Unfairly treated blockbuster

Rating: Null/10 (22 April 2011)

I find it hard to understand that so many people here write reviews that make it sound like they're talking about a god-forsaken piece of crap of a movie that will haunt their dreams. One star? Two stars? Three stars? Come on. This film is far from that bad.
I won't say this is a timeless classic, or one of Spielberg's better films, but it's still a summer blockbuster that is way above par. The acting's generally solid. The kids are annoying, sure, but kids in films almost always are. And when it comes to annoying kids, we've all seen worse, like Anakin in The Phantom Menace. And at least Tom Cruise does a fine job portraying the less-than-perfect yet ultimately likable father.
The plot is a pretty good one too. I will agree with those who claim it's not completely realistic that the huge tripods could be beneath us without our knowing for so long. But does everything in movies, let alone sci-fi movies, have to be realistic all the time? It may be a far-fetched concept, but it's not entirely unbelievable and silly. To me, it comes off as an interesting twist to the alien invasion theme that makes the invasion more frightening and interesting. Another interesting twist to the story is its focus, which is enhanced by the superb camera work. The movie isn't really about the invasion itself, but rather about one family's attempt to survive it, and the terrifying experiences and sights they collect on their journey. This reminds me of films like Apocalypse Now and Dawn of the Dead, with similar approaches.
I feel the most valid complaint about this movie is the ending. Due to the poor execution, it's anti-climactic. And above all, it seems extremely rushed. But a bad ending doesn't equal a bad film.