Aliens come to earth and invade with their indestructible war machines.

Rating: 5/10 (31 July 2005)

Well, Mr. Cruise, you did it again, got in the way of a movie while pretty much playing yourself, undoubtedly to simply continue staying in the limelight. That aside, this movie was quite uneven in quality. The alien war machines were amazing, and the one close to true element from the great novel by H.G. Wells. Otherwise, this film was often an excuse for a Tom Cruise fest, which, for me, doesn't make for much, particularly within a story that has quite a thought-provoking premise but is not given its full due. One thing I can say is, thank goodness for child actress Dakota Fanning. She was the most genuine, interesting person on-screen, out-acting Tom Cruise big time. Way to go, Dakota! As for the story-line, it was sloppy in places, and I will not say just how and where here for fear of divulging a spoiler or two. Oh, yeah, and then there were the aliens; rather disappointing for me, albeit technically well-done. If they were portrayed as author H.G. Wells had described them, a whole new type of movie alien could have been born. But, no, alas, not even that was meant to be. The script seemed poorly written here and there, leaving me sometimes scratching my head and thinking, "Huh?" or "You can't be serious?!" Dear Mr. Wells is probably turning over in his grave now. Borrowing from Ebert and Roeper, I'd give it one thumb up and one thumb down.