Arrival

We are still talking about this movie and we watched it months ago. You can't yap when you see it: definitely have to think and use your brain, observe and Pay Attention. But man, what a reward once you finally have that light bulb moment and you get it! Really recommend it to anyone who wants a thoughtful, intelligent film but NOT for a Friday night. Save it for a Saturday night or a Sunday night Bookclub or something.

This first contact story is both visually and intellectually interesting. The aliens' form is a surprise, as is their style of written communication. The story explores big questions, like...Does the need of the many outweigh the need of an individual?...How much would you be willing to sacrifice in order to save someone else?...and...Can a person's influence last beyond his or her lifetime?

This is a slightly modified remake of The day the earth stood still and Independence day mashed together - mmmeeehhh

A beautiful deep-thinker of a movie full of bittersweet moments that write a message of powerful hope. When 12 alien ships mysteriously arrive on earth, linguist Louise Banks--along with a team of scientists and military leaders--is brought to the site of one of the landings to attempt to communicate and find out why the ships came, but what she finds is beyond anything she has ever imagined. Not a typical "alien movie," this is a story of language, courage, and choices, with mind-teasing twists that fans of movies like "Inception," "The Prestige," and "Now You See Me" will appreciate.

It was a good film. It was a quieter, more thoughtful film than I was expecting. It had a good premise and I thought Amy Adams was very good in it. If you're looking for a science fiction film full of action and explosions, then this is not what you're looking for, but if you're looking for a more complex film that asks lots of questions about time and communication, this one is definitely worthwhile.

I usually find sci-fi stuff very boring, but this one started out quite interesting for a change, and I saw it going in a very interesting and uncomfortable direction (uncomfortable in a GOOD way!). However, the second half or so the story kind of went downhill, and became very predictable. Just an OK film, but the presence of Amy Adams is always a good thing for any film.

Mind-blowing time-twisting movie that at times felt a little slow (some reviewers say :nothing happens:) but I really enjoy films like this that make you think. (Sliding Doors and Beach House are also in this genre). Really makes you wonder how language evolved and how we actually might communicate with beings from another planet. Fascinating concept.

Terrible. Extremely long, boring, and overall disjounted and stupid. I love sci-fi but this movie was just ridiculous!

A linguistics professor by the name of Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams) must lead a team of investigators in order to find a way to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors which have landed in twelve locations around the world. The world is on the brink of global war, so she must work quickly in order to find some way to communicate. This movie is full of thrill, action, and science fiction which is enough to please any sci-fi lover. This movie came out in 2016 and was directed by Denis Villeneuve, with excellent reviews from the critics which stated that the movie excellently combines wonder with realism.
- @Moviecritquer01 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

Brilliant. But do not talk during this movie or you won't get it. It is NOT a shot-em-up them against us, 'Independence Day' or 'Aliens' type movie! Watch it when you are in the mood for slow, drawn out, thinking cinema or if you never are then just give it a pass. Loved it.