I hear Ann Robinson, his co-star in the '53 version, is also in that same scene. Waiting for the crowds to die down a bit before seeing the new one. The original flick scared the hell out of me as a kid. Wouldn't mind that feeling again.
It was a great movie dispite what some critics said about it . The original was one of my all time favorite movies too. My take is the currrent version is taking the perspective of one of the people who were running away in the original version.
If my teen's reaction is any indicator, you're in for a treat. He's a film buff and has seen and enjoyed some real creepfests (e.g., "The Ring"). He saw the new "War of the Worlds" last night and says it's unbelievably frightening: "You're on the edge the whole freakin' movie!" Also says that they really pushed the envelope of a PG-13 rating.