War of the Worlds

Rating: 7/10 (25 April 2020)

Modern take on the HG Wells classic with irresponsible dad Cruise trying to get his son and daughter to safety away from the Tripods.
Spielberg has created his darkest fantasy feature with a strong sense of dread throughout with the superbly realised Tripods genuinely unnerving. Cruise is solid in the lead but acting chops goes to young Dakota Fanning and a brief but compelling turn by Tim Robbins. There are so many great scenes which add real discomfort to proceedings particularly the ferry scene, the piece with Robbins and Cruise's dreadful dilemma when his son wants to see the creatures.
The only bum note is the attitude of Cruise's son, which doesn't quite chime - but a fine film.