The greatest Sci-Fi movie of all time!!!!!

Rating: Null/10 (30 June 2005)

Steven Spielberg has made many great movies, and most of them have a less serious tone than this extremely well done remake of the H.G. Wells classic "War of the Worlds". I had been hoping to see at least one really good movie this summer, and after a very disappointing Star Wars finale my hopes were not very high for this one. We went to the rush hour show on opening day at my favorite theater with stadium seating, and the best sound system around. Our timing was perfect, as the coming attractions were just starting as we got our popcorn and soda, and perfect seats. I won't spoil it for anyone who has not seen this movie, but this is truly Mr. Spielberg's masterpiece. Although this is a remake and stays close to the original, it adds enough new surprises to truly stun the viewer. The special effects are second to none, and raise the bar ten notches over anything done before. The real beauty of this movie is that the special effects do not overpower the movie, as the story and actors shine through them with great intensity. The acting is first rate, and Tom Cruise comes through as a very believable blue collar worker with none of his usual "I am totally in control of the situation" attitude. Dakota Fanning has been great in past movies, but she has really grown as an actress to help this movie achieve perfection. She leaves you gasping for air on the edge of your seat in some intense scenes. I would have liked to see a bigger cameo role for Gene Berry, but at his age it is truly amazing he was able to make an appearance. For those who compared this movie with that Mel Gibson flop "Signs", I can only have pity on them for not being able to appreciate a film that towers over some of the best Sci-Fi movies ever made. These people simply don't like science fiction, and should not bother going to these movies. As someone who loved the original, War of the Worlds 2005 is a breath of Sci-Fi fresh air. It reminds me of the clear superiority, and effect the original movie Alien had when it came out. This is a MUST SEE movie, and will define quality in Sci-Fi movies for years to come. It easily deserves best movie of 2005. Steven Spielberg take a bow, you have outdone yourself.