Morning:
8°c
Derek Malcolm's rating
Stone-faced Keanu in Day the Earth Stood Still
By
Derek Malcolm
11 Dec 2008
Scott Derrickson’s limp updating of the 1951 Robert Wise film, itself no masterpiece, is not far short of the most feeble epic of the year. This time round, the strange being called Klaatu arrives on earth not to destroy the planet but to vaporise everyone on it. Otherwise, he says to the woman he befriends, humans will ruin the earth of their own accord.
Not a bad idea in terms of global warming, but a very bad script indeed as Jennifer Connelly’s widow scientist tries to persuade Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) to give the earthlings one more chance. She is aided by John Cleese’s unlikely maths nabob who says it’s never too late for earthlings to change and avoid being dead parrots. Kathy Bates’s presidential representative is also on hand to defend the world from a very nasty attack of the vapours.
All this is accompanied by some not very special effects, a lot of acting by numbers and a general whiff of a B-movie striving for effect.
If Reeves, who scarcely changes his expression once, is well cast as the stoic Klaatu, everyone else looks as if they know perfectly well that this is a film they’ve got to get through before making off with their cheques and forgetting the whole thing.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (5)
Why remake a classic film with the lead role (originally played by Englishman Micheal Rennie) being filled by someone with all the acting talent of a plank of wood? The plot makes no sense, the dialogue and acting are abysmal and it lacks the inherent threat of the original.
- Klaatu Barada Nikto, Cheam, 30/12/2008 12:58
Report abuse
I have watched the latest film of Keanu and i find it really enjoyable. i totally disagree with the writer by calling Keanu Stone faced????? Apparently Mr Malcolm was under the impression that Keanu was acting the ET the Alien. I am sorry Mr Malcolm but you are clearly mistaken.It is not easy to act an alien who comes to pre warn the people about the end of the world.So...... definitely i wasnt expecting from Keanu acting like Peter Kay. HANDS OFF from Keanu he is doing great.
- Panos Kokkaris, Milton Keynes - UK, 23/12/2008 06:25
Report abuse
For once I really looked forward to seeing a film. I should have saved my money. Without doubt THE worst film I can remember seeing in Many a year. There's not actualy one saving grace about it. Complete and utter drivel.
- Neil Blackwell, Wallington, Surrey., 15/12/2008 14:41
Report abuse
Vacuous people wandering in search of paychecks. This film is terrifying in its disregard of cinema-goers. It appears obvious that they (perhaps all concerned with the film) don't care. And don't care a lot. What a ham-fisted job of redoing the well acted and well intentioned 1951 original. Do not go unless you're the kind who enjoys hanging around accident scenes, in which case enjoy.
- Michael Holland, hong kong, 15/12/2008 09:58
Report abuse
Saw this at the Imax, Wimbledon, last Wednesday and have to admit to being very disappointed with it. I liked the original, but if anything, this remake dumbs down even that b/w version. The only saving grace for me were some stunning (and some not-so stunning) visual effects, but without the benefit of Imax, even these might lose impact.
- Steve F, London, 12/12/2008 19:02
Report abuse
