A fascinating version

Rating: 7/10 (10 July 2005)

This movie is a fascinating version of the original Orson Wells story. The suspense is maintained right through to the end, with plenty of scares along the way. The ending is, unfortunately, a lame cop-out, although necessary. The fact is that Spielberg developed the aliens to the point of invincibility, which made it hard to create a "hollywood" ending. Instead of letting the aliens win, Spielberg finds a lame way around the problem, and then explains it very poorly. The effect work was, as is usual for ILM, superb, and all the more impressive when you consider that they only had seven months to produce them. The acting is spotty. Cruise never really develops his character enough for us to truly see and believe the changes he goes through while facing this challenge. Dakota Fanning is hurt by the script and the direction which bounces her between being wise beyond her years, and a screaming helpless terrified kid. Tim Robbins on the other hand plays a really great nut ball survivor. Nearly all the actions taken by humans in this film ring true, as people run alternately towards and away from danger. However, not everything rings true, why if no cars will start, and no planes can fly, would video and television cameras continue to work? I realize that is a nutpicky question but it is just one of many that are raised by the film. On the whole I enjoyed the film a great deal, and heartily recommend it for those whose stomachs aren't queasy, and who enjoy a good suspense action flick.