A War of Worlds

Rating: 4/10 (3 July 2005)

I went. I saw. I cried.
If you have yet to see Mssr. S's War of the Worlds, do so. But not if you're expecting to re-visit the world of HG Wells.
Prior to viewing this, try to get your hands on the '53 version. Then read the book. Then see this latest venture. You'll detect a slight difference and may lapse into spectacular disappointment.
Mr. S's venture does little to shed new light on the Wells original. Though aided by incredible CGI, this director's storytelling skills have been lost beneath the weight of delivering summer simplicity and box office returns to a Hollywood that must now kneel before its bank balance. What should have been an incredible piece of sf film has become yet another piece of Hollyweird drivel.
While I enjoyed the popcorn and the fun of another science fiction spectacular, Stephen's other efforts in this genre including CLOSE ENCOUNTERS and ET shine much brighter than this latest attempt.
It would have helped him greatly if he had bothered to read the book. Based on what I saw, neither the director nor screenwriters seemed to have found it fitting to do so.