For The First Time In Years I Was Stunned

Rating: 8/10 (19 August 2002)

This movie was nothing less than brilliant. What is the most amazing thing about it is the incredible acting from every single actor. Of course Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix did a superb job, but also his children in the movie were very understandable self-sufficient and intelligent themselves. The family was so close that you felt every shutter that ran though them, and shuttered yourself. This movie didn't try to but funny, but the wit of it made you laugh during odd parts of it. Of course the movie had frightening parts, very frightening, however, it was much more emotional. The family didn't suddenly become aggressive, and launch a full attack on the aliens, which would be unrealistic for a former priest. They simply did what they could only do, hope and protect themselves for whatever was to come. This movie is much like Contact, but in my view better because of the focusing on the actor's emotions rather than the aliens and action. And unlike Contact, we are given a conclusion and aren't left in the dark. I went to this movie intent on being let down with the average brainless alien movie, but I was left with great satisfaction. This is so far the best movie of the year. I hope each and ever actor in this film up for an Oscar this year.