Science Fiction LITE

Rating: 5/10 (30 June 2005)

Steven Spielberg just doesn't know how to make a science fiction film.
When the film began I thought it had all of the trimmings of a good science fiction film. Fascinating premise, good special effects and strong tension. Good action. About 7/8 of the way through the film I was waiting for the payoff but there was none.
The film is an interesting diversion from the day. It starts out exciting as hell and then goes flat in a big way. The end of the film is spectacularly unexciting. The movie has a great setup. Aliens invade earth and start destroying everything in sight. Humans run around getting killed. The film spend 90% of the time showing us this (way too long).
Tom Cruise plays, let's see, like his character in All The Right Moves, except the backdrop is different. There is minimal depth to his performance.
If you want to see a film that does it right, see Independence Day. By FAR a superior film.