Good movie for date night or save it to watch on DVD

Rating: 7/10 (13 December 2016)

There is something to be said for reading reviews before going to see a movie. However, after having my expectations built up by my spouse, then dimmed by spoilers and some disparaging reviews, I didn't know what to expect.
**Contains spoilers** Sorry! Since these spoilers are out there anyway, I don't mind repeating them.
The movie is beautifully shot, not much CGI, instead focusing more on human emotions and the main character, Louise - not the aliens or their spaceship. Anyone expecting to see Star Wars- like action or Star Trek alien technology, will be disappointed or 'bored to death', as some reviewers found it. Amy Adams performance is powerful and nuanced, drawing you into the story and making it totally believable. The supporting cast performance from Forest Whitaker is also perfectly executed, walking a fine line between balancing military goals and human nature.
The story line is not really unique and doesn't provide the ground breaking 'Aha!' moments of films like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' or 'Matrix'however it does explore important aspects of what could actually happen when trying to communicate with an alien race. Just to clarify a few misconceptions from the bad reviews those aren't a "million random cut scenes of babies, people passing away and other mundane rubbish", rather they are the crux of what the story is about – the past, present and future. Clearly this person was not watching the movie!
The physicist played by Ian is not 'useless' or just a love interest; he helps to design the algorithm used to decode the symbols communicated by the aliens; he collaborates with other scientists around the world and together they uncover the key to the alien language. It is entirely plausible, based on the mathematical models used. It's not just a sudden and magical deciphering of "random scribbling", as one skeptic put it. In fact, the movie took great pains to explain the logic and progression – Louise using basic English grade school level words and learning their symbols through daily repetition, for several months. (This was augmented by similar steps taken by other scientists at other sites, who shared what was learned – so there is a multiplier effect to the learning curve).
The aliens seem to readily understand English language but humans were unable to understand their response. This presents a dilemma as the communication between both parties grows – are they speaking the same language with the same meaning? Note that all the countries break through the communication barrier, albeit in different ways. They all interpret the message – but is the message received correctly? Louise does a lot to educate the audience on the finer points of communication.
The critique of the 'rogue soldier' and roles of generals running things on the ground in the US or other foreign countries, are plausible plot points. Several events highlight the fear response that most people would have to this unique situation. The fact that generals are on the front line dealing with the aliens and not the President (or heads of State) is a realistic security protocol. Don't expect the President to be hands-on, like in 'Independence Day'. Rather, it's clearly shown that the soldiers are not ultimately 'in charge' as they have to report every development to the CIA and Pentagon, where the tactical decisions are made.
Some of the finer points missed by some – the use of infinity symbols - a circle, the number '8' also, '12' (found in several cultures, meaning completeness and perfection).
The music complements the scenes well, underscoring the gravitas of the performances and seriousness as the situation grows more urgent and dire, ironically, in a race against time.
I give Amy props for a solid performance. She is such a reliable and versatile actress, (from Enchanted to American Hustle, Man of Steel) she refuses to be typecast – this latest role highlights her depth, in an Oscar-worthy performance. Also nice to see two Toronto newscasters make cameos in the closing scenes!
The film overall deserves a 7/10 as there aren't any new or ground- breaking concepts presented. There isn't much scale or grandeur requiring a big screen or sound; there are mostly tight shots of the actor's faces – thank goodness Amy is pleasing to look at. Otherwise, this could easily be reserved for the small screen.
The dilemma of the communication and misinterpretation is the issue. Does mankind come together to solve the problem or does each seek to singularly benefit from the 'gift'/'weapon' or 'tool'? It also makes the larger point that despite the frailty of the human condition, in spite of our failings or because of it – life is still worth living.