OMG! Actual SCIENCE fiction

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2003)

The best first-contact film since Close Encounters. I personally think it exceeds that film, mostly due to the realism of the premise: Should first contact happen, it is far more likely to be via radio-signal than via an actual visit. Which is more economical? Sending ships out to hundreds of thousands of stars, or beaming a program saying "come see us, here's how" at those stars?
Jodie gives a typically wonderful performance here. Since the film rests on her, that's enough. Matthew does turn in an adequate performance as her love interest/moral foil, and whoever it is who plays the blind scientist does an incredible job.
As to effects? Beyond anything you'd expect. The intro has become my sound-system demo, for instance. There are so many subtle effects shots in this film, you need a program to count 'em all. One of my personal favorites is the "camera through the door" scene. Check the DVD extras to see what I mean.