Cheesy, even for Hollywood

Rating: 1/10 (13 July 2005)

What on earth--pun intended--was Spielberg thinking of? Independence Day--that other flag- waving holiday flick at least had a dose of tongue-in-cheek humor to carry it along, and never once took itself seriously. This, though, is a plot less, mindless piece of garbage and is, in my opinion, one of the many reasons movie attendances are in decline. I can accept these wars only ever start and finish in the U.S.; I can accept the risk-averse casting choice; I can even accept the forced storytelling. But I cannot forgive such a cheesy ending. See if for the FX, if that's what rings your bell, but bring a good book for the second half. H.G. Wells' imaginative tale of alien invasion was then, and remains today, a remarkable piece of science fiction. Do yourself a favor and it before, or after, this movie and see how far dollar-chasing Hollywood has sunk.