Incontri ravvicinati

Chad Everet and Dirk Benedict as military officers denying the existence of UFO's. Parker Stevenson as the abductee whose life has been turned up side down. I know..I know..I know. But hold on this one is different.Parker Stevenson gives a sensitive, endearing performance when he first encounters the alien that the military have captured. It's reminiscent of "ET" but without the happy ending. It is not geared for small children.

I didn't expect very much from this, and I wasn't disappointed. First let me say the plot is generally strong - with good ideas and a strong (ish) finish. It's basically an X-files type story with a military cover-up going on relating to alien abductions....you know- quite a popular (unoriginal) story line that would usually mean a good film.

However here, a good story is hampered by actors that are ok for TV movies but serve to take away from the story by not being totally convincing, although in fairness Parker Stevenson does have several good sensitive moments. Also the production values are not that high, although there are plenty of on-location shoots, and the internals all look convincing.

The big fall down is the special effects which are of TV standard - it's hard to go along with the action when the aliens are so clearly children in suits and optical special effects are cheap editing tricks. For example when Stevenson meets one of his alien abductors, his performance means you believe he was abducted and his emotions are real - but you can't get over the fact that the alien is a small person in a rubber Halloween costume!

Overall what could have been a better film with a clever (if unoriginal) story is let down by TV acting and pretty poor special effects.

"Official Denial" easily overcomes it's budget constrained special effects with a fast moving, highly intelligent script. The film covers a lot of scientific speculation regarding U.F.O.s, alien cover ups, and alien abductions. Because interest is generated by what's being said, rather than what's being seen, the low grade visuals are not a problem at all. The entire production is very positive, and acted with enthusiasm not seen in many "blockbuster" movies. Overall a very entertaining and thought provoking film, that will reward multiple viewings. I highly recommend "Official Denial". The VHS is not easy to find, but well worth seeking out. - MERK

Movie was enduring as a depressed man claiming to be a victim of an alien abduction is used by an organization to gain info from a captured creature. Stevenson does well in this film as he shows his sensitivity and a sense of humor we rarely saw in the Hardy Boys. I loved the scenes with the alien and going up against Benedicts character. The story was well told as a tale of hope for the future. I recommend this as a feel good film but keep your hankies handy. Erin Gray was wonderful as Annie Corliss the supportive wife of Paul. The writers did well to inject humor into what could be a heavy subject. I thought some of the lines were priceless.

Although is is clearly a B movie, I have seen it at least three times and recorded it once but have lost the tape and have many times wished I still had it on nights when TV viewing was exceptionally poor. And I have Sky too.

I have just found this title on ebay and placed a bid for it, which if I win in about 3 hours time, will have cost me a phenomenal £10 in a time when used VHS tapes can be picked up for 50p.

I found the film thought provoking and inspiring. I have long been a sci-fi buff but only when the subject is truly believable. And this film is just that. It actually brings to the surface some of my own thoughts on the subject of whether or not "we are alone". And indeed if our visitors are actually our closest relatives and living here on earth too.

I would urge all to see this film.