The Day The Earth Stood Still Reviews

[Highly rated reviewer]

Ahead of its time

The Day the Earth Stood Still directed by Robert Wise of 'The Sound of Music' fame quite simply created a classic that is way ahead of its time. During a time when B-movies were all about aliens wanting to invade Earth and take our woman this film changes the genre and instead the alien quite simply is here to give us a warning. The suspense is always high and the acting is adequate and believable. For a film created in 1951 the special effects are still surprisingly good and the UFO landing in Washington is still impressive. Watch out for Gort the menacing robot that assists the alien (Klaatu). simple design and yet effective. The music also adds to the suspense and like the film it has become something of a cult hit. Defintely one to watch and enjoy.

Klaatu barada nikto

This is without doubt a B&W sci-fi masterpiece, released in 1951.

If all you care about is how many special effects you can pack into a 2hr film, then this is not for you. Today's films seem to rely heavily on millions of pounds worth of special effects. Strip them away, and this is a film that would give most modern films a run for its money.It is not a film built on the edge of the seat tension, but rather it unfolds slowly before you.

Its strength, is in it's simple, but thought provoking story line, with a message that is as equally powerful and important today, as it was on the eve of atomic power in the 50's.Also, thankfully missing, is the predictable and boring love angle, that almost seems compulsory in most modern Hollywood releases.

The main character is a humanoid alien (played by Michael Rennie), who seems to cleverly but subtly answer any questions that are raised in the back of your mind. Travelling with our alien visitor is 'Gort' (an infinitely powerful, alien designed giant robot) that makes 'Robocop' look like a pussycat, even though, demonstrations of his power are in short supply.

I can't help but think that this film may have coined the phrase "Take me to your leader". But in this case it is in the plural.

This classic, that has a cult following should be watched by everyone, if only once.

Gort, Klatu Barada Nikto - Classic :-D

This is the definative black and white Sci-Fi film of it's era. The plot, reflecting the moral concerns of a nation after unleashing the first atomic weapon on Japan has been ripped off by Star Trek, Stargate etc. countless times and for very good reason, it's a classic. Not as action and effects packed as Forbidden Planet but still this rocks even today. If you think you're a Sci-Fi fan and you've not seen this then it's about time you got in touch with your roots :-)

classic science fiction

a great film from the days of 'message' science fiction, not 'shoot em up' - although there is plenty of excitement, a great 'alien', and real human interest. Made at the height of the cold war, a 'what if' movie about humanity's stupidity and a wise alien coming to warn us..... and of course, the star and film were immortalised in the Rocky Horror Picture show lyrics!

Dull.

Does not hold up well. Nothing much happens. lots of talking about doing things but not very much action. Silly little jesus analogy.

Great sci-fi

This is great film, simple but effective. Basically an alien ship lands to warn people to stop messing with the H bomb and the alien has one scary robot as his bodyguard. Naturally no-one listens and are typical idiotic humans and obsessed with bombing each other and their 'petty' wars. As a result the message is this movie is clear - learn to live with each other - and I guess the reason why I only gave it three stars is its a message I've seen a movie give out so many times before, but at the time it must have been pretty original. Totally full marks for Gort though who is properly scary until you see his bendy legs. But still one of the the best films of its time and kind.

What can one possibly say to do this one justice? It's most certainly a celebrated classic and rightfully so. This film after all these decades can still provoke heated debate and discussion. The climax with Gort is absolutely riveting and entirely unforgettable. The thing that stands out to me about the film though is that its hero is a stranger from afar and this movie actually manages to make him seem sympathetic and more like us than we imagined...there's a lesson in there for certain.

Superb Classic

As good as I remembered watching it on TV for the first time as a child. I hope Hollywood don't shatter the image by making a trashy 21st century rehash. They never manage to recapture the moment.

Classic Sci-fi Movie

This movie is a pleasure to watch, it is a typical classical old sci-fi movie that will always be exciting and bring back childhood memories. I used to think these films were the best thing you could watch and always looked forward to these being on the TV, but alas they are not played any longer ... it is a pleasure to be able to enjoy these classics again!

Surprised

My husband chose this, as a reminder of his youth, however, i was pleasantly surprised, it was a good story line, and the heroine only screamed once.

Yes it was primitive, but for its age, it was very good