REEL CRITICS:

It’s hard to imagine how a play, and now a movie, about disgraced former President Richard Nixon’s 30-hour interviews with a mild British TV talk show host could be the stuff of absorbing, even suspenseful drama. But in “Frost/Nixon,” we get that and more.

Years after his resignation from office in 1974, Nixon remained silent about the Watergate scandal, which led to his political demise. David Frost saw Nixon as the Holy Grail of talk show guests — who wouldn’t want to hear what the man would have to say? The pursuit of Nixon, the negotiations, the prep work and the interviews themselves — are pretty fascinating details as director Ron Howard weaves Peter Morgan’s screenplay (from his stage hit) with actual footage of the times.

We see the ego and fierce ambition that drives both men that leads them to this showdown in front of cameras. For Frost, the idea that he could be giving the American people a chance for some closure in a painful chapter of history seemed to elude him as he spends much of his time partying with glamorous people. Nixon is characterized as seeing this TV time as not only a lucrative opportunity, but a means for bringing him out of exile and once again to the forefront as a political icon.

Recreating their stage roles, Michael Sheen and Frank Langella are compelling in this cat-and-mouse game of media manipulation, credibility, and a scorching desire to recapture lost glory.

Sci-fi remake pares down plot, ups special effects

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” was a classic sci-fi film in 1951. An alien from outer space visits the earth with dire warnings for mankind.

He is accompanied by an indestructible robot guardian with deadly powers.

Their unknown purpose complicates our military response to this alarming situation.

In this modern remake, Keanu Reeves takes on the role of Klaatu, the space alien played by Michael Rennie in 1951.

He presents a stoic demeanor that reflects the unemotional and less-than-human approach to his mission.

Jennifer Connelly is a high-level American scientist who provides the thoughtful insight lacking in the government’s response to the crisis.

But comparisons to the original movie don’t fully apply. The subtle Cold War themes of the first film are missing.

The low-tech special effects available 57 years ago pale in comparison to the state-of-the-art CGI graphics now on display.

The mysterious robot is transformed into a wild new menace only possible with modern technology.

This new version is really a basic science fiction thriller made to be seen on the big screen and enjoyed with popcorn.

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office. SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.