Close Encounters of the Unkind.

Rating: Null/10 (5 July 2005)

Director Steven Spielberg's ode to the H.G. Wells classic novel is modernized to present-day New York City as dead-beat dad Tom Cruise tries to save himself and his two children (Justin Chatwin and Dakota Fanning) as alien beings attack in striking and frightening fashion, leaving total destruction and massive death tolls along the U.S. East Coast. Tense science fiction thriller that works due to Spielberg's excellent direction and out-of-this-world visual effects. The performers are adequate, but are not really the film's primary calling card. Tim Robbins has a short appearance as a bunkered survivalist who attempts to help Cruise and company. Robbins' part could be looked upon as an unnecessary distraction or a creative side-story to the production's happenings. Undertones aplenty here for educated viewers who are up to speed on affairs in the world today. Spooky narration by Morgan Freeman at the start and end is a smart way to let the audience know and understand where the film is going and has been. Would have been a disaster if not for a gifted film-maker like Spielberg. 4 stars out of 5.