One of Spielberg's grandest, most horrifying films

Rating: 8/10 (7 July 2005)

The movie event of the summer has arrived: War of the Worlds, and it doesn't disappoint. First off, let me state that I've been a fan of Spielberg's work since I saw Jurassic Park in theaters at the age of 5. Regardless of people's opinions of some of his more recent films (The Terminal, or A.I. even though the latter was more Kubrick's than Spielberg's), Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the most influential directors of our time. In creating a modern day retelling of H.G. Wells' sci-fi classic, The War of the Worlds, the director had his work cut out for him. Who else but Steven Spielberg could pull it off? Onto the movie itself, which as I've said before is excellent. Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, a blue-collar dad who has part-time custody of his two children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin). Not the greatest father, Ray doesn't even bother to cook dinner for the two. This all changes, however, as Ray and his family realize that the lightning storm occurring just outside is not your average weather.
I don't want to say much about the plot, for fear of ruining anything for people, but needless to say, it probably sounds a little contrived. Alien invasion? Lame, right? WRONG. This movie is so much more than that. A great sci-fi/horror, a political and social commentary, and just a wonderful movie in all. The special effects are of course amazing, but what surprised me was just how important sound proved to be in War of the Worlds, as some of the more terrifying moments are made using unearthly sounds that chill to the very bone.
See this movie, see it now, it is something not to be missed.