Arrival Preview

The answer to "Are we alone in the galaxy" has been answered in Arrival as several mysterious spacecraft land in various locations across the earth.  The government brings in linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is brought in to attempt to communicate with whatever might be inside.  She and her team must find a way to discover the truth of their intentions as the world prepares for the possibility of global war.

The preview shows two different sides completely sure that their interpretation of the situation is correct.  The government and military are convinced that the aliens are here with the intent to destroy while Banks believes they are not our enemy.  She is told they are out of time and that action must be taken. So she does.  Against their orders she does something drastic that will either prove her case or lead to catastrophic results.  We can speculate that she offers herself up to the aliens in order to communicate with them, though it's not completely clear from the preview.  Those promoting the film promise a surprise ending that will have viewers talking for quite a while after the movie is over.

There have been plenty of alien movies throughout the years.  While some portray them in a peaceful light (E.T. the Extraterrestrial, StarMan, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Cocoon), others show a very violent side to the visitors (Independence Day, Cowboys & Aliens, The War of the Worlds).  Regardless of their intent, it is always a terrifyingly unknown situation and the residents of planet Earth are immediately frightened at the catastrophic possibility rather than optimistic.  While Arrival doesn't show the blockbuster explosions that made some of the alien movies into blockbusters, it does look like a gripping and fascinating drama.  And I'm a huge fan of Amy Adams.  She is joined by Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker in what I'm anticipating to be a very well executed alien film on all fronts: special effects, acting, drama, original story, and intensity leaving you breathless at the end.  I'm giving Arrival a very hopeful and optimistic 4 Star prediction.  I believe it will be well worth the money in the theatre and one that I'd like to watch again and perhaps even own.  Am I right?  We shall see.