Why did Hollywood have to wreck this?

Rating: 1/10 (1 August 2005)

No, no, no! I was hoping for a film which would better the 50s version and taking place in Victorian England. Can you imagine a dark and brooding atmosphere in Victorian England, the age when big sinister steam engines were the powerhouse of the people. ... and then... these lymphatic highly mechanised creatures (yes Spielberg, you can keep the special effects as long as you obey a few laws of physics) invade. Invisible very very high power microwave guns (heat rays) vapourising can be used! Don't give too much of the creatures away, remember that the 'unknown' is much more frightening. Think Quatermass! Come on, Spielberg, you have the budget and the effects! I don't know.... just another action film to be forgotten next month I guess.
Unfortunately, my childhood memory of this story is enshrined in Jeff Wayne's most excellent musical rendition.