MOVIE REVIEW - War of the Worlds (2005)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins, Justin Chatwin

Another interpretation of HG Wells' classic sci-fi novel this time worked over by Spielberg and Cruise. The plot follows Cruise, a divorced father who isn't always there for his kids, and his family (Fanning & Chatwin) as the martian start their invasion of Earth.

This is another example of a summer blockbuster that is technically very impressive but lacking in the script department. It is just sheer spectacle from start to finish as only Spielberg can do. A particular moment that comes to mind is when they are escaping from New York in a stolen minivan and the camera rotates around and through the vehicle as it speeds down the highway. It is also a terrifying film, the pure terror of the people when the first tripod attacks with the death ray can be felt literally in the opening burst of it's horn. It will send shivers up your spine.

The acting across the board is just above average for a movie like this where character development comes second to the running and screaming. Tom Cruise is typical strong as the father with something to prove to his kids, and boy can that man run, something he does alot of. Whether it be running away from or running toward the tripods. Dakota Fanning screams and cries her way through the film as the terrified daughter, Justin Chatwin who is the son could be the new is all good looks and rebellion. Whilst a short appearance from Tim Robbins seems over the top and overlong.

There lies another part that brings down this movie. Between the huge action sequences the pace tends to slack off a little and begin to want to hear that hellish siren cry of a tripod attack just so you can see more Cruise running.

Other than that what comes out is a perfectly adequate blockbuster. It was far more enjoyable than I expected, and when it was running in full gear it did have me on the edge of my seat, although I would fall back into the cushion when the talking started.

The Good: Marvellous action sequences.
The Bad: Loses pace to easy.
The Ugly: Scarier than I expected. Definately not for little ones.

Overall: Spielberg in low gear. 7/10.