Spielberg finally starts directing again.

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2005)

Spielberg at his best? No. However, this type of directing is what made this man famous in the first place. I walked into this movie with moderate expectations - will this be done with the same indifference as Spielberg as done as of late? A.I. ,what? Minority Report (dear Lord)! I honestly thought he had lost his gift in making movies after Schindler's List. But, wait a minute, here comes War of the World's! This movie always seems to be doing the right thing. Cameras are always in the right spot, people are always saying the right things (thanks to amazing screenplay), and let's not forget the incredible acting.
There is no way you can name another action sci-fi movie that can twist your emotions and leave you at its mercy for two and a half hours. This movie wastes no time and the audience should love every minute of it. From the beginning to the end, this movie not only gives you your money's worth, but it makes a strong case in going down as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever put on screen.
This movie also differs from the regular action blockbuster because of its superior premise. This movie differs from others in the genre (like Independence Day) because every action / word has a deeper meaning. This is due to Wells' writing, but Spielberg plays on them so well. The images of blood, life, and death all jump out in a way that would have no doubt made Wells proud.
All in all, this movie sets out to do the impossible in making a summer blockbuster with the credibility of being more, and almost succeeds without skipping a beat. There are a few plot-holes and scenes that would have been better cut, but this movie will not only appease the movie-goer seeking thrills and excitement but also the movie-goer looking for more.
Furthermore, the narration of Morgan Freeman brings this movie up another step - can this guy narrate a bad movie?
So, for this movie I give a 9 for entertainment and a 7 for artistic value. This leaves the movie with a very good final grade of 8. Anyone and Everyone should see this movie, for it is Spielberg's best movie in over a decade (except for maybe Saving Private Ryan).