Roger Ebert's Surprising Praise for Charlie Sheen's 1996 Sci-Fi Flop In 1996, Charlie Sheen starred in a sci-fi film that was widely panned by critics and proved to be a box office disaster. However, one influential voice stood out in its defense - legendary film critic Roger Ebert. Ebert's glowing review of the film, which he awarded a near-perfect score, was a stark contrast to the overwhelmingly negative reception it received elsewhere. The film in question was "The Arrival," a thriller that cast Sheen as an SETI radio astronomer who uncovers evidence of an alien takeover of Earth. Despite the intriguing premise, the movie was met with a lukewarm response upon its release, failing to ignite much enthusiasm among general audiences. Ebert's review, however, painted a very different picture. Writing in the Chicago Sun-Times, he described "The Arrival" as a "masterful thriller" that "works astonishingly well," awarding it four stars out of four. This was particularly notable given Ebert's reputation for being a discerning and often critical voice when it came to science fiction films. In his review, Ebert praised the movie's taut pacing, intelligent plot, and Sheen's performance, which he felt brought a sense of gravitas and believability to the role. He was particularly impressed by the film's ability to blend elements of sci-fi, mystery, and political intrigue, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. "The Arrival" was directed by David Twohy, a filmmaker known for his work on the "Riddick" franchise and other science-fiction thrillers. Twohy had previously collaborated with Sheen on the 1993 film "Chasers," which may have contributed to Ebert's positive assessment of the actor's work in the film. Despite Ebert's glowing review, "The Arrival" ultimately proved to be a commercial failure, grossing just $14.4 million at the box office against a reported budget of $30 million. This was a disappointing result, especially given the film's talented cast and crew. The reasons for the film's lack of success are multi-faceted. Some critics felt that the plot was overly convoluted and that the film's pacing dragged at times, making it difficult for audiences to fully engage with the story. Others argued that the film's scientific elements were not as well-developed or convincing as they could have been, which may have turned off some viewers. Additionally, the film's release came at a time when the science-fiction genre was dominated by blockbuster franchises like "Star Wars" and "Star Trek," making it difficult for a relatively smaller-scale film like "The Arrival" to stand out and capture the public's attention. Despite its commercial failure, "The Arrival" has since developed a cult following among fans of science-fiction and conspiracy-themed thrillers. The film's themes of alien invasion and government cover-ups continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate its unique blend of genres and its willingness to tackle complex ideas. Ebert's review, in particular, has been cited as a testament to his keen eye for the nuances of filmmaking and his ability to recognize the merits of a film that may have been overlooked by the general public. His praise for "The Arrival" serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting and thought-provoking works of art can be found in the most unexpected places. In the end, while "The Arrival" may not have achieved the level of commercial success that its supporters had hoped for, it remains a testament to the power of critical analysis and the importance of recognizing the value in works that may not fit neatly into the mainstream. Ebert's championing of the film serves as a reminder that the true worth of a work of art is not always measured by its box office performance, but by its ability to captivate, challenge, and inspire its audience.