Fire in the Sky MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Five young men clearing land on a mountainside witness a UFO hovering over the mountain, casting a red glow for miles around. One of them, carefree Travis (D.B. Sweeney), runs towards it and mysteriously disappears with the spaceship. It is 1975, and the down-to-earth citizens of Snowflake, Arizona, are baffled, frightened and suspicious. Was Travis murdered by his co-workers or really kidnapped by aliens? They join the sheriff and a cynical, out-of-state investigator, Lt. Frank Waters (James Garner) in a search for the missing young man. Before long, Snowflake is bombarded by reporters, TV cameras and tourists. Meanwhile, the young men must deal with the tragedy. Mike Rogers (Robert Patrick), the leader, has lost his best friend and is about to lose his wife, who doubts the bizarre UFO tale. Dallis, an Indian with a criminal record, becomes a murder suspect. Greg, a teenager, can barely talk about it. David, a serious, devout Christian, prays for forgiveness. Five days later a traumatized Travis is miraculously returned to earth. A mesmerizing tale based on true events, FIRE IN THE SKY will particularly appeal to UFO aficionados, as well all who enjoy suspense and mystery.

Upon Travis' return, he acts like a frightened wild animal. A prolonged, graphic flashback of what happened to him explains why. While a prisoner of the aliens, he attempts to escape a womb-like cocoon and is later subjected to excruciating body examination by them. Not a comfortable scene to watch and much too intense for children. Other violence includes some pushing and fighting and one confrontation with a chainsaw; however, no one is hurt. Offensive language includes the s-word four times, one regular profanity and many crude expressions. Mike commands respect from his teammates, and demonstrates courage and integrity in spite of his personal suffering. Travis, too, proves to be a remarkable young man whose love of life sustains him through an incredible ordeal. There is no sex, nudity or homosexual conduct. FIRE IN THE SKY could win our recommendation for mature audiences with a little editing of language and toning down of the "outer space" scene.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Paramount Communications Inc., 5 Columbia Circle, NY, NY 10023