One of the best Sci-Fi movies of the decade

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2006)

War of the Worlds has got to be one of my favorite films. The first time I saw this movie I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire run and was in shock at the end. Spielberg once again proves why he is one of the greatest directors of our time. The biggest thing that makes this film amazing is the realism he brings. This film doesn't present a corny alien invasion episode with bad acting or unrealistic situations like Independence Day does, but it puts you right in the characters shoes and does not exaggerate the concept at all. From the angle of the camera (eye level to make it feel like you right there staring at the tripods), to the brilliant cinematography and breathtaking special effects (the opening scene where we see the tripod rise from the ground is astonishing and just freaky), this movie grounds what could have been a very "out there" film. The strongest part of the film has to be the performances remarkably done by Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning. Cruise nails the whole dead beat dad who must protect his kids and Dakota's performance is marvelous. Also every moment we see Tim Robbins is pitching perfect. His performance of the man who loses his mind is done flawlessly.
One thing that I just can't seem to understand is: Why do some people find this horrible? Because Dakota Fanning screams a lot? Umm..If I was a 10 year old stuck with my estranged father while the whole world is being attacked by aliens and I have no idea where my mother is, I'd be crying like a baby to. A bad plot? Are you kidding? Putting this situation through the eyes of one family yet also getting a fell of how desperate and afraid the world is is brilliant. I think the real reason behind the hate is Tom Cruise overload right when the movie came out. People just got so sick of him that once the movie came out; they just cringed at the sight of him.
Despite my "thumbs up" for this movie, I did find a few things annoying. My biggest dislike had to be the handling of Robby. Now I totally sympathize and understand Robby. He has more beef with Ray than Rachel since he's older and he feels Ray really doesn't care since he is trying to bring the kids back to mom and fend for himself. The thing I didn't like is he comes of as a prick, even to his little sister! I couldn't believe the part where he tried to hop on one of the military vehicles without his little sister defiantly a WTF moment. And how the hell did Robby manage to survive the military battle and Walk all the way to Boston unscathed? Also I felt as is the second part of the movie got a little boring and I was rather disappointed that the machines were already buriedwould't we have known they were there? Guess alien technology prevented thato well All in all this has got to be one of Spielberg's greatest flicks. Don't listen to the haters, this movie is amazing and astonishing to watch. 8.8/10