The Day the Earth Stood Still

Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly (Actors). Scott Derrickson (Director). (2008). 20th Century Fox. Rated PG-13. B001SGEUYW

PLOT SUMMARY

Earth is invaded by an alien being conveyed in a sphere that landed in Central Park. All across the world similar spheres have landed and are taking the different animals away. Scientists discover the being inside the sphere is an alien that has taken human form. He is there as a friend to the earth, but because the human race is suspicious of him, they take an aggressive stance with potentially fatal consequences.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a remake of the original movie from 1951 which I did not see so I have no comparison to make with it. Therefore, seeing this movie with fresh eyes, I was very impressed at how drawn in I was to the story and the characters. The special effects were great to look at. I was at times annoyed by the relationship between Helen and her stepson not because the conflict was not believable, but likely because I was more interested in the main plot of the alien invasion and humankind on the brink of extinction.

Keanu Reeves' delivery was deadpan which did not detract from the character at all simply because we understood him to be an alien getting used to being in the body of a human. I was worried that there would be extreme violence or language that would make this unsuitable for tweens, but other than a few scary moments, it was really an enjoyable movie for tweens and older.

READER'S ANNOTATION

The history of humankind is rife with struggle and war. The alien beings that invade the earth are convinced that humans must be destroyed for the earth to survive. When top scientists are recruited to inspect the captured alien, one of them finds that the key to earth's survival is to show him that humankind is worthy of another chance to make amends for their destructive ways.

GENRE

Science fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

Science-conservation
History

Have students discuss the ways in which the earth has supported our presence and what they can do to preserve it.

Have students discuss the ways of mankind over the years concerning war and new civilizations

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10 and older

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Some violence, scary situations

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Know library polices. Know the movie and that it does have some scenes that might be scary to younger kids with the idea of the end of the world. Understand some of the main issues in the movie that are relevant today--conservation, war and aggression, and be able to discuss it if need be.

WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE

I think this movie will appeal to both boy and girl tweens. It has issues that are relevant today and is also an entertaining movie.