By Gary Curreri

A week of heartbreak for the Deerfield Beach High School football team ended abruptly with a 26-7 loss to visiting Miami Southridge in the Class 8A state semifinal on Friday.

Despite forcing six turnovers, including five in the first half alone, the host Bucks were unable to generate much offense and fell to the Spartans in its first trip to the state semifinals since Denard “Shoelace” Robinson was the team’s quarterback a decade ago.

“I am proud of my team,” said Bucks coach Jevon Glenn, who was back on the sidelines after spending last week in the hospital and missing the team’s regional final win over Atlantic. “We came back. The program had slipped a little bit and we definitely got the program back – last year to the regional quarterfinals and this year to the state semifinals.”

Deerfield Beach sophomore linebacker Gemon Eafford returned a fumble by Southridge’s Bentavious Thompson 5 yards for an early 7-0 lead, however Mark Pope struck for a 98-yard kickoff return on the ensuing kickoff to cut the Bucks’ lead to 7-6. Keyon Martin blocked the extra point attempt.

The Bucks missed a field goal, hurt themselves with costly penalties and were unable to protect quarterback Nick Holm, who was sacked 10 times in the game.

After Antwan Collier scored on a 19-yard TD to give Southridge a 12-7 lead, Holm was driving the Bucks to the end zone to retake the lead. Southridge’s Shawn Davis intercepted Holm at his own 1 and returned it 99 yards for the clinching touchdown with 8:51 remaining in the game that put the Spartans up 20-7 after a two-point conversion. Collier added a late score for the final margin.

“We left plays on the field,” Glenn added. “It was tough. They are one of the best defenses in Florida…My hat goes off to them.”

For Alabama commit and senior Bucks wide out Jerry Jeudy, the game marked his final contest in a Bucks football jersey. It also ended a hard week personally as he had to cope with the passing of his 7-year-old sister Aaliyah to a lengthy illness. Jeudy finished the game with nine catches for 91 yards.

Highlands Christian Gridiron falls short

The Highlands Christian Academy football team recently lost the Florida Independent Football Conference (FIFC) championship contest to host Palmer Trinity Prep (Miami) 28-6 to close out its season.

The Knights (4-4) went down 14-0 in the second quarter and then was outscored 14-6 in the final quarter. The lone score came from eighth-grader Christian Opalsky, who finished the season with more than 1,000 yards on the ground.

Senior quarterback Dylan DiBello ran for 108 yards and two scores and completed 6 of 14 passes for 113 yards and one score to lead the Falcons (6-0-1) to the title. Sophomore running back Jalen Sloan also broke the century barrier on the ground with 101 yards and one score.

Highlands Christian coach Josh Harris, who completed his first year as head coach after assistant coaching stints at Miami Northwestern, Doral Academy and Somerset Academy was proud of his team’s season. The team finished 2-7 the previous two seasons.

“Last year, they really didn’t have a coach,” Harris said. “They had two former players who pitched in and helped out and (Highlands) was actually thinking about shutting the program down. The kids this year were scrappy and always found a way.

“I told the kids if they looked at the trophy case in the school, there was not a lot of representation of football in the gym,” Harris said. “Forty years from now, people will come back to the school and see their name or their accomplishment in there. Your kids will see your name or your legacy represented. You will live forever at the school. It is really cool. I think we’re starting to feel like we are accomplishing something here.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

A French language film with English subtitles, The Brand New Testament opens locally and may be talked about as a Best Foreign Language motion picture for awards season. This is an entertaining flick that confronts serious life issues, with a humorous bent. You will leave this screening with a smile on your face.

In the film, God is a curmudgeon who uses a computer to micromanage the affairs of humanity. Finding his behavior petty, God’s daughter talks to her brother J.C. (personified by a statue of Jesus), who encourages her to write The Brand New Testament for the 21st Century,

The sister recruits six apostles to spread the word of love. These people are not fishermen, lawyers, carpenters or doctors. Each apostle has a story to tell with French screen legend Catherine Deneuve having the wildest tale to tell. The Brand New Testament is a fresh, fun film for the holiday season.

With Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, it’s time to return to the fairy tale world that J.K. Rowling took us to with her seven Harry Potter books and eight movies. Would Thomas Wolfe’s famous quote about “not returning home again” factor into one’s perception of Rowling’s world of witchcraft & wizardry? The box office returns of Rowling’s new project have proved Thomas Wolfe wrong.

The film opens with the familiar strains of John Williams musical score (composed this time by John Newton Howard) and title credit. You feel as if you have returned to Harry Potter’s magical world. However, this time, we are introduced to Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), an English immigrant who is visiting Manhattan during the Jazz Age of the 1920s.

Being a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry graduate, Newt has a magic briefcase that cages many fantastic beasts with mythical powers. When one creature jimmies the lock, chaos erupts and the wizard community is perplexed. The most disgruntled wizard is Graves (Colin Farrell), who masks a hidden agenda.

Fortunately for Newt, he makes friends with Tina (Katherine Waterston), a demoted bureaucrat who works for the Manhattan wizard community. Newt also gains street smarts from Kowalski (Dan Fogler), a man who would like to start his own business as a baker. Together, these three strangers form a unique partnership to protect the fantastic beasts in the United States of America.

Whereas the Harry Potter stories were about the rites of passage for an individual who goes from sixth grade to high school graduation, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the story about adults. Scamanger is a more traditional hero like Indiana Jones, Frank Buck and Marlin Perkins. With less emphasis upon growing maturity, Fantastic Beasts presents a series of adventures featuring mythical creatures in a familiar city like Manhattan.

With the exception of a plot reveal that ties into her last book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Fantastic Beasts is a fresh look into Rowling’s world. Seeing Manhattan in 1926 broadens the magical world, yet Fantastic Beasts shows us the darkness revealed in human nature, like child abuse and social bigotry.

With four more Fantastic Beasts movies planned for the not too-distant future, you can see a bright future for Rowling’s new project. It is the weakest of the Harry Potter franchise, but, hopefully, the Fantastic Beasts franchise will improve upon each film in the future.

Deerfield Beach

Nov. 18: A group of women walked out of Hobby Lobby at 3555 W. Hillsboro Blvd. with merchandise valued at $743.87. It was reported that the merchandise was returned to a Davie store for gift cards.

Nov. 22: It was reported that toothbrush head replacements were stolen from CVS at 1829 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The total loss was $255.92.

Nov. 22: Someone broke into a Ford pickup truck parked at 609 N. Federal Hwy. and stole a Glock 23 handgun.

Nov. 22: It was reported that two electric scooters and one tricycle were stolen from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Lighthouse Point

Nov. 9: Police responded to an alarm coming from the ATM outside the bank at 3550 N. Federal Hwy. Work was being performed on the ATM.

Nov. 10: Police were dispatched to 2681 NE 47 St. regarding a male subject carrying lawn tools and the witness did not see a lawn truck in the area. Police made contact with the subject and a truck was found nearby. The case was cleared.

Nov. 10: Police discovered a damaged vehicle in front of a vacant business as 4750 N. Federal Hwy. The vehicle was secure.

Friends of D.B. Arboretum Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker, Howard Tonkin, owner of Urban Habitat “Think

Beyond The Hedge.” Plant giveaway, light refreshments

served. Free, open to the public. For more information, call

954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

Family Bed and Breakfast Weekend

Friday, Dec. 9 through Sunday, Dec. 11

Check-in: Friday, 3 p.m./Check-out: Sunday, 1 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Activities include hayride on Friday night, movie on

Saturday night and Continental Breakfast followed by

a guided nature walk on Sunday morning. Each campsite

features a 10-by-10-foot platform tent fully set up, fire ring,

barbecue grill, picnic table, water and electricity, and access

to showers/restrooms. Campers are on their own for dinner

both nights. Fees- $80/campsite (4 campers); $5/each per

additional camper (limit two). Pre-registration and pre-

payment required. For information, call 954-357-5100.

