This is a fantastic movie but it has flaws

Rating: 8/10 (13 July 2005)

This movie starts with high promise and doesn't fail to deliver. From the outset we are subjected to an un-comprehendible fear that doesn't let up until the dying minuets of the film.
The dying minuets of this film are just that; dying minuets. The film concludes with no real explanation of what has or will happened, and we are told some paper thin excuses why these seemingly unstoppable forces who had apparently been studying and planning for millions of years had over-looked (you would think) an obvious facet of our world, which results in there very abrupt down fall.
The ending aside this film is amazing, and there are some genuinely breath taking moments. Never before have I ever been so concerned about the future of our planet whilst watching a movie. The aliens/robot shells are so menacing and relentless I did for a moment wonder how peace would be restored, or in fact if it would at all. This is why I felt so let down by the ending given.
The other parts to this film are all top notch. The direction is excellent although Spielberg does include some moments where the might of the machines is replaced by curious incompetence in a few very Spielberg inspired moments. The acting is excellent, Cruise manages to pull off the every-man character and Fanning delivers another amazing performance for such a young actress.
I would definitely recommend this film, but don't expect to leave the cinema completely fulfilled.