"War of the Worlds"

"War of the Worlds" didn't get very good reviews from everyone I've talked to. It was based upon H.G. Wells' book of the same name, and I think therein lies the problem: the book ITSELF wasn't very good. And the movie didn't really make anything better, other than making the aliens scarier, and changing a few characters and plot points.

Tom Cruise plays a seemingly deadbeat dad. His visit from the kids coincidently coincides with a visit from aliens, who are returning after thousands of years to pick up their rides. Hope they have their receipt. The movie follows Cruise and the kids (one played by the talented Dakota Fanning) as they try to make their way to Boston to meet with mommy and her new husband.

So you already know how I feel about Tom Cruise as a person. Well, as an actor, he's not that bad. Pair him up with young Dakota and old Tim Robbins and you've got some good acting. But a bad ending. I think that's what people don't like about this movie, is the ending. The movie just...stops. But keep in mind so does the...book. So I'll say that this movie is a good adaptation, true to it's roots, but not the best movie. I'm not saying it's bad. Not by a long shot. You won't be too upset if you're strapped to a chair at 35,000 feet and forced to watch it, as I was. But if you have an aversion to sci-fi movies, or don't want to line the pockets of couch pouncers, then you may want to skip it. Or close your eyes.