Spielberg's War of the Worlds is the perfect blending of update and homage

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 2005)

First off I would like to squash all these negative nay sayer's reviewing this film who are complaining about no plot, no acting, no story, and remind them of one thing (spoilers may be involved): this movie is based of a book by H.G. Wells about invading aliens, people fleeing these aliens, aliens who are zapping people with a heat ray so friggin big heads are popping like corn! Now let me remind such nay-sayers that the book actually had less of a plot than Spielberg's updated version which is the perfect blend of modernizing a classic while remaining true to the author's original version.
The things the movie did were so close to the book, that the minuscule changes to bring War of the Worlds into the 21st century and actually make sense were extremely welcome! I don't remember the last time I saw a book translated to film where I thought the changes were for the better. Another welcome changes was making the story about family. In the original book it's a lone hero, or rather coward, with no identity trying to save his own skin. Now give that desperation to survive some real meaning... protect the family.
The acting is great. The emotion and action are high octane. The designs are right out of H.G. Wells descriptions from the book. And the movie ends abruptly in this version just as it does in the book. For those with a keen eye their are War of the Worlds tributes and cameos sprinkled throughout the film.
The special effects rock. Spielberg doesn't have to worry about getting boring this time around, no elaborate plot to confuse or boggle the audience. A short running span keeps the film clipping at a brisk pace. Spielberg finally brings us a sci-fi we can actually sit through and enjoy. Suspense! Yes it's there. Non-stop action, destruction, terror, excitement. Heck yeah.
No need to be nit-picky about continuity errors when you're watching a sci-fi which can be easily repaired by applying sci-fi logic. Other than the infamous digital cam-corder scene... who cares? It's a summer film, a romp, and a true sci-fi aliens plus ray guns equals head to the hills folks classic Hollywood blockbuster. Enjoy!