Wow

Rating: 9/10 (2 July 2005)

This movie rocks big time.
I would say it's probably Spielberg's best film since Saving Private Ryan, in terms of being just a blistering assault on the senses.
Spoilers start here: The movie kicks into gear immediately with the first tripod appearing about 15 minutes in and it just does not let up. The CG is brilliant and not overused,(wait till you see the death rays blasting everyone in sight). There are also some powerful moments too involving Dad's desperation to protect his kids and Cruise really nails this role and is very believable. He is certainly no action hero in this, he's just as helpless as everyone else, at times he just seems confused and afraid.
What makes this film works is that is avoids the obvious army versus the aliens clichÃ© over and over, it sticks right with the Ferrier family and I only remember seeing jets and tanks in one scene and the odd soldier in a few. It also has great acting, great camera-work (check out the freeway shot) and very inventive set-pieces that put tension and fear before flashy visuals.
The only drawback is that the opening hour is so great it can't be topped in the second and unfortunately the end feels flat, although the same goes with the book, so I'm just nitpicking really. Overall I would call it one of the best blockbusters you are likely to see, and probably up there with Sin City in terms of being the best film this year.
Go see it you owe it to yourself.