Alas, a Hollywood movie where American’s are not the Saviors

Rating: 4/10 (26 December 2008)

Plot Outline: Ray Ferrier (Cruise) is a dockworker who’s a failure in his family life. One day, things change when strange lightning flashes storm the earth and huge Alien Tripods emerge from beneath the earth incinerating the place. The film portrays an average earthling ‘Ray’ and his kids Robbie and Rachel in their flight for safety.
Comment: The story is the HG Wells classic retold to suit moviegoers. When I skimmed through the pages of this classic, I was overawed by Wells’ futuristic perspectives in a story written more than 115 years ago! The film is simple storytelling from a commoner’s viewpoint, unlike Independence Day or its kind which typically show American sophistication, a brave-heart president and wild gadgets.
Although the perspective is well presented, the simplicity of Ray’s character and lack of typical gadgetry marks a lack-of-pace beginning; but later picks up in the later half. Performances do not leave much for discussion either. What defines the movie is neat SFX which makes it recommended for audiences thirsty for SFX flicks.