Read the book instead

Rating: 4/10 (9 July 2005)

Had I written this last night, when I came back from the screening, it would have gotten a '1' - but the visuals were OK, I guess. And I don't hate SF, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg or H.G. Wells.
The reason why I think this movie is such brainless crap is because Spielberg seems to have made it on autopilot. He handed it over the SFX department with the request to leave him 5 meters of celluloid to include some acting - which then got cut as I didn't see any in the entire movie.
There is no suspense at all after the initial rise of the first tripod. We are given no reason to care for any of the characters beside little Rachel - who is the only one who comes across as somewhat believable, although her part seems to be limited for a large part to screaming.
You don't see real fear, honestly, just attempts at shock. Just hordes of running people getting zapped. You don't see love, affection, sorrow.. name an emotion and it's sure to not be there. Yes, Cruise attempts to show them, but the man's emotional range is limited to what he must believe is emotional but can't really feel.
The story has little to do with the original War of the Worlds, really, it's no more than 'based upon' it and I suggest you all read the book and listen to Jeff Wayne's unforgettable musical version instead. What a waste of money.