Seasonal Service

Sunday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach 33441

Enjoy cantata entitled “Jesus, Light of the World,” which tells

the story of Christmas through imagery of light found in

scripture and song. Chancel Choir, with local violinist Anne

Allaire accompanying. Everyone welcome. Refreshments

follow. For more information, call 954-427-0222.

Yard Sale

Friday, Dec. 9 & Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 a.m.to 3 p.m.

1960 NE 34 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Held by First Christian Church Youth. For more information, call 954-942-2549.

Movies in the Park – Arthur Christmas

Friday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free. Bring blankets, lawn chairs. Food truck. Movie concessions and glow merchandise sold for small fee. For movies schedule, visit www.dfb.city/moviesinthepark.

Holiday Brunch & Auction

Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. until noon

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 22 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come do all of your holiday shopping. Sponsored by Deerfield Beach West Kiwanis Club. Tickets $15. RSVP to Vel at 984-428-1537.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to Noon

Elks Lodge

700 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Adults: $6/Children: $3. Open to the public. Christmas Crafts available for purchase. For information,

call 954-587-1121.

Cocktails with Santa

Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This is the night for adults to have some good cheer for a great cause. Help out the Historical Society and mingle with your neighbors. Cost: $10 donation. For more information, email elilly707@aol.com or call 954-429-0378.

Snow Day

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Rec. Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Day full of activities and rides for all ages, arts and crafts, entertainment, a fun visit from Santa and snow. Photo opportunities will be available. Free Event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Scuba Santa

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Have your pictures taken underwater with Santa. Must be able to swim and hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. Fee: $5 per picture. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Pompano Beach Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.

Participating vessels are decked out for the holidays. The parade begins at Lake Santa Barbara and cruises the Intracostal Waterway to Hillsboro Blvd. bridge. See more, Pg. 8.

Christmas Light Tours

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Rec. Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Cruise through Tradewinds Park Christmas light exhibit and tour local neighborhoods. Adults $5/Children 12 & under, $2. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Heritage Party

Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open House tours feature 12 historically decorated trees and 30+ unique quilts on display. Beer/wine bar and appetizers. Special choir presentation as La Bri serenades with Christmas Carols in the courtyard. Also, Santa arrival by firetruck! Ticket price is $35. Tickets may be reserved on line at www.SampleMcDougaldhouse.com or call 954-691-5686 for additional information. Also 100th Anniversary Christmas Ornaments are on sale all month. Designer artist Pat Anderson will visit, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30-8 p.m. to sign and/or personalize this year’s hand-painted ornaments. $5 admission.

Winter Frost Festival

Saturday, Dec. 17, 3 to 5 p.m.

Highlands Community Center

411 NE 44 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Enjoy food, hot chocolate, arts and crafts, and games. For additional information, call 954-429-1847.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Slide down two giant snow hills, ride on horse-drawn hayrides, enjoy refreshments and holiday treats, see a giant snow globe and get a visit from Santa. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Ice Cream Social with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Make your own ice-cream sundae, win prizes by singing your favorite Christmas songs, create arts & craft projects and meet Santa. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Worth the Drive: Bethlehem Revisited

Dec. 9 to 13, evenings

First Church Coral Springs

8650 W. Sample Rd.

Coral Springs, FL 33065

Re-creation of Bethelehm including shops, Roman soldiers and manger scene. For times or information, visit www.firstchurchcoralsprings.org or call, 954-752-0333.

Legend states that ostriches bury their head in the sand when frightened. While this is a myth, we humans have a similar and very real coping mechanism for boredom: We bury our heads in the proverbial sands of technology, namely the smartphone.

Nonetheless, I recognize the significant value of such a device. It is not the enemy. This week, the Life. Church YouVersion Bible App surpassed 250 million downloads worldwide. Now virtually wherever a screen exists there is a way to connect with God’s Word. However, while we have an unprecedented capability to share the Gospel from our smartphone, say for example through social media, there is less sharing of the Gospel story that reveals our brokenness, and need of a savior, and more of the illusion that we’ve got it all together. We don’t need Jesus; we need likes.

