There is something about classic science fiction movies that is just so appealing. Hollywood has a knack for revisiting these classics, and more often than not, they receive rather mixed reviews, with many comparing them to the originals. Not too long ago we had the remake of War of the Worlds, and there is even news of a When Worlds Collide remake in the works. The latest to obtain this treatment is The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Based on the 1951 film of the same name, the plot is largely unchanged, but updated to suit the modern day. The theme of aliens visiting our world has been a popular one, and it still continues to fascinate. The first 30 minutes of the movie are the most gripping, where central character and astrobiologist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) is taken into custody and escorted by federal agents, along with many other scientists and government officials to a top-secret meeting. The reason - an unidentified flying object is headed straight for Central Park, Manhattan and since there is not much time left, they are just preparing for the aftermath. The scene that follows is rather captivating.
A spaceship in the shape of an orb appears and lands, and from it emerges an intergalactic being named Klaatu, together with his companion, dubbed ‘Gort’. Before the poor alien could even shake hands with Benson, a trigger-happy soldier fires a shot and wounds him. This scene is faithfully done like the original, with Klaatu taking the shot and Gort coming to his rescue, disabling tanks and military equipment. He is then taken to military custody and sheds his outer placenta suit to reveal a physique resembling Keanu Reeves. He sends the message that he is a friend of the Earth, and he means that literally. He represents a group of advanced aliens from other worlds who believe that Earth’s unique life-supporting properties are too unique to be destroyed by a single species (yes, he means us!). We are to change our ways or be annihilated. Despite his pleas to meet our planet’s ‘leader’, Klaatu instead becomes property of the US government.
It didn’t take long before he escapes though. It immediately becomes clear to Klaatu that we humans are stubborn and refuse to change. What follows is a wild goose chase with Benson trying to convince him that humanity can change and is worth saving. But stepson Jacob (Will Smith’s son Jaden) doesn’t help when he said that we should ‘kill him’ (perhaps influenced by his addiction to PS3 games). The plot takes a messy turn from here, and perhaps it would have been done much better if there was a stronger backbone to the story. Gort on the other hand, is strikingly similar in design to the 1951 original, except he is now about 50-feet tall and also a biological weapon. He arguably exists simply as an excuse to cause major destruction and to make use of the huge special-effects budget. Another interesting scene to catch is when various orbs appear to serve as ‘arks’ for life on Earth.
What’s most interesting is that a slightly-tweaked 50-year-old story is astonishingly relevant for this day and age. The Day the Earth Stood Still might not be a real groundbreaking movie, but it has a rather meaningful message that transcends time.
3 out of 5 Stars
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