Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller

Based on: “Story of Your Life” (1998) by Ted Chiang

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Writer: Eric Heisserer

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg and Mark O’Brien

Release Date: Nov. 11, 2016

Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes

Rating: Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Plot Summary: “A linguist and a theoretical physicist are tasked with translating the complex language of a mysterious alien race that has arrived on Earth.”

Wow. Just wow. I can not believe I put off seeing this for so long. I love Denis Villeneuve and his work, but what he does with “Arrival” is something truly extraordinary and unique.

I am going to reiterate what has been said about this movie: “Arrival” is one of those few films that will go down as a cinematic classic. Every single last aspect of this movie is flawless; the acting is incredible, the screenplay is magnificent, the visuals are breathtaking, the sound is mesmerizing, the story is indescribably creative, the characters are extraordinary and the score by Johann Johannsson is absolutely moving. I do not have a single complaint about this movie.

What I love most about this movie is that (unlike other members of it’s genre) it does not rely on nonstop action/explosions, voluptuous models or a Linkin Park soundtrack to make it good. Careful and intelligent filmmaking go into “Arrival” to create a powerful, emotional, intriguing and (ironically) human film.

Denis Villeneuve; you are a true genius. “Arrival” is going to get an “A+++” from me. This is one of the greatest films I have seen in a long, long time. I am absolutely blown away by how incredible it was. This is, without a doubt, my new favorite sci-fi film and I am going to forever argue that this is the best sci-fi movie ever made (Yes, you read that correctly. Take a hike, “Empire Strikes Back”!) “Arrival” is a must-see for everyone, plain and simple.