BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Claysaba Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Terryfan You know history is always interesting when you look back on things. I remember going into this movie with my family to see it. But the thing was I never seen any previews or trailers for the film nor did I recall ever hearing about The Arrival until we arrived at the theater to see it.A movie that cast Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Crouse, Richard Schiff, Ron Silver, Teri Polo and many more. It still amazing to me how they all got cast for this movie but they were the only ones who could have brought this movie to attention.The Arrival brings us the good old 90s Sci/FI story telling along with a thriller feel to it as well. The movie just actually features enough interest and the characters were actually important to the plot.The music in the film can be tense at times but it matches the whole feel of the movie. The acting is actually good, there were some comedy bits that I remember everyone in the theater laugh and it help keeps the movie interesting. One of the films that unless you were in the theater when it was release it's not easy to describe because the film was just one that quite unexpected and you never know what would happened next because it had you on the edge of your seat It just one of those rare movies that you have to just sit down and watch to better understand it because only a few words can best fit it.If you enjoy 90s movies or are looking for those movies that you can't guess at then give this one a shot you might be surprised how it turns outI give the Arrival an 7 out of 10

Robyn Nesbitt (nesfilmreviews) While the monumental and most expensive alien invasion picture of 1996 was declaring our independence, a small budget sci-fi thriller overachieves with an intriguing storyline and a well-written script. David Twohy, a screenwriter ("Waterworld," "The Fugitive") makes his feature debut as both a writer and director with "The Arrival." It's a lean piece of writing that moves quickly, and has some unexpected twists along the way. Those who crave conspiracy theories and cover ups, your time will not go to waste.Radio astronomer Zane Ziminsky (Charlie Sheen) believes he's picked up a cosmic noise that signals extraterrestrial intelligence. But after turning over the tape to his boss, Zane loses his job, his girlfriend gets transferred, and his once partner is found dead. Zane's desperate search for answers leads him to a mysterious power plant in Mexico generating much more than just electricity, and run by people who are not what they appear to be. The film's main strength arises from Twohy's writing, which manages to maintain decent dialogue, even when the plot mechanics take over. The movie never sinks into the realm of straight-to-video disaster. Sheen isn't ideally cast in the role of a scientist, but he is respectable and maintains a high level of intensity. The responsibility for the movie lies fully on Sheen's shoulders, and he carries the burden admirably. A overachieving low-budget sci-fi film with an interesting premise that is hampered by only a weak ending.

Amityville15 Radio astronomer Zane Zaminsky believes he has picked up a cosmic noise that signals extraterrestrial intelligence. But after turning over the tape to his boss Phil Gordian, Zane's fired, his girlfriend is transferred and his partner is found dead from a supposed suicide. Zane's desperate search for answers leads him to Mexico and a mysterious power-plant, generating more than electricity and ran by people who are not what they appear to be. Arrested for a murder that he did not commit, investigating an impeding ecological disaster, Zane escapes custody carrying proof of a world-shattering alien invasion, however he must now show it to the world and protect it from the aliens that are already here on Earth.This film starred: Charlie Sheen, Teri Polo & Richard Schiff.The Arrival is an OK film but it is not a film I could watch over and over again, like some others. It has interesting ideas and a strong plot however some aspects of the movie were executed badly. I recommend this film to people who are fans of Alien invasion movies and sci-fi movies but not if you like Science-fiction horror about people getting tore in half and the blood and guts spilling because it is not in this film.***/***** Could be worse

AMar_rom What if aliens planned to colonize earth ? Would they view us humans as a species to be subdued or they would rather prefer to settle peacefully with humans sharing the resources of this planet ? In case they wanted to subdue us, would they do it by using brutal force as e.g. in the 'War of the Worlds' or other more indirect (but more effective nonetheless) means ? 'Arrival' is a film that depicts aliens already present on earth and working on their plan for domination.Charlie Sheen plays astrophysicist Zane Zaminsky who struggles to survive in science since he is getting paid by short-term grants that are about to expire. From his scientific observations he picks up a signal that leads him to aliens already present on earth. Sheen is a good actor and portrays the curious astrophysicist well enough with a charming touch of a slight paranoia and some beliefs in conspiracy theories. Sheen goes to the extremes to prove his point first to his girlfriend (played by Teri Polo) who initially distrusts him and then to his bosses in the observatory.The film has a strong b-movie character and I think that's the reason it is more entertaining given the subject; it takes more liberties with the script and even if the situations are a bit over the top sometimes they are still suspenseful. A 7/10 from me.