ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, June 1, 1996                 TAG: 9606030045
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO RON SILVER (LEFT) 
                                             TYPE: MOVIE REVIEW 
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT 

WITH GREAT SPECIAL EFFECTS, `THE ARRIVAL' IS SPOOKY SCIENCE FICTION DONE RIGHT

One key to good science fiction is balance; getting the right mix of seriousness, hard science, spooky stuff and pure hokum.

"The Arrival" is right on the money. It's driven by the same paranoia that's made "The X-Files" such a hit on TV, with some really creative special effects, good characters and an unpredictable story. Writer/director David Twohy, also responsible for the video sleeper hit "Grand Tour: Disaster in Time" and the script for "The Fugitive," builds this film carefully with some genuinely suspenseful moments.

After a brief but spectacular introduction, radio astronomer Zane Zaminski (Charlie Sheen) makes the discovery of his career. It's an unmistakable FM signal from another star. But Zane is rewarded by his boss Gordian (Ron Silver) with downsizing, funding cuts, etc. That could be the final straw between Zane and his much more successful girlfriend Char (Teri Polo). At the same time, environmental researcher Ilana Green (Lindsay Crouse) can't believe some of the numbers she's seeing.

Nothing more should be said of the plot. In many respects it follows an established formula, but even its most familiar developments are handled with freshness, and no one should spoil the surprises. The well-chosen effects combine models, computer-generated creatures, assorted transformations and photographic tricks.

All of the leads do acceptable work, but Sheen's role is something of a departure for him, and a step up. He's convincingly cerebral at the right times, and is restrained throughout.

As director, Twohy handles the action confidently. One long scene involving creepy-crawlies is so intense that several members of a Friday audience elected to check out the popcorn stand before it was over. Overall, the level of violence isn't excessive, but that part is enough to spook anyone.

If the previews are to be believed, the mega-effects epic "Independence Day" may turn out to be the big sci-fi hit of the summer, but it shouldn't eclipse "The Arrival."

It's great stuff for sci-fi fans and those who suspect that they might be fans.

The Arrival *** 1/2

A LIVE Entertainment release playing at the Salem Valley 8. 103 minutes. Rated PG-13 for violence, strong language.

LENGTH: Medium:   53 lines