2016: A Space Odyssey

Rating: 7/10 (16 December 2016)

2016 has been a pretty odd year for the most part, but for the characters in Arrival the year is going to get even more memorable as their world has itself some alien visitors. Starring Amy Adams and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival keeps the director on a good streak, remaining without a bad feature film under his belt, while also paying homage to Kubrick's 2001 as evident by the orange spacesuits and the curvature of the hospital corridor in the films opening sequence. Lets hope Villeneuve' influence and streak continue with Blade Runner 2049. Please God.
This film for the most part is a rather enjoyable aliens-arrive-on-earth movie. A team of scientists and language experts are brought together by the government to attempt to make contact, it follows basic plot conventions and plays as the most realistic and logical reaction America would have to an event like this (other than opening fire immediately). So for the most part the film is an enjoyable viewing of evident plot conventions.
However this is not all there is to the film. No sir. The film focuses mainly on language expert, Louise Banks played brilliantly by Amy Adams. Adams' performance in conjunction with Villenuve's heartfelt and realistic construction of the character are a winning combination. Right from the opening sequence you already feel for Louise and are drawn to her as she is established beautifully in an opening montage that meets the ranks of Disney's UP. A short sequence but one that brings great emotion and establishes the protagonist extremely well.
As well as a well established lead the film also has a well executed narrative progression. Events progress naturally and questions that both you and the characters have been asking finally get some answers. Thankfully these answers don't disappoint at all, in fact they will blow your mind. Take my word for it that is not an understatement. So please go watch it and tell them Dan sent you.
Unfortunately the only issue with this film is that it peaks just a bit too early. Once all questions are answered and the film has hit its peak, the film then continues on and gradually starts to decline a little before the credits actually roll. There is a particular sequence with the Chinese President at a party which I personally felt to be simply ham-handed and thus almost ruins what was a very enjoyable and intriguing film.
Overall, Arrival is fantastic sci-fi film with a slightly ham-handed finish but that is largely forgotten about thanks to Amy Adams great performance and Denis Villeneuve's masterful directing. A must see for fans of the genre and film fans. Now that's a proper introduction.