A hell of a lot better than many people say it is.

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2012)

When the director of Jaws and Raiders Of The Lost Ark announces he's going to make an alien invasion film, there comes attached a certain buzz of excitement. For my money, Steven Spielberg is at his most effective as a film-maker when the subject matter is, for want a better expression, cheaper. That's not taking anything away from the likes of Saving Private Ryan, but it's hard to think of anyone who entertains so wildly, yet humanises what should be throwaway, low rent material. It's true testament to his talent that a film about a giant fish terrorising a beach community endures to be celebrated and revered as much today as it has ever been. So on to War of The Worlds, Spielberg's stab at reviving H.G Wells' seminal classic thriller. Modern day alien invasion films have screened the end of the world as a global catastrophe with vast military presence, presidents ordering "Go to DEFCON4″ , and an abundance of CGI critters. What we have here, and in keeping with the Spielberg style, is a more personal account of the invasion as told through the eyes of Tom Cruise's 'Ray Ferrier' as he and his two children flee the alien apocalypse. This keyhole view of the invasion is a daring but highly effective move. At times, we glimpse the unfolding disaster in the background as it envelops everything behind our escaping protagonists. That's not to say that there's aren't jaw dropping full on CGI moments, but these are done sparingly and without ever feeling like something's being jammed into your face until you submit (Transformers anyone?). Spielberg also understands the threat and suspense created by implication, as opposed to full on exposure. When it comes to use of sound, as with Jaws, Spielberg proved how much you can heighten that sense of impending danger with a few notes. In War Of The Worlds, the alien invaders have machines that omit a low sonic boom that immediately sends shivers down the spine and recalls the ominous sound of the air raid siren used during World War II. It's another master stroke, a simple idea executed for maximum impact. Jumping and leaping around like an energiser bunny, Tom Cruise brings great verve to the film and instead of playing the all American hero, his character is presented as a failing father who's relationship with his children borders on mutual apathy. Once all hell breaks loose, that dysfunction allows the film a pleasing dramatic scope which helps drive the film forward on two fronts. If i have any criticism, it'd be that the film isn't long enough. In some ways that's a back handed compliment, such was my enjoyment that i was disappointed when the end came so abruptly. All things considered though, another fine addition to an impressive catalogue of films from the true king of the summer blockbuster. 4/5