War of the Worlds

Yes, I saw it. Even though I was tempted not too. Tom Cruise has been pretty scary lately. Used to love the guy. But now ... eh. I like USA Today's opening line in their review: "War of the Worlds is even scarier than Tom Cruise's behavior lately." Funny stuff, but I still think Tom Cruise's behavior is scarier!

At any rate, War of the Worlds is summer blockbuster at its most blockbustiessness. It is based, of course, on the 107 year old book by H.G. Wells and updated to touch on our fears of terrorism and our new-found knowledge of life on Mars. (Our new alien invader friends are from an unknown planet.)

So, more than anything, this is a Steven Spielberg movie. And he, my friends, is a fantastic director. He rarely gets something wrong. And it terms of summer blockbuster, he absolutely hits the nail on the head. He always seems to work well with kids and Dakota Fanning is pretty darn good little actress as it is. The action is intense, and much like he did in Saving Private Ryan, Speilberg captures it in a gritty hand-held sort of way. I was constantly on the edge of my seat.

Spielberg's movies always have an element of family and War of the Worlds is no exception. Actually, I think the movie is mostly about family. About a father's (a not so great father at that) attempt to save his kids no matter what. I have read where some critics have said that then ending is a bit anticlimactic in how the aliens are finally defeated. If you were wondering how the aliens would be defeated, then I am sure it was. But, if you were wondering, like I was, how they would all survive, then it sort of makes sense.

Now, the movie isn't anywhere near Oscar worthy in terms of script and certainly the plot leaves a bit to be desired. Some say the part of the movie with Tim Robbins was distracting, I saw it as important to the family theme. But, I think this was a movie meant to entertain. And entertain it did.

Last Words: better than Star Wars, I recommend it, beware of tripods.