A spaceship crash lands on the now inhabitable Earth, a millennium after events which forced that humanity to flee. With his father injured a boy must embark on a perilous journey to ensure their rescue.
Just like A-lister sci-fi Oblivion (2013) After Earth lacks originality mainly borrowing the back story of Starship Troopers (1997) and Outlander (2008). However, to M. Night Shyamalan's credit while not as visually slick as its rival, After Earth is easier to connect with thanks to its simple premise, family and father and son themes.
There's no intricate storyline, nor is it action packed. It's a basic sci-fi survival adventure about a boy facing his fears. Those expecting a Will Smith film may be disappointed as it focuses mostly on Jaden and his character of Kitai Raige, while not the best looking lead actor he carries the film adequately with Smith Sr. playing against type cast as a serious general.
Shyamalan, Smith and Gary Whitta's central story line getting from point a to b in a hostile environment is broken up with a few flashback and dream sequences, with an appearance from Zoë Kravitz. The effects for the most part are striking and the hostile environment wonderfully realised.
Overall, it's a solid popcorn science fiction adventure.
After Earth on IMDB
