I went into the film with low-expectations. It’s a remake of an ancient “sci-fi classic,” that, to my knowledge, hasn’t seen the light of day for decades. I’ve seen the original and found it had it’s place in the obtuse archives of fifties drive-in theaters. That said, I still enjoy me a good Earth vs. Everyone film.
Fortunately, the film wastes little time and throws the audience into the heart of the problem. Something is coming, and we can’t stop it.
The casting, I felt was somewhat awkward. No, I’m not just talking about Surfboard Reeves. Jenifer Connelly, whose haunting eyes chase me all the way back to the days of the Labyrinth, performed well. However, her role was… passive. The choice of Jaden Smith as her son felt forced. Jaden Smith’s performance was good, but then, what ten year-old can’t act like a ten year-old?
Early on, a host of scientists were gathered. Of the bunch, the only one with speaking lines was a dark-skinned and bearded man. He was sensible, calm and very much an attribute to the scientific team. He also felt like a token. This combined with Jaden Smith and a few other choices made the entire cast feel as if it were a socio-political message and a rather heavy handed one at that.
The pacing was good, I was never bored for very long. Though I never felt satisfaction for the scenario. We learn that Klaatu is a representative of a sort of galactic U.N., here to pass final judgment. We, of course, shoot him. Hilarity ensues.
Well, not hilarity per se. My major issue with the film (aside from the rampant product placement – not Apple this time, but Micro$oft and McDonald’s), was the lack of plausibility. The dialogue felt overly expositional, the characters were single-dimensional archetypes, more fulfilling a role than acting out a living scenario.
The final bite was that Klaatu was so easily swayed. He was sent tour world with the option to wipe out humanity. To smear six-billion plus lives out of existence. Yet, the contrived family psycho-drama between Connely and Smith melts his freezy heart? Seems… pretty forced to me.
Over all, the action was minimal, the theme and sub-plots were heavy-handed and Surfboard Reeves does what he does best: Plays a somewhat confused outsider with a very little emotional range.