The Day The Earth Stood Still

This movie is a re-make of minor classic starring Michael Rennie that was released in 1951. I'm mentioning this as a piece of information only and will in no way try to compare the two films. First of all I saw the original too long ago, and second, I believe that any film, whether based on a book, prior film or show, deserves to stand on it's own. Now that I've said that let's get to the film. In short, it has positives and negatives. On the plus side Keannu Reeves has likely found the perfect role for himself, one where he has to show a range of emotion as expansive as the distance between two cars in midtown Manhattan during rush hour. I know this sounds, and is, somewhat facetious, but it's actually true, he's the perfect fit for the part. On the minus side there are a number of logical lapses which can't be completely overlooked, and to discuss them would be giving too much away. The supporting players all do well in pretty standard roles, and it was nice to see John Cleese in a cameo appearance. If you don't already know, Reeves plays an alien from a higher civilization who arrives on earth in response to the fact that humans are in the process of destroying it due to pollution, global warming and all that kind of stuff. Actually as a recycled film, it's true to itself. I enjoyed it but it's nothing anyone has to see.

Rating - Light 3