The day the Earth Stood Still starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly-directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose-2005)-was released in Canada Friday December 13th 2008. The film is actually a remake of the 1951 Sci-Fi flick, which in turn, was based on a short story named “Farewell Master” by Harry Bates about an alien who visits the earth. The new release is said to remain true to the original movie.
Well at first glance of the preview some smiled (or rolled their eyes) as it seems that Keanu “Neo” Reeves is back as “The One” who is the world’s last hope. Thoughts of Speilberg’s War of the Worlds (2005-Tom Cruise) might also come to mind. For most of us that enjoyed the Matrix Trilogy (enjoy may be somewhat of an understatement for Matrix fans and aficionados…) this isn’t a bad thing! However, type-cast speculations aside, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a completely different story and ideas of the Matrix quickly fade not long after the opening credits. Reeves plays an alien man named Klaatu who has an indestructible robot named Gort. Gort is actually a member of a race of super robot enforcers whose mandate is to maintain peace in the galaxy. Obviously, mankind’s behaviour threatens peace and so they have captured the enforcer’s attention.
The arsenal of the robot race has been significantly updated from what it was in 1951. During the preview, the cloud of black smoke that moves rapidly and is able to disintegrate matter instantly is a good example. The special effects of the movie seem to be very impressive. This film will surely be enjoyed by most Sci-Fi fans.
