Movie Review: After Earth (2013)

AFTER EARTH

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JUNE 1, 2013

Out of the gate, critics and general audiences will look down on Will Smith’s latest feature, “After Earth.” For starters, M. Night Shyamalan steps back into the director’s chair since his widely criticized endeavor “The Last Airbender.” Despite what the marketing would have you believe by keeping his name entirely off of it, M. Night writes, directs, and produces this film. Also, critics pan this film due to Will Smith acting next to his son, Jaden, commenting that there are far better teen actors for this role.

Having seen the film, I’m afraid I have to disagree with both points. M. Night has gone downhill in his performance lately, but I caught during the credits that this concept came from Will Smith with a “Story By” credit attached to his name. That means M. Night wasn’t in complete control of this film, with Will and Jada Pinkett Smith also credited as producers. So that means “After Earth” is just as much Smith’s baby as it is M. Night’s. With that, having Jaden in the film makes slightly more sense, as I am sure this concept came from Will in that he pictured himself with his son. Jaden is not the most seasoned actor and misses his mark on more than a few moments in this science fiction action film, but overall, he proves just fine, and having him acting off his father is likely what brings out those moments.

Even down to the marketing, this makes some sense. Look at the poster for “After Earth” where Jaden and Will both stare, and you could almost mistake the two of them. There are times in the film when Jaden almost looks like his father from further away, and I find that element very strong. The father-son connection is what keeps this plot from falling through. The visual effects are dynamic and memorable, but the growth between a distant father and son will set it apart from any other post-apocalyptic Earth story.

Coming from anyone but M. Night and starring someone other than Jaden, the critics would have probably been on board with the semi-original, completely captivating thriller. Still, the film seemed doomed far before anyone sat down in their theater seats. Despite all that, “After Earth” is an intense family adventure and does reach further than I believed it could.

RELEASE DATE
May 31, 2013

DIRECTOR
M. Night Shyamalan

WRITTEN BY
Gary Whitta
M. Night Shyamalan
Will Smith (story by)

STUDIO
Columbia Pictures

PG-13
(for sci-fi action violence and some disturbing images)

ACTION
ADVENTURE
SCI-FI
110 minutes