The generally accepted principle of genre-based criticism suggests that the assessment of the quality of a film requires consideration of its genre, because the genre supplied the “contract” between the filmmakers and the audience. A comedy must deliver laughs, an action film must deliver excitement, a thriller must deliver thrills, and so on. In 1951, when the original and well-loved The Day the Earth Stood Still was made, the expectations of a science fiction film were different than they are today. There is no question that the original excelled and perhaps transcended its genre. Those who dismiss the 2008 version might be the victims of unrealistic expectations. Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast as a character without personality, and and the movie delivers exactly what a 2008 high-budget sci-fi is supposed to deliver: visual thrill. One could be frustrated by the contrived plot or the fashionably vague updating of the “message” of the film. (In 1951 Klaatu was pushing peace, whereas the contemporary message is decided more green.) But if you’ve watched the trailer and go in expecting escapist, high-paced eye-candy, you will not be disappointed.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
January 2nd, 2009 · No Comments
Tags: Action/Adventure · Capsule · Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Here are this morning’s Oscar-nominated films, alphabetically. The nominees for foreign language film and documentary feature are compiled at the end of the list. (Short format nominees are listed in a 
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