Nothing Special

Rating: 6/10 (30 June 2005)

Spielberg once again fails to make a spectacular movie, and I'm beginning to wonder why he's considered to be among the greatest directors of all time.
It's not that this film is bad, it's just that it's not good, if that makes any sense. The storyline is average, and the special effects are good, but since when have effects been what makes a movie good?
We've got the typical depiction of an average guy as an action hero. The chances of surviving one attack from the alien tripods is slim to none, yet Ray (Tom Cruise) survives five attacks, two encounters with their tentacle-things, and a close encounter with at least three aliens, manages to single handedly take out a tripod, AND MAKES IT OUT WITHOUT A SCRATCH ON HIM! Well he had had some scratches, but you know what I mean.
There are plot holes everywhere, and one of the most disappointing endings I have ever seen. I'm not talking about the classic "bacteria kills aliens" ending; I've always loved that. About half way through the film, the son abandons his father and sister, even after they spent so much time building up his character to be a good guy. The military is attacking the aliens and he's like "I need to see this!" and, at least during the scene, the both he and Tom are overacting to the point of dread. Anyway, Tom leaves him and as soon as he does, the entire ridge Robbie (the son) was on explodes and becomes engulfed in flames. This all takes place around Connecticut. At the end of the movie, Tom arrives with his daughter in Boston at his ex-wife's parent's house. Everyone walks out, with a nice cameo by Gene Barry and Ann Robinson as the parents. Tom's character is watching, the from behind everyone, comes Robbie. BULL! Not only was there no way Robbie could have survived, but the fact that he still managed to beat his dad and sister to Boston is simply impossible. This scene ruined the feel of the movie for me, and I know I'm not the only one out there.
Another problem I have is it's extremely predictable. Then again, what isn't anymore?
All in all, this is just a special effects show with an average plot. As far as invasion movies go, I'd have to say Independence Day was better. War of the Worlds took itself too seriously and spent far too much time trying to develop a story, while Independence Day accepted the fact that it wasn't a story and spent more time being entertaining.