot of the negative reviewers are just aping other negative reviewers in order to seem like they are cool. Memo: People who ape other people's opinions are never cool.

A woman-child, in pigtails the whole time, compulses by knocking and counting random numbers while depending on magical thinking. She has severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, debilitating anxiety, and is grossly stunted emotionally and mentally. Her father is completely disabled due to his own mental illness. So the film tries to make something of these very troubled people. However, it fails. It is difficult to care about the main character since she barely utters a word and runs away from most anything, which voids meaningful character interaction. In fact, it's difficult to care about any of the characters. Most of the school children are written with cliché, and urine has its close-ups that do not advance the story. There are too many ridiculous plot points, like someone being hired for a sensitive position without an interview or credentials, a highly unlikely instance of weapon wielding, a sweetly stalking male, an older person leaving behind something hard-earned to get lucky, and an unbelievable ending to make your eyes roll out of your head.Apparently in this filmmaker's world, home-study approval is not a requirement, much like teaching certifications...and worthwhile scripts. 2 out of 10.

After a stroke of her father (John Shea), the weird Mona Gray (Jessica Alba) gives up of all the things she likes but mathematic expecting that her father will be better. When she is 20 year-old, she is expelled from home by her mother (Sonia Braga) to live her own life. Soon her mother lies to her friend Ms. Gelband (Marylouise Burke), who is principal of a school, telling that Mona Gray is graduated and she hires her to teach mathematic to the third grade. Mona Gray feels affection for the orphan Lisa Venus (Sophie Nyweide) and her odd behavior attracts the attention of the teacher Ben Smith (Chris Messina). When there is an incident at school, the life of Mona Gray changes for good."An Invisible Sign" is among the worst movies I have ever seen, with an awful and senseless story. The plot is imbecile, beginning with Mona Gray's mother expelling her daughter out of her home without any reason. Then Ms. Gelband hires a clumsy and unprepared teacher without checking her credentials or background. Instead of mathematic, Mona Gray actually teaches and is attracted by numbers. She brings an ax to a classroom with kids in a total irresponsible attitude. The corny and lame conclusion, with Mona Gray rehired by the school and easily getting the custody of Lisa is terrible. The worst is that, this is the type of movie that we see expecting to like it, but the awful story is unbearable independently of the cast. Last but not the least, Sonia Braga lost her beauty and is unrecognizable. The years are cruel for everybody!My vote is two.Title (Brazil): "Matemática do Amor" ("Mathematic of Love")