Spectacular, but flawed.

Rating: 4/10 (6 July 2005)

SOME SLIGHT SPOILERS This film had great special effects and very good sound effects. The screenplay seemed non existent to me, and the dialogue was certainly nothing to be proud of. All i can really say for this film is that the interpretation of the aliens was well done: they looked cool in a sci-fi sort of way and some good damage was done (all in America i should add).
None of the violence shocked me because i've seen worse, but (SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) dead bodies in a river, and people being blown to pieces by alien weaponry is a bit too much for a 12. It could maybe even be classed as a sci-fi horror movie.
MORE SPOILERS: anyway, the lack of a structured plot lets this film down, and a classic unexplained Hollywood ending ruins what could have been a half decent film. Its good to watch in the cinema, because the effects are worth it, but anyone who knows about films can see that this film is severely flawed.
It needs a screenplay, it needs a dialogue, and it needs a structure which explains whats going on. I mean, (SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) when the aliens keep searching for cruise in the basement: whats the point in that!!??!! They don't look for anyone else and the rest of the time they just destroyed everything - so why spend ages looking for a human?? Anyway, you guys have your opinions, but i'm right.
I still like Spielberg and cruise though, this film was just plain weird.