The unknown can feel threatening, so it’s up to people to work swiftly to find solutions.
Sci-fi alien flick “Arrival” opens in theaters today. The movie follows a linguistics professor played by Amy Adams, who leads a team of investigators when spaceships touch down throughout the world. The team has to quickly figure out how to communicate with the unknown beings for any effort to save Earth.
As of Thursday, “Arrival” had a 95 percent “Certified Fresh” rating on film review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s not leading lady Adams’ first “Fresh” film. Or second. Or third. Or fourth.
“Arrival” marks her 15th film to be “Certified Fresh,” Rotten Tomatoes’ top measurement that is based on a steady rating after it’s received a set number of reviews, including five from “Top Critics.”
Here are Adams’ top “Fresh” films:
“The Muppets”
RT rating: 96 percent
Adams joined Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and the rest of the Muppets in the 2011 family musical comedy. Adams played Mary, the girlfriend of the biggest Muppet fan (Jason Segel). When they learn that a greedy businessman plans to raze Muppet Studios to drill oil, they try to save the studio.
“Catch Me If You Can”
RT rating: 96 percent
Although she had a small supporting role, “Catch Me if You Can” in 2002 was Adams’ first movie to be “Certified Fresh.” She played the soft-spoken fiancee of Frank Abagnale, Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a con artist who avoided the FBI for years while he posed as a doctor, lawyer and airline co-pilot.
“Her”
RT rating: 95 percent
Spike Jonze’s “Her” centers around a man (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with the artificial intelligence (AI) in his new operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Adams plays a friend who also develops a kinship with AI.
“American Hustle”
RT rating: 93 percent
Inspired by a true FBI operation, “American Hustle” follows two con artists (Christian Bale and Adams) who are forced by a federal agent to set up a sting operation on corrupt politicians. The movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, but didn’t win any of them.
“Enchanted”
RT rating: 93 percent
Animation and live action merge in 2007’s “Enchanted.” Adams plays an archetypal Disney princess named Giselle, who is plucked from her animated fairy tale kingdom and dumped into modern New York City.
"The Fighter"
RT rating: 90 percent
Based on a true story, “The Fighter” follows boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his intense boxing-loving family. Adams plays his girlfriend who encourages him to quit after a fight nearly kills him, causing a family rift. But then he gets a chance to earn a world title.
"Junebug"
RT rating: 86 percent
After eloping, a newlywed (Embeth Davidtz) pushes to meet her new husband’s family in their southern town. Although her style at first clashes with the family, she befriends her pregnant new sister-in-law (Adams) and learns more about her husband’s character. Adams’ role earned her a best supporting actress Oscar nomination in 2006.
"The Master"
RT rating: 86 percent
In “The Master,” Adams plays the wife of Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), the leader of a nascent philosophical movement called “The Cause.” But turmoil begins when Dodd becomes close to a World War II veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) who is struggling to adjust to civilian life.
