There is little wonder why Sci-Fi fans dread the next Hollywood remake of their cherished classics instead of being filled with excitement. The current track record for remakes in the genre is certainly nothing to write home about. The wounds are still healing after last year’s remake of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and despite Tim Burton’s best efforts with Planet of the Apes and Steven Spielberg’s with The War of the Worlds, they still pale in comparison to the original. Much to the disdain of Sci-Fi fans, cinemas today are being filled by the remake of the highly regarded 1951 film The Day the Earth Stood Still. With an array of bland visuals failing to make a typically vacant Keanu Reeves’ hackneyed preachings about global warming at all interesting, it’s easy to understand why fans of the original are outraged that the sanctity of their beloved genre has been breached yet again.
When an uncharacteristic meteor purposefully alters its course to be on a collision course with New York, the US Government desperately calls in the brightest minds in Science to work out what it is and how to stop it. Included in the team is Dr. Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly), a professor of micro-biology, whom is struggling to connect with her step-son after the death of his father. However their scientific knowledge proves worthless when the object reveals itself to be a spherical alien space craft that lands right in the middle of Central Park. Stepping out of the glowing orb is Klaatu (Keanu Reeves), an alien in human host demanding to see the World Leaders at a nearby Summit. Fearing an imminent invasion, secretary of defence Regina Jackson (Cathy Bates) orders the extraterrestrial to be locked down and interrogated, desperately hoping to understand the truth behind why he has come to Earth.
The Inconvenient Truth here is that we’ve heard it all before. Ok, I get that the Cold War period of nuclear proliferation wasn’t a suitable angle for the remake to take, but anything is better alternative to once again having to hear how humanity is killing the planet. We get it, ok? According to director Scott Derrickson, apparently we don’t. The film incessantly tries to drive the point home like it’s some kind of revelation, unashamedly trying to evoke guilt in the audience. It doesn’t work, nor does the film’s serious undertone; as soon as Klaatu opts to stop at a McDonloads restaurant during his visit to Earth, it takes the films prominent use of product placement to a laughable level. It’s not a complete joke; the opening 20 minutes of speculation does pave the way for some genuine intrigue. But since the question of “why” is answered early on, it quickly becomes apparent that it was the only question of intrigue left on offer.
It’s a rare feat indeed, but Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast as the detached extraterrestrial Klaatu. However, that’s hardly a compliment when you consider that those next to me in the cinema staring blankly at the screen gave a remarkably similar performance to that of Reeves without even being aware of it. As suited to his role as he may be, it doesn’t excuse the fact that Reeves’ character isn’t the least bit enigmatic or interesting, a realisation that comes after seeing his impassive character on screen doing little more than monotonously muttering one word answers. Thankfully, a reliable Jennifer Connelly is there to provide the arbitrary juxtaposition of humanity, keeping the film from falling flat on its face. After a heart-warming performance in The Pursuit of Happyness, Jaden Smith is unnecessarily aggravating as her step-son Jacob. It’s not so much his fault than it is the screenplay, which in a sloppy attempt to incorporate some form of character development, features a sub-plot surrounding his disobedience towards his step-mum in the absence of his deceased father.
If a Sci-Fi remake is likely to gets one thing right, it’s the special effects. After all, most modern Sci-Fi films are simply an excuse to show off the cool new advancements being made in digital filmmaking. However, The Day the Earth Stood Still can’t even get that right. While the last act does feature some solid scenes of digital destruction, it certainly doesn’t forgive the first hour for being visually as bland as the story it struggles to support.
Conclusion:
You’re likely to struggle to sit still in The Day the Earth Stood Still; a forgettable remake that offers little intrigue from its dull visuals and stale message. An emotionless Reeves might make the perfect alien in theory, but that doesn’t make him an interesting one to watch. With Sci-Fi classics like Ghostbusters, Forbidden Planet and even Frankenstein soon to be remade, it’s frightening to think of what’s next.
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