New 9 Trailer

9 is a computer animated film produced by Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch), directed by former WETA Digital artist Shane Acker, and featuring the music of Danny Elfman. Based on Acker’s Academy Award-nominated 2005 film festival short (watch it on YouTube), 9 is a post-apocalyptic nightmare in which all of humanity is threatened. The official plot synopsis follows:

“When 9 (Wood) first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world. All humans are gone, and it is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the neophyte of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good. They must take the offensive if they are to survive, and they must discover why the machines want to destroy them in the first place. As they’ll soon come to learn, the very future of civilization may depend on them.”

The group includes 1 (Christopher Plummer), a domineering war veteran; 2 (Martin Landau), an aged inventor; 5 (John C. Reilly), a stalwart mechanic; 6 (Crispin Glover), a visionary and artist; and 7 (Jennifer Connelly), a brave warrior. I like Acker’s unique art style which could be described as a darker/post apocalyptic version of what Tim Burton use to do, with a touch of LittleBigPlanet. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch the trailer in High Definition on Apple. 9 hits theaters on 9.9.09.

The Day the Earth Stood Still - What Did You Think?

Now that you've seen it, what did you think? This very discussion has been 22 months in the making. if it indeed turned out any good? So if you've seen it, state your opinion. Was Keanu Reeves a better Klaatu than Michael Rennie? Did the CGI hurt or help the film in the end? Were there any redeeming values at all? Sound off below, leave your thoughts, and let me know what you thought of The Day the Earth Stood Still.

What did you think of The Day the Earth Stood Still? Good remake or a waste of time?

The Day the Earth Stood Still Teaser Trailer

Why do I still get the feeling that Keanu Reeves is going to make a lackluster Klaatu in the remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still? For some reason I just don’t buy him as an alien lifeform sent to warn us of Earth’s impending destruction — there is something just too nonchalant about him. Either way, he is in it, and the first trailer, which is currently playing in front of Hancock, has hit the web via Filmweb.pl. Check it out below.

Watch the teaser for The Day the Earth Stood Still:

Aside from the Keanu Reeves factor that I mentioned earlier, this film looks very interesting. I must say that while I remain skeptical, as any fan of the 1951 version should be, I will say that the potential for an awesome modern remake is there. This is one of those classics that could be enhanced by updated special effects. As well, it could very well have a relevant message. But we shall see how it goes — I don’t want to jump the gun and say that it looks like a winner just yet.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) and stars Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, a mysterious man from another world, sent to warn Earth’s population that their destructive ways could lead to an attack from civilizations on other planets. As the government tries to sort things out, a woman (Jennifer Connelly) and her step-son (Jaden Smith) get caught up in the mission and ultimately learn the ramifications of this so-called “friend to Earth.” It will hit theaters on December 12, 2008.