Ignore the one-star reviews if you're looking for some depth

Rating: 10/10 (11 February 2017)

I'm truly surprised by the number of negative reviews. I felt compelled to create an IMDb account and add my 2 cents to counter the apparent fecal storm in the reviews section.
The average moviegoer has been conditioned to expect a certain type of content (look up "Pavlov's Dogs"). When they don't get it, they are confused. They feel cheated and stupid.
Arrival is a movie that indeed delivers on so many different levels. It deals with the practical aspects of extraterrestrial contact. How would one approach an alien and how would one engage in a dialogue with them? Through the protagonist's eyes we can learn about the beauty of the "human experience." The audience gets to analyze the situation at hand as the movie progresses.
But if you are one of those people that always expects aliens to land on the White House lawn (where such things usually land) and if you expect an instant violent encounter with numerous lasers and explosions, you're out of luck. Please stop expecting this type of content. Arrival is not categorized as an action movie!
Why not learn about the Fermi Paradox or the Arecibo message? The movie is so much more than "some chick translating stuff for two hours." If you want action and guns, go see something else. If you're looking for intellectual stimulation and if you enjoy a good balance between character development and an eloquently designed story-line, this movie might just be for you.
TL;DR: This movie is for smart hombres. If you like building walls, maybe sit this one out.