Comedian Louis C.K. wisely notes that the cell phone has robbed us of our ability to be still — to be alone. He’s says that’s why when you look around, everyone is texting and driving, which for teenage drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is six times more deadly than driving while intoxicated.

He said, “People are willing to risk taking a life and ruining their own because people don’t want to be alone for a second.”

How important is it to find times of solitude? Luke 5:16 states that “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” Prior to preaching in Galilee, Jesus woke early and “went out to an isolated place to pray” Mark 1:35. Other times we read that He “prayed to God all night” Luke 6:12. And before He would be betrayed by Judas, Jesus “knelt down and prayed” experiencing such agony that “His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” Luke 22:41; 44. It was in this time alone that Jesus experienced rich and meaningful intimacy with the Father, becoming acutely aware of the needs of the world and gaining the necessary strength needed to fulfill His purpose of rescuing humanity.

What if Jesus had not sought retreat for prayer and neglected — or had been too weak or burnt out — to fulfill His call? Has the light of a screen become a distraction that has darkened our capacity to be the light of the world? Are we so uncomfortable alone — actually desiring distractions — that we’ve become blinded to the needs of those around us—our light covered (Matthew 5:14-16)?

Left unchecked, such distractions cheat us from time alone with God that strengthens us, prevents burnout and invigorates our desire to actively share the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 7:35 Paul challenges us “to do whatever will help [us] serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” Why? Because the stakes are too high to casually dismiss. What are the stakes? If you truly believe in God’s Word, eternal damnation is at stake—everyone from the barista who serves us your cup of joe to the guy who cuts us off in traffic, Scripture states “For the wages of sin is death”—separated from God forever (Romans 6:23).

Famous magician and atheist Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller, after having been approached by an audience member that he felt was genuinely concerned for his eternity, once said, “If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life… how much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”

So here we are, with the greatest resource to share this message of everlasting life and we use it to keep our heads buried from the world around us — avoiding the discomfort of being alone. Let us — me included — take a cue from Jesus, that we fight for time alone with the Father recognizing that “life is too short and our purpose to great” (to quote Craig Groeschel) to allow the distractions of smartphone — or whatever our chosen vice — to keep us from being the Body of Christ. Heaven and Hell hang in the balance.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@deerfieldfirst.com.

On Dec. 3, the historic Sample McDougald House was fully decorated for the holidays and awaiting guests, who could take a tour. They could also sample hot cider and cookies, and listen to music by Tim Fisher, who just moved into town a year ago. He brought a couple guitars out to play some tunes suitable for the occasion. Ms. Christmas Joy, Mrs. Claus’ best friend in Pompano, otherwise known as Cherryl McDougald, was on-hand to read stories to children, as she does on Saturdays and at other events. She gave each child a carefully-selected ornament to take home. She lived in the home so she knows all its secrets.

 “The McDougalds lived here for five decades. The Samples for two decades,” she told guests.

 Inside, 30 quilts were hung carefully, provided by the Gold Coast Quilters Guild. Twelve Christmas trees awaited observation, decked out in holiday décor.

 There was the extra large tree decorated with bubble lights from the 1940s. They bubble because the chemicals within their vacuum tubes are heated by the electricity and boil. Another tree had ornaments that were crafted in Japan in 1928 that were actually light bulbs. Nearby were treetops from the 1930s to 50s and a large, detailed Gingerbread house. The McDougald family had a white tree dedicated to all the teachers in the family. In the pantry sat what could be described as a “Charlie Brown” tree, a mere sprig with an ornament bending the sapling, but festive nonetheless. In the kitchen, a table and chairs from the 1800s sat, completely set up with dishes atop it, the kind most received when attending the movie theater back in the early 20^th Century. A newly-placed kerosene stove sits nearby, probably from the 1930s. Randall Bishop, from Woodhouse, decorated a tree within including kitchen accessories he found at thrift stores. Every year, local artist Pat Anderson creates a hand-painted ornament and sells them at the house. This year, the ornament celebrated the 100^th year anniversary. It was on display and another tree held ornaments from past years. Upstairs, the bridal room had a tree and a 1800s Singer sewing machine in the hall, complete with cover. In the children’s room is a large 1936 dollhouse and a pink tree filled with Barbies, as well as a tree decorated by girl scouts from St. Coleman’s in celebration of the 100^th year of the girl scout cookie. In yet another room was a tree decorated by Bell Painting. These were just a few of the trees on display.

