Derek Winnert

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This article was written on 24 Oct 2016, and is filled under Reviews.

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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

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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.

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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

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com

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