The Day the Earth Stood Still *** (2008, Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler, Robert Knepper, James Hong) – Classic Movie Review 4519

Keanu Reeves stars as human-like alien Klaatu, originally played by Michael Rennie, in director Scott Derrickson’s tense, exciting and surprisingly good big-budget remake of the beloved 1951 sci-fi classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Jennifer Connelly plays scientist Dr Helen Benson, who is urgently called to a military facility with other scientists when an alien spacecraft arrives in New York City, with Klaatu and a giant robot aboard. Politicians and the military are sceptical when Klaatu says he wants to save the Earth.

Reeves didn’t have to be off any competition for the role – he was the producer’s first and only choice.

Also in the cast are Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler, Robert Knepper and James Hong.

Reeves says that in 1951 Klaatu was an alien WITH a human body, now he’s an alien IN a human body. Bodacious, Keanu!

It was not universally admired, partly because the fans just didn’t want a remake of the 1951 icon, but it performed pretty well to take back its $80 million cost at the US box office.

David Scarpa writes the new screenplay based on the 1951 screenplay by Edmund H North. It is a sharp looking movie thanks to the Cinematography by David Tattersall and Production Design by David Brisbin.

Scott Derrickson went on to make Doctor Strange (2016).

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4519

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