[zook]

This review nails it. It's an outstanding film.

[Gone GF]

I haven't seen it but the reviews I've heard range from boring to mediocre to the best Sci Fi movie ever. The vast majority of reviewers and folks I know who have seen it love it.

I think it's obvious that it simply depends on what you're looking for. I bet my son will love it, which means I'll get joy just from taking him. That's all I need.

[Jmouse007]

I am in TOTAL agreement, the family and I just got back from seeing it. It was an EXCELLENT film, 5 stars (in spite of the 1 instance of "Hollywood schlock", you will recognize it when you see it). Anyway it was very faithful to the overall theme of the book. Yes it is seen from Ray and his families limited perspective but the way I looked at it, if such a thing were to take place, in all honesty, that is the perspective that all of us "regular folks" would see the action from.

As for Cruise’s character, some people are complaining because he is not in "superhero mode". Give me a break, the alien ships are a hundred feet tall, sport an impenetrable shield and they spray death with cool calculating precision. Given this, it is unlikely that any average citizen could do anything but run, hide and try to protect the shreds of the family they have left.

This isn't sweet cute and cuddly ET, neither is it a benign, esoteric "Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind; the aliens are here for one purpose and one purpose only: "EXTERMINATE!" and there is no magic "Dr. Who" with a sonic screwdriver to rescue us.

I think this is the best "aliens attack the earth" movie ever made. If you are looking for a suspenseful, pure roller coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat then go see "War of the Worlds".

One more thing, the special effects were exceptional, seamless, and genuinely frightening.

[rwfromkansas]

Well, I was waiting for the reviews. Sounds like I have to go see it...

[longfellow]

Why does spielberg have to do the kid thing in all his movies.