Andrew Diez

I remember watching the trailers for this movie back in 2005 and I was not disappointed when I finally saw it (and comprehended it). The visuals are stunning and hold up well even now after 17 years (as of August 31, 2022). The acting by Cruise and Fanning is very believable and to an extent has a sense of grounded reality with regards to a dysfunctional family. While the Third Act of the film for all intents and purposes slams on the brakes in terms of pace and direction, it is quite a sensational film that breaks the previous Spielberg streak of happy and light hearted aliens (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1977 and E.T., 1982). In this 2005 adaptation and retelling of the original 1897 serialization and 1898 novel, the Aliens' origins are changed from being Martians and having a point of origin that is unknown. Machines that were buried in the ground thousands (if not millions) of years earlier awaken and begin systematically "dusting" humans with heat rays. All the while being told from a outside observer's perspective (Cruise and his children). Through implied context and Narration as given by Morgan Freeman in the Intro and Outro of the film, the aliens are defeated by the tiniest of organisms (bacteria) and not the the weapons of humanity. This follows the same ending as the 1898 novel and 1953 film (of which Gene Barry and Ann Robinson cameo in this 2005 film). Overall the movie sits well in the Science Fiction Genre, with definite hints of horror, though such gore is not present to prevent an R-rating. I would recommend War of the Worlds (2005) to anyone who enjoys a sci-fi thriller without intense blood and guts and who genuinely finds the outside perspective to be an appealing form of story telling. Also, while the score truly is meant for this film (and really only meant for this film ouright) John Williams once again does not fail to deliver a strong and truly dreadful score that keeps you engaged with the action and scenery. As for the ending, I would advise you not keep your hopes up for a climatic ending as it is not forthcoming. That in all honesty is why I rate this film a 3 out 5 Stars.