A 130 million + budget...but still not right!

Rating: 6/10 (6 July 2007)

The good news is that this movie is worth a look and is watchable. In brief this is a science fiction film, and the earth is invaded by aliens intent on destroying the world or whatever.... The story centers on a family's struggle to survive the alien invasion and the adventures encountered when the lead character tries to take his two children away from the "monsters" and back to their mother who is in another part of the country. And sensible of the film makers to concentrate on "ordinary people" caught up in this rather than upon politicians, military leaders etc.
The special effects are generally very good and it is that what makes the film viewable. However the bad news is: The main players are all obnoxious especially a screeching, screaming girl and too much of the story is taken up by the angst between the family members which I conclude is a reflection of the writers own family problems. And in any event the reason for this invasion is never explained, and the aliens with all their superior strength seem ultimately quite intellectually challenged. I read that the budget for this movie is 130 million dollars up, and its a pity a few bucks could not have been spent on creating some interesting non irritating characters or a half decent storyline. Nevertheless for the first rate special effects, it gets: 6/10.