After Earth

After Earth, Will Smith and son's 2013 summer sci-fi flick is a miss on most accounts. However, for me it served its purpose. I needed a break from the Olympics and the movie was available "Free" on Starz Network. If I had to pay for a rental, I probably would have chosen something else, but I am a solid science fiction fan and usually enjoy this genre. I have to admit even though there were many flaws to this movie, the time passed pleasantly enough. The flaws were very obvious – Will Smith does not do a very good job of acting. He seemed to be more concerned about his son's debut on the screen, letting the boy try and carry the scenes and much of the story. This is a mistake, the boy is cute and does a decent job, but Will Smith is capable of much more. The story is predictable and somewhat corny in places. The camera angles were strange at times – I found myself thinking how are we suddenly being transported to this point of view. I think it was the unsteady hand of the director, M. Night Shyamalan. I blame some of the stupid dialogue on him as well, he wrote the screenplay. Other than that, there were some redeeming points to the movie. The overall pace and rendering of the story was pleasant and engaging. The computer generated special effects work was nicely done. The sci-fi aspects were cool. I especially liked the idea that the boy was wearing a camouflage/chameleon-like suit that was "smart" and was able to change with the environment/situation. I do applaud Will Smith for looking more closely at the relationship between father and son – a relationship that is often overlooked in today's movies. I don't recommend this as a rental, unless you are a tremendous Will Smith fan, or like me you're looking for something light and sci-fi like to pass the time.