Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
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.
The 2008 remake of the classic 1951 film is a largely disappointing retread. The plot replaces the Cold War nuclear anxiety with an environmentalism message that feels heavy-handed and underdeveloped, with weak character motivations and a rushed climax. Keanu Reeves is oddly cast as Klaatu — his stoic delivery borders on wooden rather than alien, and Jennifer Connelly's scientist is underwritten. Supporting performances from Kathy Bates and John Cleese are wasted in thin roles. Cinematography is competent blockbuster fare with decent visual effects for GORT and the nanobots, but nothing particularly distinctive. As a remake of a beloved sci-fi landmark, it brings little new perspective or craft to justify its existence — the environmentalist angle is obvious rather than inspired, and the resolution feels abrupt and unearned. The ending in particular collapses under its own vagueness, failing to deliver emotional payoff or thematic clarity.