An endless stream of let downs

Rating: 4/10 (7 September 2018)

Perhaps the film is intended to be some kind of metaphysical re-epiphany allegory, with the vaguely imaged aliens representing the senselessness of evil, water (as always) a purifying agent, Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) as (Christian) mankind, confused as always by the apparent bloody-minded capriciousness of an allegedly loving God, and the Hess kids, who are the first to believe and who pave the road to salvation, as the 'children who lead'. If not, then it is just a terrible alien invasion movie, full of plot holes, inconsistencies, conveniences, and inexplicable behaviours (see 'goofs' section and other reviews for details). Either way, it's not worth watching for anything but the production values, which are excellent at times, and the acting, which is competent, given the material. The third act is especially weak and don't hold your breath waiting for a clever resolution - none is forthcoming, the ending is a letdown that undermines much of the tension that the film succeeded in building.