Like a relationship that ends in a break up

Rating: 6/10 (16 July 2005)

I thought long and hard about whether to include the spoiling details, but since all the bones I'd like to pick with this movie relate to its ending, it seems pointless writing this comment without it.
There are plenty to like about this movie. Steven Spielberg revealed in a recent interview that this is the first movie he's made that doesn't involve some sort of interaction between aliens and humans. His past classics have all featured kind and peaceful aliens. Then what compelled him to do this one, with aliens hunting humans without any apparent reason, I have absolutely no idea; I didn't finish reading that interview.
What is clear, however, is that it's a refreshing change from his usual formula. WotW has tapped into the best of current CG technologies, so much so that ironically, CG scenes look even more real than the actual full scale models which look rather amateurish by comparison. There are plenty of spectacular and exhilarating scenes for both young and old. If every aspect of a film is this good, then the reasons behind the alien race's invasion doesn't have to be fleshed out in order for the film to be enjoyed. On top of that, the entire cast delivers a flawless on-screen performance: Tom Cruise as a protective father to an absolutely terrified daughter (Dakota Fanning) who's more terrifying to look at, and a rebellious son (Justic Chatwin) who's wrapped in heroism. Tim Robbins also displays his usual high calibre performance as a slightly warped guerrilla sworn to fight these uninvited guests. The characters don't spit out smart-ass one-liners, and do manage to develop during the course of the movie. Developing casts has always been Steven Spielberg's forte.
Then what's wrong with this movie? Everything else you don't see on screen. Why are they harvesting people? Is it like Matrix? For food, or as fuel to run those machines? What are those vein-like structures everywhere; perhaps an assimilation of everything alive? Why are they then on rocks as well? It would have made more sense, and more gruesome, to show just a blood-soaked earth.
There is also an uncanny resemblance to those critters in Independence Day - shame on you, Steven! Also, why do they have a cute face? They're annihilating humans and they've got baby-face... Having skinny long legs alone doesn't make a creepy creature - just look at those catwalk models. What disappointment I had when I finally saw their face after all that anticipation!
They are also incredibly stupid. The scale of their invasion is so puny. Within three days, we find how to defeat the walkers. How much damage have the walkers caused by then? Not much because they're WALKING! If they happen to be related to the long-legs of Independence day, then the ID cousins did a hell of a better job. Huge saucers on top of major cities, fast jets, magnificent destructive power - they gathered intelligence on local environment and invested tirelessly on preparation.
Which brings us to the biggest bone of all - the ending. They had apparently planted these walkers millions of years ago, which means they must have known at least a little about this planet. Surely enough, they know our atmospheric content because they casually walk around breathing our air. Furthermore, their assimilation of humans and live-stocks means they are aware of their constituencies as well, and have devised a use for themselves accordingly. Yet, they didn't know about the trillions and trillions of microscopic organisms, bacteria and viruses that are present, say, everywhere, and died from them? Have they missed them during sample analysis because they're so small? Do they not carry microscopes on board their ships? Perhaps that's why they invaded earth - to gain knowledge on how to manufacture microscopes. If, by chance, they fired their walkers from outer space with a view to come later, then it's just plain bad preparation, and they all deserve to die. But if they were that stupid, there wouldn't be a movie. Yet, here I am, discussing it.
These are all reasons as to why I have described this film as a relationship that ends in a break up. Everything is wonderful in the beginning and there are lots to love about this relationship, but the terrible last few minutes before the break-up shadows everything good of the past, leaving you with the sour taste of memories of what could have been better. And not even the most logical reason behind their invasion could save this movie.