We asked for your reactions to the movie 'Contact,' the highly successful summer film that just finished playing at the Varsity Theatre, and we weren't disappointed. Here are some samples of what our readers had to say about this thought-provoking, controversial film.
'I ... have a very scientific mind. Yet, I still believe all of the teachings of Christ's gospel. That is what I think 'Contact' is all about: standing up for what you believe in no matter what. It is true that Jodie Foster's character wasn't a religious person, but I think this is from her character's experience with her father's death. The important thing to remember is when Foster's character needed the support, her friends believed her. They showed love, just as Christ would want them to. I believe that it was an excellent movie that made me think how I treat others who may not have the same beliefs as myself.' -- RJ Harris, Taylorsville, Utah
'I thought that 'Contact' indeed has made contact with the American audience. It was more than science-fiction nonsense with aliens that look like modified humans. It actually confronted some of the problems that arise with the possibility of human discovery of other living beings in the universe. It is not only dangerous, as most of the movies show, but it is controversial and lucrative. The conflict that philosophers and theologists have with the existence and purpose of missions to other planets is very well-demonstrated in the film. ... I usually don't like movies about space, because they are too far-fetched and unrealistic, almost naive. 'Contact' actually stirred debate and caused me to think.' -- Jane Fainberg, Carmel, Ind.
'I saw the movie 'Contact' twice. I enjoyed it better the second time. I think that it's because I caught more of the movie's content and was caused to think more on its message. For me it represented a view that religion and science approach being one (and) the same. I am a strong believer in the sciences and I believe that it only enhances religion if you believe in the truth. The movie showed to me that the authors and others in the world are looking for answers to their questions about God's place in this remarkable world of ours.' -- Quintus Schulzke, Toronto, Ontario
'The biggest reason I liked 'Contact' was because it intertwined science and religion, and in the end, Jodie Foster's character was left to 'the most simple explanation,' or that there is a God. The movie was fairly long, but I didn't feel bored during it. The one thing I didn't appreciate was the fact that the two main characters slept together in one of the early scenes. That scene had absolutely no merit, and added nothing of any considerable value to the plot, and would therefore have been better left out of the movie entirely. One might argue that since there was no nudity it was okay, but just the fact that they did what they did and she had the attitude she did about the whole situation cheapened her character.' -- Chris Kelly, Blackfoot, Idaho
''Contact' was very fast-paced and exciting, until Jodie Foster met the alien. That was probably the only thing wrong with this movie. Even the resolution, when she came back and testified before the committee, was dynamite and worth the wait. The alien encounter was a dramatic let-down. It was like having Chris Farley write the climax for 'Hamlet.' It is generic and over-done, bordering on cheesy. So I thought of some different encounters that might have had more impact.
'First, Jodie could have REALLY met her dad. Yes, this is coming from a strong Mormon upbringing, but it's still based on a universal truth, that 'there IS life after death.' Much like the themes from movies like 'Ghost' and others. Second, Jodie could have found another world of humans that were trying to make their first contact with aliens (us), just like Jodie was trying to do. Thus throwing out the idea that there are other worlds exactly like ours, not with Wookies and Klingons, but other human beings dealing with same issues as us.
'Overall 'Contact' was a brilliantly entertaining movie, but I think the writers dropped the ball on an otherwise perfect opportunity to pose some even more thoughtful questions about life after death, and other worlds like ours.' -- Jonathon Juvenal, Provo
'I realize the great spiritual and secular arguments that can be drawn from the movie 'Contact,' but I will be the first to admit that I do not have the intellectual ammunition nor the proper know-how to enter that arena of debate. I am a simple man. If a movie does not have Jim Carrey in it and is not more than three hours, I consider it a great flick. But this I do know. I left 'Contact' with four strong impressions.
'1. Jodie Foster is a babe.
'2. Wait a minute! A mall is currently being built in south Provo. It will take three years to complete this mall. Three years! And yet in this movie we see not one, but two super-duper transport stations built in a matter of weeks!
'3. This quote from the movie is perhaps the best commentary on mankind I have heard since Yoda: 'You (humans) are an interesting mix. Capable of such beautiful dreams and such horrible nightmares.'
'4. 'Maybe I shouldn't have eaten that package of gravy mix I found in the parking lot.' -- Philip van Dijk, American Fork
'Movies are to reach our emotions. We go to movies to lose ourselves and feel emotions of joy and success, to escape this world and for a few hours feel what someone else is going through. 'Contact' is a feeling movie. It reached my emotions. I learned more about myself seeing this show. Watching 'Contact' brings feelings about life to the surface. I will be the first to say Jodie Foster's adventure is a little strange, but it is her testimony of faith in the end of the show that really hit me. No, I'm not taking her speech as doctrine or applauding her final switch to the forces of good after having denied her belief in God the whole show; I am addressing the idea that movies like 'Contact,' as imperfect as they may be, can give us a better understanding of what we feel. 'Contact' is very realistic in its presentation of human emotions.' -- Mary Ann Munson, Claremont, Calif.
'The first part of the movie, if not most of it, was just like most other movies -- nothing too special -- but I enjoyed the last part of the movie quite a bit and wished it had been longer. It showed themes that many movies don't deal with. It didn't seem anti-religious to me. I liked the way in which it brought out the idea that life, and life after life, might be very different then our society believes and portrays it to be. Most movies have something to offer; this one, unlike many movies, had something worthwhile to offer: a new fresh view on life and on the theme of God and faith.' -- Scott Jarvie, Chula Vista, Calif.