War Of The Worlds (2005)

3 out of 4

Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto

Director: Steven Spielberg

Time: 116 mins

Viewed: Loews New Brunswick, New Jersey

Modern adaptation of H G Wells' 19th century sci-fi novel, about aliens who arrive seeking to exterminate humankind and conquer Earth. Cruise, daughter Fanning and son Chatwin are ordinary family caught amidst massive destruction and human paranoia while trying to outrun the fearsome tripods. Spielberg's first depiction of hostile extra terrestrials paints an intimate family portrait against the background of a global crisis; while not entirely successful, with an ending that happens all too swiftly (though faithful to the source), the film is still a fairly gripping experience that contains several Spielberg hallmarks, including a lengthy, suspenseful sequence in a basement that recalls the kitchen stalking setpiece from Jurassic Park. References to September 11 are abundant, especially the billboards seeking lost loved ones. Not great Spielberg, but a fun ride nevertheless.

(c) Joe Wong (29 June 2005)