A brilliant sci-fi film.

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2006)

War of the Worlds was Spielberg's biggest film of 2005. Though Munich had a meatier subject and was far more meaningful, this film made far more money and has probably been the highlight of his career this millennium. This is definitely a Spielberg film - grand special effects, great directing, interesting script and plot, a John Williams score and screaming child characters. The visuals and sound effects are stunning - this is a complete revisualization of HG Wells' classic novel. This action-epic film lifts the bar for future action films and is in no way like the 1953 classic. A great summer hit of 2005 - War of the Worlds lived up to the high standards it set itself.
But apart from that, there isn't really much else to rave about. Whereas the 1953 adaptation was a highlight of the era, this film is really just another explosive sci-fi blockbuster - and probably won't ever be hailed. Though it is gritty, realistic (as in the family issues - that only) and captures the true irritability of young girls, this film lacks on the meat, and carries no true message. It doesn't have brilliant humour or indeed, much purpose, and there should have been a bit more action (though what it had was stunning) and a bit more character. No sex or nudity in the film is a good point - Steven Spielberg has restrained himself from this hobby - but no real significance either. This film fails in a fair few aspects, but succeeds in many more.
It did receive a worthy 2-disc DVD release, but all films are getting the treatment these days. This film really needs a HD/Blu-Ray release - it would look absolutely perfect. I am sure it will get the treatment eventually, because it really is a stunning film, and another green tick on Spielberg's career. 9/10