FamilyFans Movies
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THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (PG-13)
Plot Summary: An alien comes to earth and plans to destroy mankind in an effort to save our planet.
Reason for the Rating: Some sci-fi disaster images and violence.
The Day the Earth Stood Still, a remake of the 1951 movie by the same name, has a lot going for it: big stars, amazing special effects and spectacular cinematography ... but unfortunately it also contains a plot that will leave you disappointed.
Jennifer Connolly plays Helen Bensen, an astrobiologist called into last-minute service by the federal government to assist in a puzzling problem. It seems that an asteroid - or something - is hurtling toward earth, and is going to hit Manhattan in a mere 75 minutes! Instead of going to a bunker to wait out the impact, the Army flies Helen and her cohorts straight into heart of Manhattan. Thankfully, at the last moment, the sphere slows and gently lowers itself into Central Park.
Now, I don’t know about you, but if a humongous other-worldly sphere lands on earth, I’m not going to walk up and knock on the door. Call me crazy. Yet, Helen’s curiosity defies her fear, and she is the only one who approaches the sphere. As the dust and haze clear, she sees something that appears human. As she reaches out and touches it’s hand, a shot rings out and the alien is shot.
This
is our introduction to Klaatu (Keanu Reeves), an alien from an undisclosed
planet. He and Gorp, his giant Cyclops-like protector, have been sent to earth.
Humans, of course, being the distrustful race that we are, strap Klaatu to a
chair, have him sedated and attempt to interrogate him. Only Helen reacts with
compassion and attempts to communicate in a gentle, trusting manner. So, when
Klaatu escapes and needs help, it’s Helen he turns to.
Along for the ride, is Helen’s stepson, Jacob (Jaden Smith), a bratty child who never appreciates how good Helen is to him. Unfortunately, this is probably the weakest performance of the movie. Smith’s movements seem choreographed at points (like when he puts his hand up toward his mouth when looking at a map, as if to say, “Yes, let’s see, where are we now?”), and while he’s believable as a bratty kid, his movements are stilted and uncomfortable. Keanu Reeves, on the other hand, has found the perfect role for his low key acting style. Klaatu is not human, and doesn’t display emotions, which is the ideal role for Reeves’ understated style. His expressionless face when watching a tender moment between Helen and Jacob couldn’t have been acted any better.
What really makes this movie are the special effects. I won’t go into detail, as it would give away the ending, but watching Shea Stadium crumble and fall, or a semi-truck disintegrate and disappear was done without a trace of trickery.
When
watching The Day the Earth Stood Still, one can’t help but think of Al
Gore and the impact he has had on us. This is definitely a movie with a “green”
emphasis. Klaatu’s mission is to destroy the world, because humans do not know
how to care for earth. Therefore, he has been sent to collect animals of all
kinds (think Noah’s Ark), and take them to another life-sustaining planet where
they will be cared for and flourish. It is interesting to see Hollywood using
movies to promote “going green” and care for our earth, but unfortunately this
movie isn’t enough to make an significant impact.
FAMILYFANS RECOMMENDS:
The rating for The Day the Earth Stood Still is a good guide. Tween-agers would enjoy the effects, and could still overlook some of the acting and story weaknesses that adults might not be able to overlook.
AFTER THE SHOW:
• Do you think Klaatu is a Christ-type in this story? Explain.
• Professor Barnhardt states that it is only at the precipice that man will change. Is this true in your life? What is something you need to change?
• In the movie, the government wanted to kill Klaatu because they were afraid of him, and didn’t take the time to understand him. How do you respond to people who are different from you?
JW
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