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The Arrival (1996)

 -  Sci-Fi | Thriller | Mystery  -  31 May 1996 (USA)
6.2
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Ratings: 6.2/10 from 18,267 users  
Reviews: 98 user | 51 critic

Zane, an astronomer discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it.

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Title: The Arrival (1996)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Calvin
Shane ...
JPL Guard #1
...
Phil Gordian / Mexican Guard
...
Phyllis Applegate ...
Mrs. Roosevelt
Alan Coates ...
Terraformer
...
DOD #1
Buddy Joe Hooker ...
DOD #2
...
Co-worker
Tony T. Johnson ...
Kiki
Catalina Botello ...
N.C.A.R. Woman
Georg Lillitsch ...
Computer Tech
...
Cabbie
Edit

Storyline

Zane (Charlie Sheen), a young, mild-mannered astronomer discovers an extraterrestrial radio signal. After being fired from his organization for reporting this to his superior, he takes a chance on discovering the truth: that his workplace is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work. The aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will stop at nothing to prevent Zane from learning it. Written by vishakbt1

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

The greatest danger facing our world has been the planet's best kept secret...until now. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sci-fi violence and terror, and for brief language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

31 May 1996 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Shockwave  »

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$184,261 (USA) (26 July 1996)

Gross:

JPY 20,609,500 (Japan) (15 November 1996)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

|

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Goofs

The large black scorpion above the light switch in Llana's room has no stinger. See more »

Quotes

Phil Gordian: If you can't tend to your own planet, you don't deserve to live here.
See more »

Connections

References The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) See more »

Soundtracks

"Snatch It Back And Hold It"
Written by Junior Wells
Performed by Junior Wells
See more »

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User Reviews

smart, well-made sci-fi
7 March 2002 | by See all my reviews

Intriguing sci-fi thriller stars Sheen as a brilliant but paranoid astronomer whose obsession with his quest to discover intelligent life puts him at odds with his neglected girlfriend. He discovers a strange signal from outer space, but is fired when he tries to make it public. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he stumbles upon the existence of aliens that have already invaded the Earth and are using a sophisticated technological scheme to try and take it over. Brainy thriller abandons guns, explosions, and car chases in favor of actual science and clever plotting. Starts off slow, but only gets more and more interesting as it goes along, with an effectively edgy performance from Sheen that's right on target. ***


40 of 46 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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