War of the Worlds

I never saw this movie in the theatre...something I will never forgive myself for. A science fiction movie based on a classic novel, directed by Steven Speilberg - What was I thinking!!!? I must have had Batman on the brain. Damn Batbrain!

Anyway as a science fiction movie fan I feel compelled to review this movie....a movie the likes of which you will not find a comparison in the history of science fiction. Some may compare it to movies like Independance Day or the TV show V, but those people are fools and need to be vapourized!

This isn’t the Spielberg of E.T., or Close Encounters – This is DUEL Spielberg. War of the Worlds just as unrelenting, if not more. Through out War of the Worlds, there is a huge sense of immediacy, urgency and visceral power that Spielberg has only shown once before in Saving Private Ryan. This film is without question, one of Spielberg’s best and it’s surprising that he made it in such a short period of time.

In terms of the cast – well, there’s this guy. I think his name is Tom Cruise. He’s not a very popular actor, I know I’ve seen him in something before, I just can’t remember. Cruise plays his character perfectly. He uses his gun on others, he thinks the worst of others, and that gives him the drive to do what he will to ensure his survival and that of his kids. This is nicely juxtaposed against the drive of the Aliens to eliminate all human life. The rest of the cast was also excellent. Dakota Fanning was great – she acted her age and she was nothing more than believable. The look she gives her father when sitting in the tripod basket is just fantastic.

As for the Tripods, absolute bad-asses! From the incredible sound design to the visual effects – they are a true nightmare. From their first appearance on the street to the attack on the ferry, they are totally haunting. Guaranteed, your heart will be pounding watching these things!

The film follows the main story elements of the source material and keeps the original ending. So many people didn’t like the ending. In my opinion, the ending couldn’t be better (save the family reunion sequence). Throughout the movie you accept that humans can’t defeat these things. In fact, Will Smith is nowhere to be seen. The fact that bacteria, something that mankind has constantly worked to destroy, was what ended up destroying the aliens is completely fitting to the story. But, some people really wanted a big dramatic battle sequence to show the U.S. defeating the aliens. Those people please re-direct yourself to the vaporization comment above.

Overall, this is among the very best Steven Spielberg films ever made. I say that with total confidence. This is a film with hardcore sci-fi imagery, but is put in a very believable context.

9.5/10
Why not 10? Family reunion: What the hell was his wife doing that whole time??!! Having a spot of tea??!!!