The War of the Worlds

[Stellar_Magic]

The War of the Worlds:

 

H.G. Wells could be arguably considered the father of modern Science Fiction. Now, for the third time his classic work The War of the Worlds has become a feature film and has remained stunningly consistent with the original novel. Steven Spielberg has displayed his genius once again in the film. The story keeps the audience gripped and forces them to believe the grim reality the film displays.

 

Tom Cruise performs admirably as do his two child co-stars: Dakota Fanning, and Justin Chatwin. By creating an already battered family and tossing them directly into the line of fire Steven Spielberg has created an emotional connection for the audience, a connection lacking in the original novel. This connection makes the film have an exceptionally strong impact, strong enough to give children nightmares and adults the shivers without having to resort to graphic violence.

 

Using stunning CGI images tied in with stunning performances and unique camera angles has made the film one to stand out. Unlike in many films which utilize CGI, the War of the Worlds manages to make even the most difficult to believe that the objects are part of the world. This seamless integration of reality and image surpasses the work performed by ILM even in the most recent Star Wars films. In many ways this film is truly the one to beat this year.

 

The film remains true to the descriptions of the aliens and their habit displayed in the book and has created a compelling storyline which fits snuggly within the mold of the original’s intent. The stories narrative introduction and epilogue are in fact quoted straight from the novel with only a minor change of switching the centuries.

 

The Aliens:

 

The Aliens which invade earth (Originally conceived of as Martians) do so in the hope of more then simple extermination. Their goal is the terra forming and culling of the world. Their machines and they themselves rely on humans as a source of food to fuel their invasion. They remove nutrients directly from their victims and infuse them directly into their own bloodstream. Finally, they spread a red fungus across the world which spreads over and destroys everything in its path.

 

The alien technology is apparently cybernetic utilizing both biological and technological components. This is one of the reasons that the aliens prove to be vulnerable.

 

In the original novel the aliens manufactured their own equipment and weaponry in a single night on earth, but in the film the source of the alien equipment is much more unclear. It’s suggested that the aliens buried their own equipment on earth long before the invasion (Millennia before hand). However after watching the film I have an alternate possibility. The machines are manufactured within a few moments by nanites delivered to earth through “lightningâ€

[Eko]

War of the Worlds is one of those classic novels that I have always meant to read. I doubt i'll see the film before I read the book, so I guess i'll be off to the library soon. So really I can beither comment on the film nor the book in detail. One thing about your report that suprised me, Tom Cruise never really stuck me as that much of an actor, he always seemed to be more about action and good looks, although it is good to see him doing well uin a good role unlike some I could mention!

[Darth_Rob]

I cant wait to see War of the Worlds! I was set to see it tonight, but War of the Worlds has been pushed back to next week. My crew decided to spend our hard-earned $9.00 to see Bewitched instead...

[bobandrubert]

War of the Worlds was one of the best movies ever! it is scary but not in he way things jump out but has in you feel like you are wittnessing the destruction of the human race.

 

oh snd I have read 2 of the books they are really good and you won't understand somethings unless you read the book

[Skynxnex]

I am glad people seem to like it. I havent seen it yet myself though I have seen the old 50's/60s movie and I thought it was pretty cool.

 

Cant wait to see this one.

[DarthTex]

Back in the late 80's the USA Network had a TV series for a couple of seasons. To get things started, when all of the aliens died in the 1950's movie, the military packaged them all up in 55 gallon drums and shipped them off. When the TV series starts, the drums (which are marked radioactive) are sent to some dump/storage facility. Of course after all of these years nobody knows what's in them. Then some dimwits spill some of the radioactive waste all over the place. This kills the bacteria that infected the aliens back in the 50's. The aliens weren't really "dead" but were in hibernation or something. Now free of the bacteria, they can "take over" human bodies. But, darn if some of that radioactive stuff didn't get on them, and now their human bodies don't last very long. They're constantly looking for "new" bodies, and trying to call for "re-inforcements" to once again take over the earth.

 

Something changed between the first & second season, I didn't get to watch much then. The scenario basically became post nuclear war or something.

 

Maybe Tom Cruise can star in a new TV series spinoff, and tell everybody that they don't need psychiatrists, there are "real" aliens. And to protect yourself you must take lots of vitamins and do exercise (after you join the Scientology Cult first).

[Jahled]

 

I saw the trailer before RotS and was impressed to the point when I realized Tom Cruise was at the helm. Sorry, I can't stand the fellow or anything he's been in. I'm amazed Spielberg even agreed to work with him. The trailer was very impressive, but on account of Tom Cruise, no amount of cool generated by those who have seen this movie will get me me to go to it. I've been reminded of the brilliant Jeff Wayne double CD on my shelf, and that will do me until this movie reaches my TV screen.

