A magnificent metaphor for our time

Rating: 9/10 (3 July 2005)

This is not a science fiction movie. It is not an action adventure blockbuster. It is not a war movie. It is a horror movie about human fears, how we react to the unthinkable, and how humanity may ultimately prevail (with some luck.)
There has definitely been a lot of confusion about the film. Clearly while most critics like the movie, it has befuddled some audiences and left some critics cold. This is unfortunate, because what Spielberg has done is taken a Victorian tale, and projected it effortlessly to our time. So powerful is Wells's myth, that the essence of the story remains intact, while Spielger adds what I believe to be some of the most incredible action sequences and set pieces in the history of film. I confess, I was drained by the end of "War of the Worlds." There is little in the way of a catharsis here. We are just glad to be alive. We are left stunned by the fact that humanity was completely at the mercy of a power that was waging a war of extermination. The power in the movie was the aliens, but it is made very clear it could be any human power as well.
The film has been criticized for "exploiting 911 imagery." This is nonsense. Spielberg as the film maker can go anywhere he want with this tale -- as long as he does a good job, and one with integrity. He does. The imagery is right. It belongs in the movie -- unless we want to pretend the day did not happen.
I have been highly critical of the man since "Schindler's List," (not that he lies awake at night worrying about that), but I have to commend him here. This movie deals with our fears so well that I am tempted to call it the first great post- 911 film. If you see it in the right frame of mind, of what it is intending and not- intending to do, you will be rewarded.
Overall, the film is a technical masterpiece. Every actor rises to the occasion. Tom Cruise especially does a remarkable job as the American Everyman who fights back with brains and extraordinary courage. And Dakota Fanning -- what can I say? The girl is going to have as many Oscars in her career as Streep and Hepburn. Even Tim Robbins, as a man ultimately driven mad by the situation, is first rate.
My only criticism is that the ending is too abrupt. The film should have been longer to ease the audience into Wells's conclusion of the tale. And the "Searchers"-like final shot left me a bit confused. But these are quibbles.
In short, well done, Spielberg and Company. I am impressed.