The Day the Earth Stood Still
A representative of an alien race that went through drastic evolution to survive its own climate change, Klaatu comes to Earth to assess whether humanity can prevent the environmental damage they have inflicted on their own planet. When barred from speaking to the United Nations, he decides humankind shall be exterminated so the planet can survive.
Critics Sentiment
The spherical spaceship descends and lands in Manhattan
Jacob continuously disrespects Helen and acts hostile toward Klaatu
The film's quality plummeted from the impressive sphere landing sequence to Jacob's introduction, dropping 3 points as Jaden Smith's performance alienated viewers.
The Day the Earth Stood Still starts promisingly with impressive visual effects and atmospheric tension but suffers a dramatic decline once Jaden Smith's character Jacob is introduced. While Keanu Reeves' performance as the alien Klaatu was widely praised as perfect casting, the overwhelming negative reaction to Smith's portrayal dominates most reviews. The film recovers somewhat with its special effects sequences and spiritual themes, but never fully overcomes the damage done by what many consider one of the worst child performances in cinema history.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 69
Keanu Reeves
Klaatu
Jennifer Connelly
Helen Benson
Jaden Smith
Jacob Benson
Jon Hamm
Michael Granier
Kathy Bates
Regina Jackson
John Cleese
Professor Barnhardt
Kyle Chandler
John Driscoll
Robert Knepper
Colonel
Brandon T. Jackson
Target Tech
James Hong
Mr. Wu
Jake McLaughlin
Soldier
John Rothman
Dr. Myron
Sunita Prasad
Rouhani
Juan Riedinger
William Kwan
Sam Gilroy
Tom
Tanya Champoux
Isabel
Rukiya Bernard
Student
Mousa Kraish
Yusef
J.C. MacKenzie
Grossman
Kurt Max Runte
Civil Engineer
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
