Cast, although secondary to the story, works well.
– ,
Variety,
4 Jun 2007
rotten:
It is comforting, of course, to have it made plain that our planetary neighbors are much wiser and more peaceful than are we, but this makes for a tepid entertainment in what is anamolously labeled the science-fiction field.
– Bosley Crowther,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Today, wistful viewers might ask: Where are Klaatu and Gort when we need them most?
– Glenn Abel,
Hollywood Reporter,
14 Jun 2003
fresh:
Like most of Robert Wise's work, this slickly constructed 1951 science fiction film settles squarely in the middle of its genre, better than some and worse than others.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
4 Jun 2007
fresh:
The Day the Earth Stood Still may at first look like goofy, outdated science fiction, but its timeless warnings about violence, nuclear confrontation and the difficulties of policing the planet have made it an enduring cultural classic.