The Day the Earth Stood Still

[smilodon]

It's a remake of the Sci-fi masterpiece made by Robert Wise in 1951. This is a film where Keanu Reeves tries to give a nuanced and subtle performance as an alien with little or no empathy for humanity who slowly comes to realise that people are basically decent and worth saving.

Do you think Keanu was able to pull off this challenging role? Do you think that the huge Hollywood money machine was willing to keep their sticky fingers out of the creative process? Do you think corporate america was able to keep gratuitous product placement out of almost every scene? Do you think they made a decent and loyal remake of the original classic retaining it's intimacy and timeless appeal?

1/10

Go get the original on DVD.

[Luminance]

I don't know yet, I'll let you know in the morning

[Jabbs]

Haven't seen it yet but I would imagine this film with Will Smith in (would be a typical Hollywood choice).  Keanu? He's a dry actor for sure :g: lol

[Dr Sadako]

Well, I have heard that Keanu fits quite nicely. He has that stale alien look to begin with. :roflmao:

[Toxteth]

Well, I have heard that Keanu fits quite nicely. He has that stale alien look to begin with. :roflmao:

Couldn't agree with that more!!

I saw the trailer for this when I went to watch 'Ghost Town' (Ricky Gervais' new one - don't put yourself out to watch that either, not funny enough and a bit too soppy for my liking!)

IMO it looked TERRIBLE, I doubt i'll be paying to see it.

[smilodon]

Reeves can do 'fish out of water and a bit confused' very well. because that's all he can do. This worked fine in The Matrix. In that film he was, like us the audience, uncertain and confused about what the hell was going on. In the two Matrix sequels he was supposed become stronger and more certain about his role etc. Which is where the films fell apart. In this film he simply does a Mr Spock "that is illogical" character and it doesn't work. No one is ever going to accept Keanu Reeves as a super intelligent alien being. It's a horrible horrible piece of mis casting.

I've thought a bit more and if the original film never existed this would be a very average special effects no brainer. Sort of Independence Day, Armageddon light. So if you have never seen the 1951 film then this would be perfectly OK as a Saturday night DVD rental. But as a real lover of the original I am clearly biased and for me this film is a pointless waste of time. I just sat there wishing I was watching the real 'When the Earth Stood Still'. Sort of like when they remade the excellent Manhunter with the limp Hannibal.

[Luminance]

@ smilo, I did believe Keanu Reeves as a super intelligent alien being.
Keanu Reeves was perfect for that role, (its not comedy/action so thank god no will smith jabbs, although he in I am legend was pretty good don't get me wrong).

Never seen the first movie so I don't know how it should have been, but i thoughed it was a good movie (not great, certainly not great) since it made me aware of certain stuff, and give me something to think about, which I enjoy. There are however major flaws in the movie. The action part near the end sucks, and the ending is way to sudden. So I do agree with you that its more of a saterday night movie, then a blockbuster in the movietheaters.

I would rate this movie at a 6/10

[TeaLeaf]

The original is one of those timeless masterpieces.  Complete classic that is filed in my DVD collection under "omg yes we humans really can act that way and be that stupid"

TL.

[DarkAngel]

Saw it tonight one word "crap" dont waste your money.

[delankster]

watched it tonight and although not the best sci-fi film by any stretch of the imagination, i quite enjoyed it

[T-Bag]

Graphics were poor, acting wasn't anything special. Story line maybe a "Classic" but it's just plain rubbish. It's cold war nonsense that doesn't deserve trying to squeeze a modern remake.

So aliens care so much about all life. They don't mind when it hunts other life that's fine. However potentially causing global warming is the final straw. I've not seen the original but I assume it's more related to impending self destruction and less about aliens randomly deciding humans (yes they are a lifeform too btw) need to be wiped out.

3/10

[TeaLeaf]

See the original.  It is a classic and well worth the time.

TL.

[Dr Sadako]

See the original.  It is a classic and well worth the time.

TL.

Buy the original on BD. It is a treat.

[Thulsa Doom]

Saw it a few weeks ago, 5/10.
Keanu Reeves need a kick up the arse to get any decent expresion out of him, he was just so wooden.

[TeaLeaf]

Buy the original on BD. It is a treat.

WTB a version that will play on my EU player.

TL.