Strongly plotted film about a man's growth as a father...

Rating: 9/10 (5 July 2005)

I loved this movie! Yes, there are the inconsistencies regarding the electro-magnetic pulse, but that's relatively minor overall. Despite what some posters have written, the plot revolves around the character Ray Ferrier's growth as a father caught up in an epochal catastrophe--THAT'S the story--the alien invasion is the background story. It is remarkable faithful to H.G. Wells's novel, updates notwithstanding. The heroics are kept to a minimum--there is one moment that does strain credibility. Otherwise, I found the reactions of the panicked crowds all too believable. The film is filled with breathtaking imagery--it's both otherworldly and reminiscent of illustrations from older editions of the novel. I found the suspense nearly unbearable in parts, which also make this one of the most frightening movies I've seen. The performances by Dakota Fanning and Tom Cruise also deserve mention. Fanning is preternaturally convincing. Cruise delivers a deeply searching performance as an overly self-involved man, a true lout, who is broken down by fear and confusion and is forced to come to grips with what is really important. It may sound hackneyed, but it is brilliantly rendered here. Bravo to him and all others involved with this film.