Introduction
Aliens, warnings, and Keanu Reeves playing an emotionless extraterrestrial being — The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) had all the right ingredients for a gripping sci-fi remake. Directed by Scott Derrickson, this modern update of the 1951 classic aimed to blend global-scale tension with a moral about humanity’s future.
It’s big on ambition, heavy on special effects, but whether it lands depends on how much you vibe with slower-paced, message-driven sci-fi.
Plot Summary
The story kicks off when a massive spherical object lands in Central Park, and out walks Klaatu (Keanu Reeves), a humanoid alien with a very direct agenda: Earth must change, or it will be destroyed. Humanity’s reckless treatment of the planet has put it on a cosmic hit list.
Klaatu teams up — reluctantly — with Dr. Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly), a scientist caught in the middle of the government’s panic and the alien’s mission. What unfolds is a race to convince Klaatu that humans are capable of change… before he wipes the slate clean.
Oh, and there’s a massive robot named GORT that could turn the world into dust if things go south. No pressure.
Cast and Characters
- Keanu Reeves as Klaatu – ice-cold alien energy with a pinch of empathy
- Jennifer Connelly as Helen – grounded, calm, and the film’s emotional center
- Jaden Smith as Jacob – Helen’s stepson, who adds tension and (some) heart
- Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates, John Cleese – solid supporting cast
Keanu leans hard into the “otherworldly” thing — minimal emotion, maximum presence.
Reviews and Ratings
Critics were pretty divided — visually impressive, yes, but the story didn’t always resonate.
- IMDb: 5.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 21% Critics, 40% Audience
- Metacritic: 40/100
It looked great, but many felt it lacked the soul and urgency of the original.
Why You Should Watch The Day the Earth Stood Still
- Keanu Being Alien-Keanu: It’s weirdly hypnotic.
- Environmental Message: Timely, even if a little heavy-handed.
- GORT Is Awesome: Giant robot justice never gets old.
- Sci-Fi With a Serious Tone: Less action, more “what are we doing to the planet?”
Where to Watch The Day the Earth Stood Still
You can stream or rent The Day the Earth Stood Still on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV / Google Play / YouTube Movies
- Hulu (check regional availability)
Final Thoughts
This one’s not a thrill ride — it’s a moody, thoughtful remake that tries to say something meaningful, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing. Still, Keanu in “stoic alien mode” and that sleek sci-fi vibe might be just enough to make it worth a watch.
Checkout our other movie reviews here.
