Not terrible, but not as amazing as I thought

Rating: 5/10 (28 June 2005)

Taking into account that I usually enjoy sci-fi films, however, i've never read the book and so may not really appreciate this film like some may. I didn't find the film a disaster, but wasn't really grabbed by it either. The special effects were pretty good as one would expect. And the acting was pretty reasonable. I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but he played his role pretty well here. Tim Robbins wasn't at his usual brilliance but was adequate in his supporting role. Unfortuneatly, Miranda Otto wasn't used nearly enough and this was quite disappointing. The only actor who really shines, as she always does was Dakotta Fanning. It's not her best, but it really does cement her as the best child actress around. The letdown for me was the story. Granted it was good to see something different from the usual aliens 'indepence day' type story (not that i dislike ID4), the story seemed drawn out and in parts slow. It doesn't have the heroic feel that blockbusters like Independence Day have, it's more of the 'one man and his family's struggle against invasion and almost certain doom' feel that Signs had. Yet it's nowhere near as chilling or I believe, as effective as Signs. So granted the great effects it's probably worth seeing it on the big screen, but don't do in with the hope it will be a Spielberg classic, i doubt it'll be one of those 'i'll always remember the time i went and saw war of the worlds' experiences.