Arrival, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1

This new science fiction thriller delivers top-notch entertainment to those who enjoy mystery and suspense. Charlie Sheen plays Zane Ziminski, a radio astronomer assigned to NASA's program to scan the stars for intelligent radio signals. When a signal finally does appear, Zane is fired when he reports it, his partner dies mysteriously and his boss denies ever having a tape Zane gave him. Convinced that the soundwaves are evidence of extraterrestrial life, Zane concentrates on solving the mystery. Further investigation leads him to Mexico where he discovers aliens with human facades running a power plant. An intricate plot and suspense-filled scenes keep viewers on the edge of their seats as Zane unravels the conspiracy in this surprisingly entertaining film.

Although THE ARRIVAL is much too intense for youngsters, the violence is fairly moderate. Zane hits an alien's body with his car, and a woman's bruised body is shown after being struck by a hit and run driver. Aliens frozen in human form are gruesome images. Zane breaks off the frozen arm of one of them in an attempt to escape. A number of crude and obscene comments could have been left out, and one f-word is thrown in as well, apparently to get a PG-13 rating to attract teenagers and adults. There is no on-screen sex, but a sexual relationship is implied between Zane and his girlfriend during a phone conversation. Later she towels off his back on a balcony, and the camera shows her bare back, implying nudity. However, Zane turns down advances from a woman scientist he meets in Mexico because of his commitment to his girlfriend. Unnecessary objectionable language spoils this fascinating film and prevents a positive endorsement.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Orion Pictures Corp., 711 5th Ave., NY, NY 10019