[DarthTex]

Tom Cruise's "ego" is as big as a Death Star. Occasionally he makes a movie I'll go see, but usually I'll wait until it hits cable or DVD. He thinks he's "God's gift" to humanity, and that to me is a big turnoff.

[Skynxnex]

Well, I cant dispute Tom's ego I do have to say that overall I like most of his movies. I thought he did a good job in Collateral as a villain.

 

Honestly, I think you might not like the guy but I do have to give him props for being a good actor.

[Stellar_Magic]

Don't go or not go to a film because of the actors! I never go to the film because of the actors, I care about the story not the people playing in it. Hell Cruise is really overshadowed in terms of acting by his costars, Spielburg tends to do that in films, focus on the children.

 

I'd be willing to bet money that War of the Worlds will win film of the year, its that good.

[NIIIC]

I saw the film and really liked it. Tom Cruise might not be always my favourite actor; I must say that in this film he was excellent. His role suited him like a glove. And the kid was good and the girl awesome. Have you noticed that not once there is a patriotic notion in that film? An example, there is not a single American flag in the hole film, which is extremely rare for an American film. You don't hear once about the president and the great army saving the word. In this film, the army is more like a useless group of people all full of them self’s that decide they will fight the aliens, but simply get put to pieces. Or the American patriot in the house that wants to fight and all he does is put every body in danger. I think many people over here in EU will like that because often what we dislike in US films is the fact that everybody is doomed or dead except the US army with a young president who fights on the fist lines and saves the world. (He can be replaced by some patriot or soldier). But I suppose French films would do the same if they were the most powerful country in the world.

 

Any way, there is one black mark one the board, at the end of the film; I still didn’t know why humans won. I guess it must be some bacteria or something like that, but it isn't said clearly in the film. And you wonder why these aliens, if they hade prepared there plan since ages, buried there ships long ago and were watching us carefully, when the came to get us (Whit out having read the book, my idea is that, for these aliens, earth was some field and humans were the fruits that grow on it, and the aliens were waiting for us to be enough.), you wonder why they didn’t check if the earth was toxic for them. I mean it is the fist thing the NASA does when they find a planet.

 

Sorry if what I have just said there isn't very clear, but I hope you will understand.

 

Enjoy the film

[Krytos]

First off, NIIIC if you're going to put spoilers in your post mention it and/or put the spoiler text in black so you have to highlight it to read it.

Like this : P

 

 

Well, I'm still looking forward to this movie, even if Cruise is in it. Lets face it, you can be a great actor - but no matter how good you are some of your personality always spills into the character or into the way you see the character. Russel Crowe anyone? Well, that's by the by anyway, and as SM said should have little impact on the movie.

So, the movie looks good, is based on a good story, has a good director and good actors - what more could you want?

NIIIC confirmed some things I suspected about the movie, both good and bad. Still, it's just added more fuel to the fire for going to see the movie.

Without seeing the movie, I can't say much more except I eagerly anticipate seeing it.

 

Now all I'll have to do is decide to see this or Batman Forever monday

[Eko]

See both, make a day out of it.

 

With Criuse, whilst he may not be the greatest actor, I think he reacted in a very mature manner when he was squirted with water more recently. He has come under a lot of media flak, attacking his romance with Katie Holmes, claiming that he only proposed for publicity, I personally can;t see why he receives so much adverse publicity from the media...

[DarthTex]

Stellar_Magic wrote:

 

Don't go or not go to a film because of the actors! I never go to the film because of the actors, I care about the story not the people playing in it.

 

Case in point: I bet you went to RofS for the story, and really didn't care if Hayden wasn't perfect for the part. What was this original thread about?

[DarthTex]

Stellar_Magic wrote:

 

Don't go or not go to a film because of the actors! I never go to the film because of the actors, I care about the story not the people playing in it.

 

Case in point: I bet you went to RofS for the story, and really didn't care if Hayden wasn't perfect for the part. What was this original thread about?

[Skynxnex]

I realize this is slightly off topic but lets face it, how would YOU feel if some random joe came up to you and squirted you with water. In Tom Cruise's position the guy could very well have sprayed him with say semen, or urine or acid. I think the way he handled that was good, had it been me I would have punched the guy in the face.

 

 

At any rate, Tom Cruise is by no means the best actor ever but I think for most roles he tends to a good job.

[NIIIC]

I realize this is slightly off topic but lets face it, how would YOU feel if some random joe came up to you and squirted you with water. In Tom Cruise's position the guy could very well have sprayed him with say semen, or urine or acid. I think the way he handled that was good, had it been me I would have punched the guy in the face.

 

What happened? I must have mist something?

[Jahled]

What happened? I must have mist something?

