A big, expensive disappointment. What has happened to Steven!

Rating: 6/10 (14 July 2005)

I am not a particular fan of sci-fi or loud action films. Because of Spielberg and Cruise, though, I was anticipating this one--maybe they would get it right this time(after the equally disappointing Minority Report). That outing was pure genius compared to this melange of clichés--adolescent ex-husband, still sympathetic ex-wife,devoted and resented new husband-father,angry and insolent children,an automobile that never runs out of gas, crazed "old" codger(here the not so old Tim Robbins) ad nauseum. Does the world really need another one of these overblown, overlong disposable entertainments? Did the mind of the same man that surprised and delighted us with Close Enounters and ET(Not to mention Duel,Jaws, Sugarland Express)conjure this weary accumulation of special effects? Where is the imagination and adventure of the earlier film-maker? War of the Worlds is not only trite and tired,it is very boring. Not one real scare in the near 130 minutes.Before the family gets in the car,there is a lot promise; but, once they hits the road the film truly hits the skids.