Lyzsi SinclairThe Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese, Jon Hamm
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 104 minutes
Keanu Reeves star’s as Klaatu opposite Jennifer Connelly (Dr. Helen Benson) in this adaptation of the 1951 sci-fi classic. The Day the Earth Stood Still takes the alien invasion, end of the world theme, gives it a unique twist, spins it about and delivers a scenario for the end of mankind that is, actually believable. If you subscribe the theory that man is not alone in the universe.
As Klaatu, Reeves represents a group of different Alien societies, far more advanced than earth. Earth is one of the few planets that can support life in the universe, and in order to protect it, this grouping of Alien nations as decided to remove what is threatening it, humans. Believing that humans are fully aware of what they are doing, but cannot change, Klaatu sets in motion the destruction on man and all he has created. It’s up to Dr. Helen Benson (Connelly), her son Jacob (Smith) and Professor Barnhardt (Cleese) to convince him otherwise.
John Clesse’s role as Professor Barnhart is one of the most well acted personalities in the film and far too short. His dialog between himself and Klaatu is the turning point in the film, explaining what truly sparks a change in human thinking and how they are paralleling Klaatu’s own Alien race.
The rest of The Day the Earth Stood Still is pretty standard sci-fi fare, with a few more intelligently thought-out idea’s and concepts then in most invasion movies. Connecting with the characters is difficult as their back stories are barley a secondary focus. Certain portions of the film are too brief and would have benefited from adding a few minutes to allow the viewer to take in the weight of the events.
While The Day the Earth Stood still is an enjoyable film and a adds new ideas to the sci-fi genre, you will probably find yourself disinterested in whether or not the players survive or not.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese, Jon Hamm
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 104 minutes
Keanu Reeves star’s as Klaatu opposite Jennifer Connelly (Dr. Helen Benson) in this adaptation of the 1951 sci-fi classic. The Day the Earth Stood Still takes the alien invasion, end of the world theme, gives it a unique twist, spins it about and delivers a scenario for the end of mankind that is, actually believable. If you subscribe the theory that man is not alone in the universe.
As Klaatu, Reeves represents a group of different Alien societies, far more advanced than earth. Earth is one of the few planets that can support life in the universe, and in order to protect it, this grouping of Alien nations as decided to remove what is threatening it, humans. Believing that humans are fully aware of what they are doing, but cannot change, Klaatu sets in motion the destruction on man and all he has created. It’s up to Dr. Helen Benson (Connelly), her son Jacob (Smith) and Professor Barnhardt (Cleese) to convince him otherwise.
John Clesse’s role as Professor Barnhart is one of the most well acted personalities in the film and far too short. His dialog between himself and Klaatu is the turning point in the film, explaining what truly sparks a change in human thinking and how they are paralleling Klaatu’s own Alien race.
The rest of The Day the Earth Stood Still is pretty standard sci-fi fare, with a few more intelligently thought-out idea’s and concepts then in most invasion movies. Connecting with the characters is difficult as their back stories are barley a secondary focus. Certain portions of the film are too brief and would have benefited from adding a few minutes to allow the viewer to take in the weight of the events.
While The Day the Earth Stood still is an enjoyable film and a adds new ideas to the sci-fi genre, you will probably find yourself disinterested in whether or not the players survive or not.