 

Just British journalists doing what they do best: taking the piss out of actors with extremely large and unwarrented egos...

[Evaders99]

It was for a TV prank show - they target celebrities and video tape the pranks

[Jahled]

That's right, i've just forgotten for which one. Sort of like this guy:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38163000/jpg/_38163393_dennis_pennis300.jpg

 

Remember his antics anyone? The scourge of Hollywood before they sussed him out!

[Skynxnex]

Well despite his 'large and unwarranted ego' Tom Cruise is still a person and put yourself in his spot, do you want some random guy squirting you with something?

 

What if it had been acid?

 

As it is, those kinds of antics are just dumb and infantile really. We all learned (or hopefully learned) that doing that kind of dumb stuff back in school be it kindergarten or middle school or whatever, that the behavior of that prankster is a good way to get your ass kicked.

 

But because its for tv its ok

[Jahled]

What if it had been acid?

 

I'm struggling to think when this last happened.

 

But because its for tv its ok

 

Yep! More than fine! These are overpaid, over rated by and largely worthless pieces of addition to society whose 'cred' is created by crap hype and journalism the masses' absorb and give adulation to.

 

Good acting and good bearing has eluded this idiot.

[Skynxnex]

What if it had been acid?

 

I'm struggling to think when this last happened.

 

But because its for tv its ok

 

Yep! More than fine! These are overpaid, over rated by and largely worthless pieces of addition to society whose 'cred' is created by crap hype and journalism the masses' absorb and give adulation to.

 

Good acting and good bearing has eluded this idiot.

 

 

I never said that acid had happened before, but yet again you didnt listen to what I said and PUT YOURSELF in Tom Cruise's place. It doesnt matter if he is overpaid, has a huge ego or whatever. What gives you the right or anyone else the right to go up to him and squirt him with water?

 

Hmm?

 

There are certain standards of decency and a certain societal decorum that is expected to be maintained. We are not barbarians after all.

 

The point I am trying to make which seems lost on you is that it doesnt matter who Tom Cruise is, the point is why is it ok in your view for someone to run up to him and squirt him with water?

 

Clearly you havent thought this one through and realized what I said before. You cant go around squirting people with water, I dare you to leave London and go to Southeast DC over here in the US and run around squirting people with water. If you dont get shot by a 'gangsta' I will be surprised. A lot of people dont have a lot of tolerance for such nonsense. I fail to see why people expect stars to have some kind of ethereal above-human powers and that we should pester them constantly. Am I a fan of Tom Cruise? No. But I dont think it was ok for him to get squirted with water.

 

Again put yourself in his place, you are walking around cameras going off and the next thing you know some guy brings up a bottle or some other device and proceeds to spray you with a liquid. As I said before you have NO IDEA what it is that this random person is squirting you with. In my opinion Tom Cruise SHOULD HAVE pressed charges. I would have. We are supposed to be civilized humans, not little infantile brats who do what we please.

 

Dont interpret my post as a flame, its not. I just find it odd that you seem to support this prankster more so than Tom Cruise.

[Jahled]

[The point I am trying to make which seems lost on you is that it doesnt matter who Tom Cruise is, the point is why is it ok in your view for someone to run up to him and squirt him with water?

 

Actually to put it into context, Tom went over to a line of waiting journalists with microphones, one of which squirted him with water.

 

Dont interpret my post as a flame, its not.

 

Worry not!

 

I just find it odd that you seem to support this prankster more so than Tom Cruise.

 

Actually, I may not be alone in thinking people who get paid several million dollers to make a movie should have the piss taken out of them once in a while.... society licks the ground they walk on enough as it is.

[Trejiuvanat]

I haven't seen the film yet, but the previews for it did not seem all that impressive. I have read the book and found it pretty good, at times it seemed naïve but that was understandle because it was written over a century ago (back when the solar system didn't have 9 planets).

 

From the trailer I found two huge turn-offs one being Tom 'Ego' Cruise and the other being Spielberg. From what Stellar wrote, this seems a typical Spielberg movie, a family (or some adult-child pairing) with considerable internal problems tossed into an all-to-terrible catastrophe and in the end re-emerge as a happy family. The rest (be it invading martians or cloned Dinos) are just there to annoy the good fatherly figure for two hours until some sort of rescue arrives.

 

On the other hand there are some other good things I've heard, the SFX seemed pretty good it didn't have the videogame feeling of SW Preqs, and the John Williams score. And Dakota Fanning who had a good performance in Taken (yet more Spielberg Aliens!) seemed a good choice for the cast and one of the few non-annoying child actors (she's just spooky).

 

In short: I'm not sure I'd go to see this movie, I'd probably wait till I hear some more reviews of it, but I am not too thrilled about this one.