Solid entertainment

Rating: 6/10 (4 September 2005)

Stephen Spielberg is a legendary director, no question about that. While i don't see him as the one making the most enjoyable movies in the world there is a certain quality to his work that usually makes it worth at least the two hours you spend watching it. "War of the worlds" is no exception.
Lately it feels like overblown special effects and huge scenes of destruction have been showing up in almost every movie. What was previously something almost unreal and astounding to watch has become commonplace and nothing at all spectacular. When stepping into the movie theater today, watching a big-budget movie, you know that the effects will be good. It's simply not that hard anymore to make it look very nice. So a movie relying more or less exclusively on it's effects is not very likely to appeal to me. "War of the worlds" is more or less a movie like that, but still i found it quite enjoyable.
First of all Tom Cruise is not a bad actor. He's not worth the insane wages he pulls in but he hardly ever gives a bad performance. Here he's as solid as Spielbergs directing. Dakota Fanning is suitably annoying as his odd and twitchy daughter, Justin Chatwin rather lame as his "rebellious" son. The effects are, as can be expected, very good. Rating among the better i've seen as a matter of fact. Adding quite considerably to the enjoyment of the film. Also i like the way that the film-makers kept the look of the original 1950's movie. A nice touch.
So, what's the verdict? Well it's not a bad movie, actually it exceeded my expectations (that were not very high i willingly admit). It's entertaining enough while it lasts. In the end though it's just too bland to really stay with you. The day after i watched it i remember being asked if it was any good and even that close to watching it i could hardly remember it. So it's not likely to ever become a classic or a movie that i would like to own. But it's good entertainment for the moment, saved mostly by it's fast pace and solid directing from Spielberg. I rate it 6/10.