Watch The Day the Earth Stood Still
- PG-13
- 2008
- 1 hr 43 min
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5.5 (172,725)
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a 2008 science fiction film directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Kathy Bates. It is a remake of the 1951 film of the same name, and tells the story of an alien emissary named Klaatu (Reeves) who comes to Earth to warn humanity of the risks it poses to the planet and to offer a solution to its problems. The film begins with a mysterious object hurtling towards Earth, causing panic and confusion among the world's governments and militaries. In the chaos, a team of scientists led by Helen Benson (Connelly) is recruited to investigate the object and determine its nature and purpose. When they finally make contact with the alien inside, they discover that he is Klaatu, a being from a highly advanced civilization on another planet who has come to deliver an urgent message to humanity. Klaatu informs Helen and the Earth's leaders that the planet is in grave danger from reckless and unsustainable human activities, and that unless immediate action is taken to stop them, the planet will face catastrophic consequences. He proposes a global solution to the problem, but his message is met with skepticism and hostility from many of the world's leaders and citizens, who see him as a threat and fear the consequences of his intervention. As Klaatu attempts to persuade humanity to change its ways and confront its own destructive tendencies, he also forms a deep connection with Helen and her young son, Jake (Jaden Smith), who becomes fascinated with the alien's technology and the secrets of his spacecraft. Together, they face a race against time to convince the world's governments to take the necessary steps to avert disaster, and to uncover the true nature of Klaatu's mission and his ultimate intentions. The Day the Earth Stood Still is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores important themes of environmentalism, human nature, and our relationship with technology and the universe. Reeves delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic and otherworldly Klaatu, whose motivations and goals remain enigmatic until the very end. Connelly and Bates provide strong supporting performances as the determined and compassionate Helen, and the hard-nosed and skeptical Secretary of Defense, respectively. The film's many action sequences and special effects are impressively executed, and help to heighten the tension and drama of the story. The visual style of the film is sleek and modern, with a focus on clean lines and high-tech gadgets that reflect the advanced civilization of Klaatu's people. The score by composer Tyler Bates is also noteworthy, providing an atmospheric and ethereal backdrop to the film's more contemplative moments. Overall, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a worthwhile and entertaining film for fans of science fiction and action movies alike. Its exploration of timely and relevant themes, combined with its strong cast, impressive visuals, and thrilling action sequences, make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the potential consequences of humanity's impact on the planet and the cosmos.