Review of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) by Jacob E — 17 Aug 2011
In science fiction, there are great films, than there are masterpieces. This is a masterpiece. If it wasn't for literally 3 shots in the movie, it would be flawless. No, really. Truly flawless. But 3 bad effects shots involving aliens have aged so terribly that it yanks you out of the experience.
Which is too bad, because the rest is so insanely engaging that it's caused critics and audience members alike to declare the film to be garbage. I can overlook these 3 small moments and remember that the rest of the film manages to be an incredible piece of filmmaking in general.
Even though the aliens are friendly in this one, it still manages to be relentlessly creepy at certain points. You know your movie is downright nerve-wracking when you can make camera shots in a house ungodly creepy when there aren't even aliens on screen (also, the abduction scene is a great exercise in suspense and terror).
But the overall package is very well done. If bits of the ending were smoothed out, this would be in a tie with "Schindler's List" for Spielberg's best film (I'm dead serious about that).
But as it stands, a very solid second place.
This review of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) was written by Jacob E on 17 Aug 2011.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind has generally received very positive reviews.
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