Earth to Echo MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 Content: +2

Teo Halm, Astro, Reese Hartwig, and the ever popular Ella Wahlestedt. Adventure/Sci-Fi. Written by Henry Gayden. Directed by Dave Green.

FILM SYNOPSIS:

PREVIEW REVIEW: Did you ever see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? How about Stand By Me? Close Encounters of the Third Kind? There are elements (a lot of them) in Earth To Echo that could cause one to say, “What a rip-off.” This new film also raises the question, “Why don’t studios just re-release great films, instead of doing inferior copies?” Even if you’ve just watched E.T. or Close Encounters on TV, wouldn’t you still go see it again on the big, big screen?

Little kids at the press screening seemed to be bemused by the activity happening in front of them. For me, it was two separate movies, neither of which really worked. First, it was a kid buddy picture about three boys and a AnnaSophia Robb lookalike all in need of acceptance. Second, it was a sci-fi adventure about a wounded mechanical creature who wants to go home if he can evade the government agencies bent on dissecting him.

But it was tough feeling sorry for these kids, as they had that territory pretty well covered themselves. And though the kids sacrifice and care for their newfound space pal, the creature (who looks like a metal owl) never really reciprocates the sacrificial friendship. There’s really not that much interaction between the newbie teenagers (they’re all thirteen) and the ailing birdbot.

It’s not a bad film. There’s some heart to it. And it’s clean. But if you want HEART, see E.T.

As to the producers of Earth to Echo, I wouldn’t be as concerned about the weekend grosses as I would about the question, “Will Spielberg sue?”

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Relativity Media