astronomer searches for life on other planets(you might be surprised at the outcome)

Rating: 9/10 (24 March 2007)

this movie pleasantly surprised me.i had put off seeing it for years,mainly for 2 reasons.the first reason is that the movie looked like it would be 1 long bore.the 2nd reason is Jodie Foster.i have never been a fan of her.something about her just rubs me the wrong way.however,tonite the movie was on 1 of the movie channels,and i thought,what the heck.i'll give It a shot.i figured i'd watch for a short time,then become bored and do something else.that was not to be the case.yes,the movie is long,clocking in at almost exactly 2 and a half hours.but it doesn't feel like a 2 and a half hour movie.i thought the time went by rather quickly,and considering the subject matter,you wouldn't think that would be the case.the movie has a lot of dialogue and passive action,for the most part.a drama,more than anything.but the filmmakers made it interesting,and even compelling at times.the visual effects were very well done.the film has a beautiful look to it in many scenes.Jodie Foster did a good job in this movie,and i didn't find her annoying at all.i think she really brought some heart and soul,some passion to her character.i also liked the use of irony in a scene towards the end of the movie.it's nice to be pleasantly surprised once in awhile.for me "Contact" is an 8.5/10