Save the date: On Dec. 15, they will have another holiday event, including the La Bri choir, Santa Claus on an old firetruck, Ms. Christmas Joy telling stories, heavy appetizers, open bar and more. It is $35, children under 12 free. Also, on Dec. 20, there is an open house with hot apple cider and cookies on the porch.

 The Sample-McDougald House is located at 450 NE 10 St. in Pompano Beach. For more information, call 754-307-5446 or visit www.samplemcdougaldhouse.com.

More pictures coming soon.

By Rachel Galvin

“It feels like we haven’t seen the sunlight forever,” said one guest at this year’s Art Basel after spending most of the day inside the event.

Held Dec. 1 to 4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the event definitely was worth attending and spending as much time as possible exploring its vast array of art. Getting a map is important as it is very easy to get lost in row after row of masterpieces created in oil, acrylic, enamel and other mediums, as well as whimsical sculptures.

Wearing sensible shoes is paramount. But, that fashion tip is usually not followed. In fact, this becomes a celebration not only of art, but also fashion. It makes for great people watching. Some dress complete glam, others upscale bohemian hipster. Nothing is off limits.

But the event is really about the art. Galleries from 29 counties, 269 in all, showed off their artwork this year. A plethora of languages could be heard whispering throughout.

For those who want to take a break from walking around, they could stop and check out the magazines or sit down in front of one of the cafe restaurants and grab a bite to eat, followed by listening to a talk about art, or seeing a film. There was a screening curated by David Gryn and a feature film selected by curator Marian Masone about the artist Maurizio Cattelan.

In addition, people can get some fresh air and head over to Collins Park to see the public art curated by Nicholas Baume, featuring 20 artists.

This event is just one of the many within Miami every year this week. Too many pop up fairs to mention grace the city. If you missed Miami Art Week, there is always next year.

More pictures coming soon.

By Gary Curreri

The Deerfield Beach High School football team is whole again as head coach Jevon Glenn returned to practice this week after being hospitalized last week after missing his team’s 28-21 victory over visiting Atlantic in the Region 3-8A final on Friday night.

Jakari Norwood took a screen pass from Nick Holm and went 44 yards for the winning score with 2:20 remaining to send the Bucks (10-2) to the state semi-final game for the first time since 2006 when it lost a heartbreaker to the eventual state champion Miami Northwestern.

An emotional Norwood said after the game that he and his team rallied around Glenn, who had been hospitalized two days earlier and missed the game. Former Piper High coach Matthew Lewis, the team’s running back coach, filled in as head coach for the game. Deerfield Beach will host Miami Southridge (10-2) in the state semifinal at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

“This was hard, but we did it for him (Glenn),” said Norwood, a 5-10, 175-pound junior running back who also scored on a 7-yard run earlier in the game to give the Bucks a 14-7 lead. “We prayed hard and we came through. This is very big. We are trying to do something we have never done. We want to beat Southridge and go to state.”

“My number was called and I just did what I do,” Norwood said. He had 57 yards rushing and another 51 yards receiving.

“I saw the end zone and I just took advantage of it.”

“I am feeling much better,” Glenn said on Wednesday morning. He was released from the hospital on Sunday and back at practice on Monday. “I am back in the saddle.”

“I’m good now,” said Glenn, who was diagnosed with ‘some digestive issues.’

“I am most definitely proud of the team, and the staff, and what they accomplished Friday,” he continued.

The last time Deerfield Beach played in a regional final before Friday night was in 2008 when they lost to Miramar. A victory Friday would send the Bucks to the state championship game for only the second time in school history. Deerfield reached the state final in 2005 losing to Palm Beach Gardens.

