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Last updated: 06 Jun 2026 at 03:29 UTC

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Review of by Kai82 — 27 Nov 2020

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An entertaining science fiction movie with elements resembling the X-Files. Zane Zamisky played by Charlie Sheen is an astronomer who works for the SETI project (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).

He hit the jackpot when he discovered a signal that could be prove that intelligent alien lifeforms exist. To his surprise his discoveries are dismissed and he is shortly after fired as results of budget cuts.

Because this all makes not much sense to him he starts an investigation. The more he discovered the stranger it gets. The story is clearly inspired by the X-Files and it is not a bad thing. It is always clear what they want and there are no mistakes in the story and directing.

The twist improve the atmosphere of the movie. The actors and especially Charlie Sheen deliver a good performance. I think there is not much more to talk about. Overall this while being no masterpiece is an enjoyable and well crafted movie.

They know what they want to do and archived it. Bonus knowledge: There are many theories while we found no signs of alien life. The base assumption is that the universe is incredible big and old. So there have to be countless other civilizations even at very small odds.

There are many theories like “The Dark Forest” (They hide because there could be other civilizations that are destroying each other civilization they could find), “The Great Filter” (There is some obstacle civilizations rarely survive or cant survive) or that the universe was not suited for life earlier on (Gamma ray burst wiping out all life in proximity).

This review of The Arrival (1996) was written by on 27 Nov 2020.

The Arrival has generally received mixed reviews.

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