Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Keanu Reeves | ... | Klaatu | |
Jennifer Connelly | ... | Helen Benson | |
Kathy Bates | ... | Regina Jackson | |
Jaden Smith | ... | Jacob Benson | |
John Cleese | ... | Professor Barnhardt | |
Jon Hamm | ... | Michael Granier | |
Kyle Chandler | ... | John Driscoll | |
Robert Knepper | ... | Colonel | |
James Hong | ... | Mr. Wu | |
John Rothman | ... | Dr. Myron | |
Sunita Prasad | ... | Rouhani | |
Juan Riedinger | ... | William Kwan | |
Sam Gilroy | ... | Tom | |
Tanya Champoux | ... | Isabel | |
Rukiya Bernard | ... | Student |
Dr. Helen Benson is summoned to a military facility with several other scientists when an alien spacecraft of sorts arrives in New York City. Aboard is a human-like alien and a giant robot of immense size and power. The alien identifies himself as Klaatu and says he has come to save the Earth. The US military and political authorities see him as a threat however and decide to use so-called intensive interrogation techniques on him but Dr. Benson decides to facilitate his escape. When she learns exactly what he means when he says he is there to save the Earth, she tries to convince him to change his intentions. Written by garykmcd
I've seen the original twice or so in the past, and when seeing the announcement trailer for the remake i didn't hit the ceiling and cry to the pagan gods of old to destroy the MTV Generation. Some human beings dare i say like (rarely) to enjoy the apple of the cinematic garden.
Without doubt this film was as pretentious as the above statement, preaching about how we should change our world-killing ways. The legendary James Hong makes an appearance and he doesn't seem too fussed about all the world ending, humbling himself with a MacDonalds. Animation was brilliant, however a lot of the world-wide full CG scenes weren't called for - giving the film in places a strange glowing sensation. It's certainly too expensive for itself, with little cgi-bug things ripping up central park and generally looking expensive at the same time.
Keanu Reeves does his thing, this time cast appropriately, however characterised so jarringly bi-polar he can drag the film into a wishy-washy sentimental shite-horn parade whenever there's an on-screen hug. The protagonist cast tend to be fairly varied, enjoyable - taking predictable turns and so on. The bonding between Conelly and Mini-Smith certainly doesn't feel as solid and Cruise and old-whats-her-face in 'War of The Worlds.' There's a 'queer' moment where suddenly sympathy is due for the idiot-military and ruling body when they realise they've done wrong. Sympathy however is not given.
But, despite what grumbles i may have i set them aside for a film that is beautifully shot, epic, scored delightfully and edited perfectly.
Go and see it, just don't go in your 'Day The Earth Stood Still' 1957 t shirt and be the obnoxious one who spoils it for others.
cheers. Ginger Dave.