Movie: The Day the Earth Stood Still

[oz]

Just wanted to plug another movie I'm looking forward to seeing in a few months:

The Day the Earth Stood Still ( 2008 )

This is a remake of the classic 1951 movie of the same name:

The Day the Earth Stood Still ( 1951 )

The original was fantastic, and both the alien and his robot were especially mysterious, and spooky. I still get chills when I see it.

It's doubtful that the remake will equal the classic version, but hopefully it will be well worth seeing. It does have a very good cast, so maybe the production and directing will also be up to speed.

[Dapper Dan]

Wow ozar, I didn't even know it was in production!

Viewing the trailer, I'm having doubts the new version will do the story justice. The 1951 version was such a monumental film, eerie and terrifying in places even today. (By the way, did you notice the flying saucer in the new Indiana Jones movie was almost identical to the one in the original "The Day The Earth Stood Still?) I'll withhold judgment until I've actually seen it, but the preview makes it appear to be a re-warming of "Independence Day." If nothing else, it will be interesting to see what they come up with for "Gort."

"Klaatu Barata Nikto..."

[bigtomrodney]

I'm a huge fan of the original and I only watched it a couple of months back. It is without doubt one of the most important science fiction films ever made but beyond that it's hugely important to cinema in general.

I've watched the trailer for the new one and I'm not convinced. I've always liked Keanu Reeves - probably because I grew up watching Bill & Ted - but he is just not right for this role.

Also I hear that there will be a bit of a shift in the story towards global warming. This in itself mightn't be bad as the original was strongly anti-nuclear in a time when tensions were built around that. I just hope they stick to the message and don't make it a CGI fest. This is one film that could go with 'less is more' when it comes to effects.

[jayd512]

I just hope they stick to the message and don't make it a CGI fest. This is one film that could go with 'less is more' when it comes to effects.

I gotta agree with that. This isn't one of those films where fancy explosions or some John Woo action scenes are really going to be a real good fit. I'm hoping it'll use the actual story-line to get us wrapped up in the goings on of the plot.

[techieMoe]

I echo the sentiment that I hope the message doesn't get lost in special effects.

[Dapper Dan]

Agreed here too!

These folks who make pictures with a trillion dollar CGI budget rarely seem to understand that all the special effects in the world can't elevate a poorly written script. The story is the most important thing! If you have that, then great CGI can enhance it. As an example, I fell asleep forty-five minutes into the most recent "King Kong."

[oz]

Agreed... it's interesting how in the original version there were very few special effects. The storyline and characters themselves were so riveting that the film didn't really need any. Anyone planning to see the remake should definitely see the original first, in my opinion.

Dan, I've not seen the new Indiana Jones movie but will be watching for the saucer when I do see it. Thanks for the heads up.

[bigtomrodney]

Dan, I've not seen the new Indiana Jones movie but will be watching for the saucer when I do see it. Thanks for the heads up.

Well now you know there's a saucer it may be slightly more predictable...

[carlosponti]

i read the short story the original movie was based on and it seemed to really lack the real plot but was very good. it will be interesting to see how they develop the story.

Farewell to the Master by Harry Bates

[Dapper Dan]

Dan, I've not seen the new Indiana Jones movie but will be watching for the saucer when I do see it. Thanks for the heads up.

Oops... I guess I should have warned that it was a potential spoiler...

Thinking about it though, I don't think knowing will detract from your overall enjoyment of the film. I thought it was really well made and entertaining and might even go see it again.