Awesome, simply Awesome

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 2005)

With the film still fresh in my mind I have decided to write this review. To anybody who has read the book or even listened to the Musical version, do not be alarmed by the aura of a 'big budget Hollywood flick' as this is not true. The film stays very true to the original book in ways which really surprised me. The depiction of the aliens and their war machines are almost spot on, not only in how they look, but even how they move and go about their destructive needs. The Heat ray is beyond description (without spoiling anything) but It does indeed fit very well with how I think H.G Wells saw it in his mind.
The sound in this film is fantastic, in terms of music and also general sounds no matter how significant they are to the action it self. However with that said this is definitely a film you HAVE to see at the movie theater (preferably a large one with full surround sound). This is because the sounds almost jump out at you and actually make you FEEL what is happening due to vibrations in the floor.
The acting is great, whilst I am not a fan of Tom Cruise he does a great job as his character and really pulls the lead role of well. The supporting actors are also very good, Tim Robbins is great and the actor who plays Tom's son in the movie is also good. Dakota Fanning who plays Tom's daughter is wonderful, never have I seen such good acting out of somebody so young! This is a film I very highly recommend people see, however those with children might want to be a little cautious. Whilst the movie is only M15+ it has a few scenes which may frighten some children, and there is a fair bit of suggested violence that may be disturbing.
In short, despite all my doubts, this film is awesome and the most true depiction (despite the modern setting) of H.G Wells' book that I have ever seen. So see it, I know I will be going again soon! Cheers -Mike