Review of Contact (1997) by Bryan L — 10 Sep 2014
The search for extraterrestrial life leads to an explicit debate on science and religion in this science fiction film adapted from the Carl Sagan novel. Jodie Foster is the atheist scientist selected to make first contact after evidence of extra terrestrial life is discovered.
The journey undertaken by Foster leads to a misty-eyed mystical encounter that challenges her skepticism. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this is likely the most thoughtful movie of the genre since "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," but despite the ambition, it remains unsatisfying.
Following the conservatism of "Forrest Gump," Zemeckis has made a film that sacrifices a sense of wonder in favor of an overly pious, heavy-handed message. There are spectacular visual effects sequences but the manipulation of footage from real-life news events is disingenuous.
Foster brings her usual intelligence to the role but struggles with the insincere emotions and banal dialogue. Matthew McConaughey is negligible in the terrible role of a Christian philosopher and implausible love interest.
With James Woods, Tom Skerritt, William Fitchner, John Hurt, Angela Bassett, Jake Busey, and David Morse.
This review of Contact (1997) was written by Bryan L on 10 Sep 2014.
Contact has generally received positive reviews.
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