Contact

• TOP NOTCH (my top choices)
• HONORABLE MENTION (well worth watching)
• YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER (I like them but you might not)
• CLASSICS (Great movies up through the 1960s - many don't have any rating)

CONTACT (1997) - PG - TOP NOTCH
Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey

Summary -  Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine.

Cautions - Some language in the first quarter of the film

Commentary - Based on the book by famous astronomer Carl Sagan and directed by Robert Zemeckis, Contact is one of my favorite films.

This is not your average sci-fi plot. The situation leans heavily on science (although simplified from the novel) but revolves around what it means to be a believer. Various kinds of extremists on both sides of the science/religion argument are represented but the movie moves toward an understanding and middle ground where both sides can appreciate that each is searching for truth with a different set of tools - and that truth is a whole lot bigger than either side can comprehend.

I have some personal complaints about the unnecessary use of casual swearing in the first quarter of the film but my biggest complaint is that, Palmer Joss (representing the religious side), sleeps with Ellie Arroway (scientist). In the novel there is no romantic relationship between them but I assume Hollywood felt it was needed for the movie. Even still, I don't see any reason they needed to sleep together. Other than that, I really liked their relationship and it gave real emotional depth to the plot.

The movie is captivating, richly filmed and WONDERFULLY acted. It's a great story to discuss afterward and definitely one to see again.

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