created on a lavish scale but the script is lacking

Rating: Null/10 (29 June 2005)

The Cruise-Spielberg team that brought audiences Minority Report return for this big budget sci-fi saga about a working-class father and his two estranged children who must band together and fight for their survival after Earth is invaded and overrun by tripod war machines on a mission to exterminate the human race. With shades of Independence Day the film is well-crafted, suspenseful, and at times exciting, but the script leaves too many questions unanswered and never really delivers the way you'd hope for. Starts with a bang and works well as a thrill ride likely to please action fans, but those looking for a fresh, inventive sci-fi feature probably won't be impressed. Hats off to the special effects crew, and watch for Tim Robbins who undoubtedly has the film's best role. **½