My most favorite movie of all time.

Rating: 10/10 (22 November 1998)

This is my most favorite movie for many reasons. Solid, realistic acting is one of the main contributions - the CNN and various real-life reporters made everything seem more real. Like a real-life event just waiting to happen. The effect it has on the people of the earth as they portray it is very realistic to what really would happen as well, and all the science reasoning behind it and everything else you can think of is very realistic and to the point. There's also breath-taking acting done by Foster and the many others that accompany her. Foster is such a remarkably flexible actress and her character is developed wonderfully by the story-line. The heart-stopping suspense and tear-jerking drama her character and the overall effect the movie can create is unbelievable. It's so emotional and real, and the drama and sadness of it all is extremely moving to the soul. I love the special effects which only are used alongside to enhance the story and events, not overlay it. And I could spend days discussing the many intertwining meanings and how they can be slightly different for each person who watches it. All the threads tie together in a complex idea that is really a million complex ideas in one, all waiting for you to reveal what they mean to you. This is practically the only movie I've seen that effectively combines deep and complex meaning, story line, plot, characters, special effects, and all the other elements into one cohesive and harmonious whole that leaves a satisfactory and lasting impression on your mind and in your soul. The effect it has had on me has been substantial. Give it a try, and watch it more than once. You'll realize things about yourself and our vast universe you never thought existed.