These Aren't Friendly Aliens

Rating: 7/10 (18 July 2005)

Where the 1953 War of the Worlds movie was terrific sci-fi, this movie is more effective as a horror film. Steven Spielberg's aliens aren't the cute little E.T.s or even the mysterious invaders from Close Encounters. These aliens are here to kick some ass and destroy every little thing in sight. The aliens, which travel in giant tripod machines are relentless. They keep coming and coming and coming. Nobody knows why they are here and nobody can stop them.
Tom Cruise plays Ray. He is a dock worker who is sort of a deadbeat dad. His intentions are pretty good but he can't seem to get it right. When he is left in charge of his two kids, a rebellious teen, and an innocent 10 year old girl, he must take on the responsibility he has been pushing off for so long. Cruise does a nice job as the dad trying to protect his two kids (Justin Chatwick & Dakota Fanning). The kids do everything they can to give Cruise a hard time including running off and starting arguments.
What War of the Worlds accomplishes what it sets out to do and that is to entertain. The film is loaded with great special effects and terrific sound effects. The audience knows when the machines are coming. Spielberg uses loud shrieking noises and loud thunderous weans that indicate that you better run. Spielberg also has a knack when it comes to showing children in danger. Dakota Fanning is constantly in danger. Like films such as the Jurassic Park movies, Spielberg likes to use kids to get to the audience.
The movie isn't without its problems. The sequence with Tim Robbins seems to go on too long and some of the movie doesn't make a whole lot of sense, esp. where the aliens intentions come to play. There were some continuity issues as well.
If you can get past some of the films flaws, you'll enjoy this movie. It really is a great summer popcorn film with a lot of great things to take in. (***)