Review of After Earth (2013) by Sam A — 08 Feb 2014

After Earth is pretty hit and miss, just a lot more misses than hits. The acting from Will Smith at times was good but then acting from Jaden Smith made me laugh out loud it was so bad. Some times the CGI was good, like when Jaden Smith is standing at the top of the waterfall, other times it looked cheap and horrible such as when Jaden Smith jumps off the waterfall.

One thing that was always a miss was the screenplay though. It was filled with generic cliches and really flat and horrible dialogue. It really was painful to listen to at times and it once again shows that Shyamalan cannot direct or writ screenplays.

Most interesting about this movie was the lack of plot twists. I was fully prepared for some ridiculous plot twist like it was all an elaborate training exercise or something but there wasn't so I'm glad Shyamalan showed restraint in that regard.

What is most sad about this movie is that it is arguably one of Shyamalan's better films (that I have had the displeasure of viewing) and it really is quite bad in parts. It showed flashes, like it was beginning to show potential but then would be ruined by SHyamalan trying to be clever with an unnecessary, out of place technique or really horrible acting and/or dialogue.

I watched After Earth because I wanted to know if it really was that bad. I can assuredly tell you that it is and I discourage you from watching it for the same reason. Just know that it is.