Synopsis – A remake of the 1951 classic science fiction film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth – The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler
Released: 2008
If you liked: War of the Worlds, The Andromeda Strain, Edge of Tomorrow
Keanu Reeves has an amazing ability to play otherworldly characters, especially ones with an underlying kindness/childlike nature. So when going into the film I knew Reeves was the person to play Klaatu, an alien who comes to Earth to deliver the ominous warning that the end is near for humanity.
I must admit that I have never seen the 1951 original, but I understand that at the time of release, it was a cautionary tale about the Cold War, this time however it has been changed to the threat of global warming and environmental damage. Connelly more than holds her own here and is given her talents, it was great to see her given a unique role than what I’m used to seeing her play, making me wish that the makers of Alita: Battle Angel had developed her part more.
The CGI effects don’t hold up as much as you would have hoped, especially when it comes to the giant robot, which is somewhat surprising given that it only came out in 2008. Another of the issues I found when watching the film was even though Reeves and Connelly did well in their roles, the rest of the cast were left woefully underdeveloped to the point where I found it hard to care when they died, while Jaden Smith once again proves that nepotism isn’t a good thing and After Earth wasn’t a one-off.
In theory, this film had everything it needed to be great, including a strong story, a good cast, and a good message, but unfortunately ended up leaving a lot to be desired, maybe it was rushed and that is why some of the characters feel underdeveloped and the CGI isn’t as good as it could have been, but if you enjoy sci-fi, will still have a good time.
Roses Have Thoughts 
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