Good remake of a classic story

Rating: 9/10 (25 July 2005)

This is a very good movie. The special effects were excellent. But more importantly the movie was well acted, especially by Tom Cruise and Tim Robbins who were both excellent, and presented a story which conveyed two seemingly simple yet sublime messages: complacence can lead to disaster and that even the most minute living creatures have a purpose. In this movie Tom Cruise demonstrated a range of emotions that added immeasurably to the entertainment value of this movie. For this movie is more than just a mere sci-fi thriller with a lot of glossy special effects. Rather, it is a portrayal of people reacting to a sudden and unexpected catastrophe. The parallel to 9-11 is apparent. And although some of the scenes in the movie contain moments of Hollywood hokeyness, such as the scenes with the little girl who plays Tom Cruise's daughter, the main theme, that of people trying to survive in the midst of overwhelming crisis, remains intact, which prevents the movie from becoming a mere special-effects spectacle. The depictions of violence are graphic and convey the intensity of the dilemma confronting humanity. The invaders mean business and with their machines are intent on inflicting an immediate and lethal reign of terror meant to destroy all humanity. If you like a well-acted science fiction movie that tells a compelling story, then this is the movie for you.