Vintage Spielberg

Rating: 8/10 (30 June 2005)

I've been reading reviews of War of the Worlds and to tell you the truth they seem somewhat negative. Why, is beyond me. This movie was fantastic. Flawless? No, but fantastic,Yes. I find that Spielberg stayed true to the original book by HG Wells. In fact he at least explains the existence of the aliens and how they planned their attack. This is something that was never depicted in the original movie with Gene Barry. Also, the tripods are exactly that, tripods according to the book, not the flying discs that we saw in the original film. Spielberg also proves again his mastery of special effects and cinema technology. Unlike many "action" movies, there is nothing gratuitous here. He maintains depth in his characters and they become the story amid all the destruction. The acting was very good, especially Dakota. I will say the ending was somewhat abrupt, but not unlike the original film. I find this a very minor flaw and should in no way take down this film as many of the reviews suggest. If and when you see this film remember it is SCIENCE FICTION !! This is something the critics seem to have missed.