Original is way better

Rating: 7/10 (3 July 2005)

You've seen plenty of movies featuring lots of action but little character development and dialogue. This is just the other side of the coin: plenty of focus on characters while the alien invasion is a background task. Great special effects are a diversion from a Spielbergian soap opera about a divorced part-time father and his kids, especially the son (who looks almost as old as dad) who rediscover their love for one another while giant metal alien guided machines emerge from the earth and sizzle people with death rays and poop out human blood. Despite a strong focus on the son and his apparent desperation to become a man by throwing himself into harms way, little is really served by the father-son angst, nor does the viewer care really at any level. Cruise's acting in this one goes from great, to mediocre to overacting and back to great, sometimes all within minutes.
The best part about this film, apart from its obviously expectations-met sfx, is Tim Robbins brief role as a mental case hiding out in his basement. Robbins is just great in anything he does, and this one is no exception. In fact, I wanted to see and learn more about Robbins character than the aliens outside, scooping up people and pooping out their blood.
The original film version had so much more character and heartfelt drama. I think Spielberg's come a long, long way in his career and unfortunately, I think I like his older stuff much better.
One last thing, I'm tired of today's generation of action movies where any scene using sfx features a gloomy, or dimly lit background, whether outdoors or inside.