Deerfield Beach lost to the eventual state champion Flanagan in the regional semifinals last season, while Atlantic lost to Flanagan in the regional final.

The Bucks opened the scoring with 6:41 remaining in the first quarter when senior defensive end Deslin Alexandre blocked Brian Litang’s punt and Bucks senior Jerry Jeudy scooped up the loose ball and raced 31 yards for the 7-0 lead.

Atlantic tied the game at 7-7 on a 3-yard scoring run by Lamar Brewster with 7:46 remaining in the half. The score capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive.

Holm, who finished the game 18 of 26 for 262 yards, also threw a 42-yard pass to Daewood Davis to give the Bucks a 21-7 halftime lead before the Eagles started to mount a comeback.

The teams traded turnovers to start the third quarter and the Eagles cashed in with 7:42 left in the period on a 17-yard run up the middle by Marquis Waters. The extra point failed and the Bucks led 21-13.

Atlantic pulled to within 21-20 on a quarterback sneak by Thompson from a 1-yard out with 11:10 left to cap a 67-yard, 12 play drive. The big play in the drive was a 29 yard toss from Thompson to Corey Gammage to the Bucks’ 1. Thompson and Gammage teamed up for the 2-point conversion on a slant play to tie the game at 21-21 setting up Norwood’s late game heroics.

Lewis said the team only has a state championship in mind. Lewis was the head coach for Piper in 2008-09 and finished 6-4.

“This is just another step,” Lewis said. “Deerfield Beach has been to the playoffs and deep into the playoffs and amongst all of the school with the winningest records in the state of Florida and we are the only one that has not captured a state championship. Until we get that, we are not done. We are not finished.”

Lewis said Glenn was brought in for a stomach virus and was hospitalized for the game, but the team rallied around him Friday and got him the victory.

“Before the game, we made sure we laid it on the line for our leader,” Lewis said. “Coach Glenn has turned this program around and the kids fought hard for him tonight.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

When I cover the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, the first movie I try to see is the film with the best word of mouth. When I hosted the documentary, Conversations with Alan Ladd Jr., director Stanley Isaac expressed his admiration for Arrival, saying, “It’s always about the story.” The toughest critic I know is my big brother, who looked forward to seeing Arrival. The film lived up to his high expectation and we have been talking about this film throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.

Arrival is a classic science fiction about a problem on planet Earth. It uses the scientific method that used to be taught in middle-school science acknowledge the problem, study the problem, create a hypothesis and then proceed to apply a solution. Unlike Star Trek or Star Wars fantasy, Arrival is grounded by physical science fiction along the lines of The Day the Earth Stood Still and Contact. Fans of authors H.G. Wells, H.P. Lovecraft and Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five will appreciate the Easter eggs related to the theory of time. Brush up on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity also.

We are introduced to Professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and her daughter. Within five minutes of screen time, we learn that the daughter dies of a rare form of Cancer and the mother grieves. Dr. Banks, a linguist expert, is then summoned by the military with the arrival of aliens from outer space. While the threat appears to be benign, the world reaction grows increasingly tense.

With the help of theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), Dr. Banks overcomes the language barrier and communicates with heptapods – seven limbed star creatures that look like giant squids. As the aliens and humans become more intimate with each other, Dr. Banks subconscious becomes affected in which her dreams, nightmares and reality intersect.

Arrival is a thinking person’s motion picture. To director Denis Villeneuve’s credit, he clearly expresses Arrival’s simple narrative, despite multiple character details filled with dreamlike imagery. This film demands rapt attention and it is a film best seen in the afternoon to grasp all the film’s nuances.

It is Amy Adams’ performance that acts as a conduit between academic theory and human emotion. Her grief is real, as is her initial fear of the seven limbed heptapods, who they nickname Abbott & Costello. Her growth is real and one appreciates Louise Banks’ good days when she smiles later in the picture.

In the next couple of weeks, there will be plenty of science fiction movies that will be used to sell toys, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Star Wars Rogue One) Arrival is a special film that will appeal to one’s head as well as their heart.