When going to the IMAX experience of The Day the Earth Stood Still, the experience did not match the size of the screen.

The movie starts out with Dr. Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) teaching her astrobiology class about the possibility of chemicals surviving on Jupiter. The following scene showed Benson preparing dinner for her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith) until the police apprehend her for reasons they themselves don’t know.

The police take Benson to a military airfield where she is transported by helicopter, along with other scientists, to a military base in New Jersey. Once there, the group of scientists learn of an astroid-like sphere heading on a destructive path to Earth. The scientists figure out that the sphere is coming at a speed that would cause apocalyptic events.

Once the sphere enters the earth’s atmosphere, its speed decreased so it has a safe landing. After the dust settles, a figure that barely resembles a man emerges. The sphere is surrounded by New York police officers and soldiers waiting in anticipation of what might happen. A lone bullet was shot at the alien, striking him and causing his personal protector to leave the sphere and emit an electro-magnetic pulse, causing the weapons to become useless.

The alien is taken to a gymnasium into a special containment chamber. During the surgery to remove the bullet it starts to shed its outer layer of an organic material, revealing a man. Benson takes a sample of the organic layer to examine the structure. Secretary of Defense Regina Jackson (Kathy Bates) takes the alien to interrogate him. In the interrogation room Jackson learns that Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) is on a mission to save the earth from mankind. Following the interrogation, Klaatu manages to escape and elude the authorities.

Klaatu meets with Benson where he decides to destroy mankind and save the Earth. He then goes to a smaller sphere to activate destruction. After the activation, small spheres placed around the world began to collect animals to save. Klaatu’s personal protector began to dissolve becoming locust-like nanites that destroy everything in its path.

Overall the movie did not live up to the hype the trailers created. Reeves’ roles as a mysterious character stays true in his latest role as Klaatu. Though his acting style stayed the same, his role did not compare to his past characters.

The movie structure was strong but certain elements, such as obvious advertising and product placement, caused the movie to become less entertaining.

The film had its ups and downs throughout the showing. At one point Jacob Benson goes from asking Klaatu to not hurt a police officer to calling the police to turn him in?rather an implausible plot point.

The scene to make or break the movie came when Klaatu’s personal protector dissolved. The scene took too long to develop and did not remain consistent.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is currently playing at most local theaters. For more reviews, check out Rotten Tomatoes and for showing times, Fandango.