2 stars**
This is the remake of the 1951 film of the same name by Edmund H North and Harry Bates. It’s a faithful remake that only changes a few minor plays during the movie. For example; the overall planet needs saving from environmental damage in the 2008 David Scarpa screenplay; the original threat was from nuclear war.
The budget is said to be around the $90 million mark which may prove a struggle to break even because the movie just doesn’t get there.
Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly do a good job with their acting skills, but they don’t take the movie to another level, one of real fear that the world may come to an end for human life. We don’t really think that’s going to happen; we’re quite sure the problem will be solved before our 100 minute theater ticket expires.
You expect the tension to be racked up as the movie progresses, but it stays flat. There doesn’t appear to be a need to get on to the next scene other than to get to the end of the movie. I felt disappointed as I expected so much more.
What does score high in this film is the special effects department. The way they turn cities and stadiums into dust is first class. It’s a shame that the trailer may provide all that you need to see.
When you can rent the original on DVD and watch it on your own 42 inch LCD, you may not be given to wonderful special effects, but you remain worried all the way through.
With so many great ideas for screenplays and so many talented screen writers out there I often wonder why remakes are so popular with directors and studios. Only the Italian Job, in recent years, is worth the remake and that’s because it’s an entirely different film and story. It most properly should have been called the Italian Job 2.
This remake should have been called The Day The Audience Waited For Something To Happen.
Popularity: 7% [?]
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:14 am
a good job with their acting skills, but they don’t take the movie to another level, one of real fear that the world may come to an end for human life.