'Contact' focuses on universal issues

Arizona Summer Wildcat Photo courtesy of www.warnerbrothers.com/ Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) wears a headset that picks up the sound of the cosmos, the background wash of empty static, and a faint beeping of a possible extraterrestrial frequency. "Contact," a new movie directed by Robert Zemeckis, is based upon a novel by Carl Sagan.

"Contact," a $100 million sci-fi thriller, stars Jodie Foster and is directed by Richard Zemeckis, of "Forrest Gump" fame.

The cast and creators of "Contact" must be commended. A film of such technical and ethical scale could easily flop. Foster's strength and Zemeckis' ability to mainstream complex issues grant the film noble success.

Not only can deprived moviegoers confront universal issues on the big screen, but they can do so for two and a half hours.

The movie, based on the 1985 novel by Carl Sagan, presents Foster as Ellie Arroway, a gifted astronomer determined to trace evidence of extraterrestrial life.

The scholar eventually finds herself listening for radio waves at an observatory in New Mexico. The hope is to come across something more than static on her headset.

Ellie, obsessed in her mission, fails to foresee the impact of discovering E.T.'s favorite radio station. The result challenges her beliefs and her awareness of the human race. As the audience, we journey with her in this soul searching quest. Your opinio n of the film may rely somewhat on your spiritual views.

Despite some flat character portrayals, there are some glowing moments. John Hurt is most memorable as the shrewd billionaire S.R. Hadden. The cast also includes James Woods, Tom Skerritt, and Angela Bassett.

Matthew McConaughey plays the romantic interest with an acting method better saved for "Days of Our Lives." His looks make him tender when he gets within kissing distance of Ellie, but as a prominent spiritual leader, yikes!

As for Foster, there are a few melodramatic moments, but she is overall wonderful and perfect for the part. What other young female star can give the role such earnestness and intelligence? Julia Roberts? Please.

"Contact" is a delight and inspirational in its reminder of our relationship to the 'big picture' and each other. The film induces spiritual reflection and should be applauded for that effort alone.

The story can be predictable and clich‚, and the plot too neatly constructed. However, a sci-fi movie in particular requires some suspension of disbelief. Besides, I know Sagan was a brilliant scientist, but I kept wondering how convincing he is as a nove list.

To humbly and seriously tackle such grandiose issues as the meaning of life, the coexistence of science and religion, and squeeze in science lessons is highly refreshing. Let's not forget this is the year of "Volcano," "Con Air," and "Face/Off."

The special effects are stunning. The sobering introduction powerfully stilled the audience in a way I have never witnessed before.

Clinton's Pathfinder speeches edited into the storyline may make you chuckle. Yet the irony of our recent advances on Mars make an incredulous contact with aliens slightly more believable.

Despite the mainstream presentation, "Contact" is far from disappointing. You may even find yourself satisfied as you gratefully stretch your legs almost three hours later.