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3.5/4
Starring: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, James Woods, John Hurt, Angela Bassett, David Morse, Jena Malone
Rated PG for Some Intense Action, Mild Language and a Scene of Sensuality
Ever since we have become self-aware, man has pondered his place in the universe. Some look to science, others look to God (and a great amount of people look to both). Robert Zemeckis' sci-fi film is about this question. Where do we draw the line between science and faith?
Ellie Arroway (Foster) has been interested in the stars all her life. It is something that she shared as a young girl (Malone) with her father (Morse). As a professional astronomer, she continues to search for sentient life beyond our planet. Shortly before her funding dries up, she finds a signal from the planet Vega. Now the world becomes divided. Some, like Palmer Joss (McConaughey) think it's a sign from God, while others, like Ellie, think that there is a scientific explanation.
There is a lot going on here, and Zemeckis gives all of it its due. Primarily, he poses the questions of the division of science and faith, but there are also a number of other subplots going on. For example, who will get to go to Vega? Will it be Ellie, or her slimy higher-up, David Drumlin (Skerritt)? What is Ellie willing to risk to go to Vega, since because of the distance she'll be gone for 50 years at least?
The acting is strong across the board, although that's to be expected with a cast like this. Jodie Foster plays Ellie as an idealistic atheist. She looks to science for answers, but is positive that they hold meaning. She's also fiercely independent, standing up to Drumlin and the even slimier head of national security, Michael Kitz (Woods). Matthew McConaughey gives one of his best performances, if not his best. In his words, he's a man of the cloth without the cloth. He approves of science, but not at the expense of faith. And he has a nice chemistry with Foster. Skerritt, Woods, Bassett and a deliciously wacky Hurt (as a billionaire investor) provide solid support. The only acting flaws are Rob Lowe, who plays a fatuous Christian Right pundit and Jena Malone, who has some stiff moments as child Ellie.
Robert Zemekis has always been a strong storyteller. From the "Back to the Future" movies to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" to "Forrest Gump," Zemekis has placed story over effects (although he is skilled with the latter). He takes his time unfurling the story, giving attention to the ideas and explaining the science (Drumiln frequently explains the science mumbo jumbo to Kitz in one scene).
If there's any flaw, it's the antagonism by religious extremists (mainly led by the creepy Joseph, played by Jake Busey) is poorly motivated. One would think that people of faith would be excited at the opportunity to meet their creator.
Starring: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, James Woods, John Hurt, Angela Bassett, David Morse, Jena Malone
Rated PG for Some Intense Action, Mild Language and a Scene of Sensuality
Ever since we have become self-aware, man has pondered his place in the universe. Some look to science, others look to God (and a great amount of people look to both). Robert Zemeckis' sci-fi film is about this question. Where do we draw the line between science and faith?
Ellie Arroway (Foster) has been interested in the stars all her life. It is something that she shared as a young girl (Malone) with her father (Morse). As a professional astronomer, she continues to search for sentient life beyond our planet. Shortly before her funding dries up, she finds a signal from the planet Vega. Now the world becomes divided. Some, like Palmer Joss (McConaughey) think it's a sign from God, while others, like Ellie, think that there is a scientific explanation.
There is a lot going on here, and Zemeckis gives all of it its due. Primarily, he poses the questions of the division of science and faith, but there are also a number of other subplots going on. For example, who will get to go to Vega? Will it be Ellie, or her slimy higher-up, David Drumlin (Skerritt)? What is Ellie willing to risk to go to Vega, since because of the distance she'll be gone for 50 years at least?
The acting is strong across the board, although that's to be expected with a cast like this. Jodie Foster plays Ellie as an idealistic atheist. She looks to science for answers, but is positive that they hold meaning. She's also fiercely independent, standing up to Drumlin and the even slimier head of national security, Michael Kitz (Woods). Matthew McConaughey gives one of his best performances, if not his best. In his words, he's a man of the cloth without the cloth. He approves of science, but not at the expense of faith. And he has a nice chemistry with Foster. Skerritt, Woods, Bassett and a deliciously wacky Hurt (as a billionaire investor) provide solid support. The only acting flaws are Rob Lowe, who plays a fatuous Christian Right pundit and Jena Malone, who has some stiff moments as child Ellie.
Robert Zemekis has always been a strong storyteller. From the "Back to the Future" movies to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" to "Forrest Gump," Zemekis has placed story over effects (although he is skilled with the latter). He takes his time unfurling the story, giving attention to the ideas and explaining the science (Drumiln frequently explains the science mumbo jumbo to Kitz in one scene).
If there's any flaw, it's the antagonism by religious extremists (mainly led by the creepy Joseph, played by Jake Busey) is poorly motivated. One would think that people of faith would be excited at the opportunity to meet their creator.
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