Speilbergs latest work proves the old man still can surprise...

Rating: 8/10 (1 July 2005)

Speilbergs latest blockbuster contains everything you would expect from a Hollywood production of such scale; explosions, sci-fi, based upon a successful book etc but i was impressed none the less. Spielberg has bought something new to the table it would seem by deifying Hollywood convention.
In H.G. Wells novel we follow the actions of a single male heroine, the book is set in Victorian England, of course Hollywood demands that much of the books charm be sacrificed for special effects and modern and easily identifiable setting but the film remains true to one of the most important aspects of the Narrative. In previous sci-fi - such as Armageddon & Independence Day there are multifaceted narratives, the audience is allowed to identify with a variety of characters with different perspectives giving the audience an omnipotent view of the film world i.e. the president, will smith and Jeff Goldblums characters in independence day. In this way we become spectators, voyeurs over the film world - an established convention in this genre. War of the Worlds stays true to the novel in that we follow the plight of Tom Cruises character and no others, I found that identifying with this character constantly was more involving and gripping than such films as Independence day, where the audience is so alienated from the film that it is hard to involve one's self emotionally with the characters.
Apart from this, the film is visually stimulating, the effects are beyond pretty much anything I have seen and a shot in such a way that you actually fell in the action. The Tri-pods look and move fantastically, the film actually scares me, which is unusual. I would suggest this film for anyone who is a lover of action/sci fi and special effects, in terms of dialogue and characterisation the film offers very little but it will appeal to the inner child in anyone - go to the cinema to watch this, it deserves a big screen despite Cruise's usual two dimensional acting.