Please allow me to frank - I have not been a big fan of M. Night Shylmalan's films. For me, he came close to producing some good horror films - horror films with good premises and some other, somewhat, catchy approaches in film but, wound up corny or fell short of anything moving or convincing. However, now, I'm kind of a fan. His approach to Sci-Fi in his newest release, After Earth, is a hard-driving, well-conceptualized, struggle for survival of the human species versus the ruins of nature that we create.
As nature is the "bad guy," Will and his son, Jaden Smith, star as the good guys. They are the unlikely father and son team of a futuristic mission sent into deep space that, ultimately, goes awry. As we would expect Will Smith as our hero - not that he doesn't play a very fundamental role in the successes of the trials they face in the film, it is his son that drives home the winning run, setting the tone in a game of fear with humans caught by their own devices - which makes for a perfect wine pairing.
Jaden Smith is futuristic superhero. I wont go too deep into the workings of the film but, this movie is about fear and truly facing ones demons. How appropriate would it be, then, if a technique termed, "ghosting" was the skill that our young hero must master to defeat that which pursues him?
I must say, some of the acting wasn't as convincing as I would have liked it but, for thrills and spills and near misses all set in futuristic world that, much, resembles Avatar, this film is an intense, heart pounding ride. It's Sci-Fi and it's fun so it works just fine for me.
Further, and as a father, the tenuous relationship between a hardened military father and his young son whom he doesn't often see as he is away in other galaxies at battle, can hit home for any dad who tries too hard, sometimes, in trying and make his children's lives, perfect.
As we learn, there is nothing perfect about parenting and the healing towards the end of the film can leave the viewer, both, immersed in science fiction, yes, but puzzling as to what one can do to be a better parent.
For this film, I am pairing it with the Klinker Brick Old Ghost Zinfandel. From Lodi, this mindfully-made libation is heavy and deep much like the tumultuous relationship between two warriors - father and son, in this film. I choose Old Ghost because it serves a clear parallel for Will Smith's character who is the master of ghosting who must teach his son this technique before he dies. Is it the son that dies or the father? Which "he" am i referring to? Does someone, really, have to die? Find this answer for yourself and enjoy this film in theaters, now. When you return home, have a glass of the Old Ghost and ponder what you just saw as you try to relax after two very intense hours......
