only the barest elements of Wells' classic story are used

Rating: 2/10 (3 August 2005)

HG Wells' novel was a ground-breaking and unique entry into the field of literature.
However, this movie only takes 3 things from the classic story: aliens invade the Earth with walking machines and are killed in the end by bacteria.
The rest of the movie is a mixture of elements from 9-11, Aliens, Independence Day and other aliens-invade-the earth movies.
The characters of Cruise's two kids in the movie were perhaps the most annoying aspect in the film. They are alternatively whiney, selfish, and hysterical.
One of the most thrilling and moving episodes in Wells' original story was when the battleship "Thunderchild" attacks a Martian war machine. I really had hoped the Spielberg would have included something like this in the movie, but no show.
After watching this movie, I appreciate all the more George Pal's original and classic telling of the story.