War Of The Worlds

War Of The Worlds is one of the ultimate alien invasion films. Based on the classic novel of the same name by H.G Wells this spectacular remake was directed by Steven Spielberg. The lead role is filled by Tom Cruise with a strong supporting cast including Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins and is narrated by Morgan Freeman.

The film was a huge box office hit, which was more than a little helped by the strict veil of secrecy Spielberg insisted upon; this gave the film an air of mystery which is often lacking nowadays. The special effects are stunning with the Martian Tripods full of excellent technical detail and also not overused as one would expect in this sort of film. However, many viewers found the ending a disappointing; it looks like they ran out of time, or money or ideas and just decided to stop filming.

Tom Cruise was on the whole average and perhaps the part could have been better played by someone a bit broodier and rougher around the edges. Nevertheless, he redeems himself admirably in the scene in Robbins’ cellar as he tries to comfort his little girl and finds that he has so lost touch he does not know the words to her favourite lullaby.

The plot is fairly simple; Martians invade earth and start tearing up the place. Tom Cruise is in charge of his two children and has to get them from New York to Boston and back to their mother.

Cinema release 2005

Certificate PG

Available on DVD and Blue Ray