After Earth (10/8/2013)

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some disturbing images.

Starring Jaden Smith and Will Smith

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense and Signs)

Disagree with me if you want to, but M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most talented storytellers in Hollywood.

A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

M. Night Shyamalan exploded on to the scene in 1999 with his mega hit The Sixth Sense. A year later he released Unbreakable with lukewarm reviews. Then in 2002 he released another huge hit, Signs. Since then he has released four more films – The Last Airbender (2010), The Happening (2008) Lady in the Water (2006) and The Village (2004); all of which have been disasters – according to most critics. I know I am in the minority when I say I love his films (well, maybe not The Last Airbender – which should have been titled Avatar, but that’s for another discussion.

I personally believe most people don’t like his work because it doesn’t measure up to The Sixth Sense. But at the heart of every one of his films is a great story told by a master storyteller.

After Earth is no different. M. Night uses a future abandoned Earth filled with evolved creatures who’s sole purpose are to kills humans as the backdrop to retell the age old story of a teenage son trying to win the approval, affection and love of his father who is both distant and successful.

M. Night uses pacing and dialogue that is slow and deliberate to keep audiences glued to their seats. He also works with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. This time it is Will Smith and his son Jaden (Will also shares a writing credit).

Another element of the film that I really enjoyed was the uniqueness of what I was seeing. Often times when watching futuristic films, we see artistic updates to familiar vehicles, devices and weapons. For example in a typical sci-fi film we may see flying cars that look cooler and sleeker, but we still recognize them as cars because they are still made of metal, have side doors, steering wheels etc. But so much of the set design in this film was different and unique. From the houses to the vehicles not only did they look new, they appeared to be made out of materials that are unknown to this planet.

I also really appreciate how clean this movie was. There were no sex/nudity scenes or even sexual references and there were only 3 mild obscenities.

I loved the story, the cast, the effects and the classic M. Night Shyamalan storytelling. It’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This PG-13 film is very clean. There are no sex/nudity scenes or even sexual references and there are only 3 mild obscenities.

The only real concern is the intense/scary scenes when Kitai is trying to find the other beacon. There are a few scenes where we see dead bodies and scary creatures which may upset some younger viewers.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. The movie’s tagline is “Danger is real. Fear is a choice.” Why was fear such a key component in the film?


2. What are some of the things you fear?


3. Guess how many times the phrase, “do not be afraid” is said in the Bible? (365 times)


4. READ Deuteronomy 31:8
   
   The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
   
   How can understanding that “the Lord himself goes before you” help you not be afraid?


5. How can understanding that the Lord Himself will always be with you bring comfort to you?


6. Close in prayer and take your fears before Him. Ask Him show you that He is there, going before you each day and staying close beside you.