Review of Earth to Echo (2014) by Foxxpix P — 01 Jan 2015

Earth to ET.

This was an entertaining picture that was not very well advertised. I went in expecting a reboot of ET. In a way it was but, there was enough updated material to keep it fresh enough for new viewers. Whoever was put in charge of advertisement needs to be sacked. All one needs to do is compare the ad poster for ET and Earth to Echo to get what I mean. Also, the trailer shows children riding bicycles and groups of mysterous men waving flashlights in the dark on a hill. How much can you rip off from an old ad campaign? That being said, I do think that Earth to Echo has some merit in its own right. The casting was well done and I did get a sense that the kids were friends and they were likable. For a new generation of movie goers I can see how this film works. There is however the issue of this recovery footage style fad that really reduces the value of good cinematography. This style of filmmaking removes the sense of composition and replaces it with an air sick bag. There are very few people who feel comfortable watching the world through a lens that is tumbling out of control. I noticed several viewers shifting uncomfortably in their seats trying to hold back popcorn and soda pop. In short this movie will entertain those on the verge of puberty and a few parents who enjoy roller coasters but I don't think the replay value will set any records for return viewers.