After Earth

After crash landing on an overgrown Earth one thousand years after humanity has fled to despoil other planets, a young man must tap his inner strength to outwit the hostile flora and fauna and save his seriously injured father. Despite some Scientology elements, After Earth is diverting-enough entertainment. M. Night Shyamalan’s direction is assured without being ostentatious; the pacing is tight, the script is basic but well-crafted (sort of My Side of the Mountain in a sci-fi wrapping); Will Smith has settled in to a nice gravitas; his kid Jaden ain’t too annoying; and the FX design is kind of lovely. After Earth would make for a sweet Father’s Day at the matinee. Too bad it’s tanking. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated PG-13.