The best film of 2005, in my opinion

Rating: 10/10 (30 January 2006)

As this was one of the more memorable films I saw in 2005, and as it was also one of the most obviously flawed, I was afraid it would be worse upon a revisiting. I'm glad to say I was entirely wrong about that. It got better. In fact, when you know the flaws are coming, it's easier to concentrate on its strengths. I'm starting to think this could be Spielberg's best film. I don't think its themes, its intentions, or its results have been completely considered by either the director of the screenwriters, so the messages it emits are mixed. But I think that makes the film all the more interesting. In Munich, Spielberg's far more critically lauded film of 2005, we are told what to think at every juncture. War of the Worlds emotes and informs at a more intuitive level. There's a lot more to think about with this film than pretty much any other film the man has ever made. The logic of the film is often flawed, but the images and the feelings they produce are palpable. Is it just utilizing the post-9/11 zeitgeist to create an entertaining actioner? I think it's deeper than that, certainly. It is an action film, a summer blockbuster, but it's more deeply felt than any other I can think of. It's entertaining, but it's not the kind of film that you can walk away from feeling good. I think that's one of the main reasons for its failure with much of the audience. Whatever the case, this is the most memorable and effective film of the year, and I am now confidently ranking this as the best film of 2005.