The First Science Fiction Chick Flick

Rating: 8/10 (9 February 2008)

The nature and purpose of science fiction is to go "out there," exploring realms on the edge of imagination. Sometimes for pure fun, as in Star Wars; sometimes as a means of exploring deeper philosophical questions such as the nature and possible fate of humanity.
But in the rush out to the edge, science fiction movies often leave many people behind. Once in a while, a movie gets made that starts out on hard, familiar ground and takes viewers along on the journey to the stars. "2001: A Space Odyssey" was one such film; this is another.
While "Contact" isn't quite the cinematic classic that "2001" is, it has many fine moments; beginning with the opening sequence, which starts out with our familiar Earth and takes us on a mind-bending journey out into the far reaches of the universe. I've never seen a better illustration of the true scale of the Cosmos and of our place in it. This alone should make this film required viewing for school children. It will make future astronomers out of a lot of them.
For all the grandness of the establishing shot, however, the story remains firmly on the ground for most of the film, as the receipt of a radio message from the stars raises fundamental questions, for both society and the individual characters, about matters of Science, God and Faith.
The main flaw of this picture, however, is the almost-literal deus ex machina when Ellie, the main character, finally takes the Journey Beyond; only to (as a character in the movie well puts it) "go windsurfing with dear, departed Dad." The film dares neither to answer questions nor leave them unanswered, but chickens out with a coy "it was all a dream -- or was it?" ending.
I also personally have a problem with the casting of Matthew McConaughey as Ellie's love interest. His self-conscious "handsome rascal" persona is irritating, and the chemistry between him and Jodie Foster is almost nonexistent. I also wonder if it's in Ms. Foster's contract that every movie she does must have a courtroom scene.
Despite the flaws, "Contact" has plenty going for it, thematically and cinematically. One of the few "grown-up" science fiction films in existence. SF buffs will want to add it to their collection. You would also do well to get your non-"Trekkie" friends to watch it; they jut might become converts -- or, at least, gain some understanding of why you're a fan.