The Day the Earth Stood Still

Let's be blunt: this is definitely not a good movie; it's not horrid either, it's just somewhere between average and bad. There are quite a few problems. First, with the script, which tries to incorporate all elements of the 1951 movie into a new, updated whole. The end result lacks cohesion and plays more like a sequence of 5 to 10 minutes scenes badly sewn together, the prime objective of each scene being either to introduce an element taken from the original movie or, on the contrary, an idea absent form the1951 original, instead of simply advancing the story. Second, the direction: poor, poor, poor. Third, some of the worst acting I have seen in a mainstream movie for a long time; I found the leads, especially Keanu, quite good but the other actors are decent at best, with Katie Bates delivering a frighteningly catastrophic 'performance'. I was not shocked (positively or negatively) by all the other aspects of the film.

Coming out of the theater, I found myself pondering about this remake and the 1951 original. I find the Robert Wise movie quite good, but not the masterpiece some claim it to be. I was therefore ready to accept a remake and the few new ideas offered by the 2008 movie made me painfully aware that a remake could indeed have been interesting, had it been put in better hands or, if I dare say so, in much better hands. So, to me, it's another sadly missed opportunity.

Why do these movies feel they need to include a bratty, spoiled, overbearing kid?? The ridiculous performance of Jaden Smith added annoyance to the empty script.

The movie starts off well enough, and then tries miserably to develop the characters and make us care for them. The Bates role is absurd; Cleese's role has virtually nothing to say this amazing encounter. The military point of view is typical; as if there's only one area where the military is useful (I would expect nothing less from "Hollywood").

There were some very interesting ideas (the sphere-like ship, the nanobots, the Gort acronym) and the effects were top notch, however Gort (the one thing the movie had going for it) was on screen for less then 10 minutes.

Keanu was perfectly cast and Connelly does a good job with what's given to her. All in all, another flop of a remake. This actually makes the War of the Worlds remake shine.

I saw this movie in IMAX - if you're going to see it, find an IMAX theater. Lastly, am I the only sick of seeing the same old New York back drop? I love New York City, but come on! Be original!

It's not a bad movie. Keanu Reeves is great, Jennifer Connelly is great as usual, the real problem with the movie is Jaden Smith, he is just a toxic blob, perhaps one of the worst actors in the history of Hollywood.

Nobody should ever hire him, nobody should ever allow him within a hundred miles of a film set, every word he utters, every scene he's in is toxic and unwatchable just like After Earth. Every project he is involved in is diminished by his presence and extreme lack of charisma. An iguana has more screen presence than he does.

The same with virtually everything else he's done the kid has an unbelievable lack of talent. Considering his father and how talented he is one has to wonder how how does a son of a talent like Will Smith fall so far from the tree.

Avoid Jaden at all costs, avoid anything he's in, anything he does, he's is utterly unwatchable.

If you are able to get past the Jaden roadblock, the film is fun.

From the moment the alien encounters young Jaden Smith's character, it becomes clear that Earth's survival hangs by a thread. You see, this alien, possessing advanced knowledge and technological prowess, realizes that after a brief encounter with Jaden, any shred of hope for humanity crumbles like a house of cards. Who could blame the poor alien?

Keanu Reeves, our otherworldly visitor, does his best to save Earth from imminent doom. However, he couldn't anticipate the formidable force that is Jaden's enigmatic charm. The alien's mission transforms from a noble attempt to preserve life on Earth to an all-consuming desire to obliterate it, just to spare the universe from the cosmic catastrophe that is Jaden Smith's presence.

Watching the alien's internal struggle is like witnessing a cosmic stand-up comedy routine. The more Jaden Smith speaks, the closer the alien gets to pressing the self-destruct button. It's a battle of wills, with Keanu Reeves attempting to broker peace while shielding the universe from Jaden's inexplicable ability to drive sentient beings to madness.

The filmmakers deserve credit for their bold choice to cast Jaden Smith, as it inadvertently creates a unique blend of comedy and existential crisis. At times, you'll find yourself questioning whether the alien's ruthless intentions are truly unwarranted.

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" is a rare gem that transcends mere science fiction, plunging headfirst into the realm of unintentional hilarity. You'll laugh, you'll ponder the absurdity of it all, and perhaps you'll even empathize with the alien's desperate plea for a universe free from Jaden Smith's cosmic influence.

So grab your popcorn and prepare for an adventure like no other. Just remember, if you ever find yourself face to face with Jaden Smith, pray that the world's fate doesn't rest in your hands. Godspeed, brave moviegoers!

I second another reviewer who said they'd have given it 10 stars if the movie ended with his character being killed. Not only was his acting horrible but the classic kid character that's annoying, makes trouble, doesn't listen and runs away causing problems totally ruined everything that could have been good. If our survival as a species depended on this kid representing us, we'd have been wiped out immediately, just like this movie's good ratings.