Great direction overcomes a weak story

Rating: 8/10 (30 June 2005)

A fantastic, taut summer movie. Spielberg at the top of his form. His focus on the family in this film is both realistic and helps to add a far more personal dimension to the aliens' destruction. As for the ending? WTF. This is how the original novel ended, you goobers. For taking so many liberties with the story, it's good to see they were at least faithful to the ending. And as for the voice-over? I call it an "homage" to the original. Also, many have decried the numerous plot holes in the story, and I admit, it's not the best. However, Spielberg's fantastically-tight, breathless acting helps make this movie both terrifying and personal. Stuart Beattie won't be getting any Academy Award nominations, but Spielberg just might. Don't miss it.