CONTACT (1i997)

Ellie Arroway (Jodi Foster), a young astrophysicist obsessed with finding signs of extra-terrestrial life, finally picks up encrypted communications traced to the star Vega. The discovery sets off a global sensation and construction of a contraption found in the Vega communique that will bring an earthling to the star. Ellie gets the nod by circuitous means, makes a quick, ambiguous stellar trip, is ridiculed because she can't prove it to the politicos, but is happy at the end. This movie is way too lengthy lat 2 1/2 hours and takes a long time to generate any excitement. But once it gets rolling, it has enough action to hold you, even though the climactic moment is a let down. It hangs on thanks to a great performance by Foster--plucky, determined, resilient but always appealing and sympathetic. The all star supporting cast includes Angela Bassett, Matthew McConaughey, David Morse, James Woods, John Hurt and Tom Skerritt.