Not bad... but not Batman

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2005)

Finally, it seems that summer can start now that a Spielberg film has hit the theaters. Thankfully, it's good. Well, how can it be bad? I'm a Cruise fan (at least his screen acting) and I'm a Spielberg fan so they could have just read Goodnight Moon for two and a half hours and I'd have given it at least an 8/10.
People who saw the old film might be surprised at how much is different. For example, Burt Reynolds is no longer the main character, but rather the football legend volunteering for coach. Also, Caretaker...oh, wait. OK, I'm funny. The remake is MUCH different from the first War of the Worlds as opposed to The Longest Yard(s). This version of War of the Worlds is relentless. There is nary a moment we can pause to take long and relaxed deep breaths. All of the got-to-stay-quiet-so-they-don't-hear-us moments (similar to Minority Report) don't help either.
The acting was superb, the Spielberg was there (actual emotion, realistic direction, and maybe E.T.), and the visual effects should take some kind of recognition by the Academy, whether a nomination or win. However, to be perfectly frank, it's not my vote for summer's best, even while the summer's not yet over. Easily top five, and looking at the rest of the year, it may stay there for all of 2005's films.
8/10