Misses the mark

Rating: 6/10 (12 July 2005)

While this 2005 update is certainly more 'entertaining' than the 1959 classic, Spielberg's latest effort falls short compared to his other extra-terrestrial endeavors.
The first 20 mins of the film are by far the most interesting. Spielberg's family has changed dramatically from the 'innocent charm' portrayed in the families of 'E.T.' and 'Close Encounters'. The Ferriers are cold, distant, and quite dysfunctional - accurately depicting the current American familial nucleus. However telling the story through the eyes and ears of a single family has become a cliché, and eventually looses out interest.
Tom Cruise is a fine actor, and could probably be considered one of America's National Treasures. But his antics and indulgent publicity stunts do more harm than good. He provides Ray Ferrier with the Hardworking Everyman that any other actor could have come up with. This is simply another indication that he has been phoning in many of his recent performances. Perhaps if he would keep his private life PRIVATE, we would be able to forgive his laziness. Alas, Mr. Cruise puts more charm and energy on Oprah's couch than his multi-million dollar JOB.
Finally, there is little expansion on the conceptual/design elements that Spielberg is so famous for. He relies on the original illustrations and concepts that, while still provocative, are not really memorable. Even the actual alien sequences leave much to be desired, as we only get about 5 mins and a total lack of suspense. Tim Robbins is wasted in a part that tries to contrast the innate Human Survival At All Costs with the Spielberg's patented Humans Are Ignorant But Compassionate personas.
Tim Burton's parody 'Mars Attacks' accomplishes more.
**1/2 (of ****)