After Earth review

[Gymrat]

I watched Will Smith's latest movie a couple of nights ago. It really is different. I have always respected Smith's acting talent. He does everything from comedy, to action hero, to drama, and does them all very well. Right off the bat I will say that in this case the acorn didn't fall far from the old tree.

Will Smith's part in this movie was basically a bit part with the focus being on his real life son Jaden. Jaden, in my opinion proves himself to be an extremely talented actor. He played is part very realistically right down to speaking with an accent throughout the entire movie.

The movie itself, aside from the concept of an apocalyptic earth, was a refreshingly original concept. I don't want to give too much of it away so I will just say that the story and plot were solid, the acting terrific, and the special effects were convincing.

Typically I like action packed thrill ride movies that really light up my big plasma. That is not what this movie is. But it certainly held my interest from start to finish. I bought the movie and I am glad I did.

This movie paired very well with my latest Altbier.

[ssorck]

Interesting to read your review, I like movies, particularly Sci Fi. But all the reviews I read were less than positive. Maybe I'll have to rethink this one. Really looking forward to Enders Game...

[RickBeer]

All the reviews I saw were awful, saying that Will Smith basically created a movie to promote his son's movie career.

[Gymrat]

All the reviews I saw were awful, saying that Will Smith basically created a movie to promote his son's movie career.

I can see how someone would form that opinion. However I still thought it was a good movie. I thought Jaden showed real talent. The special effects were good and the story line was solid. One thing I learned a long time ago is that the critiques are not always right and I need to see a movie and form my own opinion regardless of what they say.

One example is another Will Smith movie "I Robot" The critiques hated that movie. So did a number of people who saw it, the reason being, they expected the movie to somewhat resemble the book. The movie was nothing like the book at all. The only similarity was the the 3 robot laws.

If you went to that movie expecting something close to the book you would be sorely disappointed. However I went into that movie looking for an entertaining Sci Fi and this movie did deliver. I own I Robot and have watched it a number of times.

[Yankeedag]

picked up the After Earth DVD yesterday and watched it. It was ok. Better than the Reviewers gave it credit.
I also own the DVD I Robot. I didn't expect to be anything like the book. Anyone who's read the book, and the DVD cover would know that the only thing in common was the name.

Ms. Dag and I listen to the reviews, and go: Meh. What do they know. Most critiques judge them on "how the movie is made", not the content. At least thats what I learned. I've also learned some of the movies they said was better than sliced bread and sex, were the bigest waist of time I've ever encountered.

So after all is said and done, the only way to know if you will like a movie, is, watch it.

[Boe1971]

I watched it a few weeks ago on DVD. I felt the plot and idea of the movie was good. The acting in my opinion was awful. That kid has the exact same expression on his face in every single scene. Halfway through the movie I found myself hoping he would fall off a cliff or one of the creatures would swallow him. I almost turned it off because I just got so sick of that stupid look on his face everytime I seen him. I like Will Smith movies for the most part but I believe he made this movie for his kid. The movie gets 3 1/2 stars. Jaden Smith's acting... 2 stars would be generous.

[RickBeer]

I like I Robot. I thought Independence Day was good. But I am Legend was awful, Charlton Heston was much better. And Hancock? Hitch was good. 50/50.