War of the Worlds

Country: USA 2005

Picture from imdb
Details waroftheworlds

Seen 31 July 2005
I read the abridged version of the book when I was in school and have forgotten the finer details. That is fortunate in a way since I don't have any preconceived ideas of the story line. Maybe just a vague recollection of aliens invading earth.
The big pull was of course Tom Cruise and Spielberg. Big names that is supposed to deliver. Not too bad an effort. I was on edge most of the time even though they used the old trick of frightening the audience with silent moments accompanied by a very well written score.
The music background in this instance does contribute in a significant way to the build up of emotions of the main characters. Tom Cruise's daughter shrieks just like Drew Barrymore in ET. Is that a coincidence or a homage to an earlier 'alien' movie.
Overall, a satisfying watch. Just don't quibble with minor details. As usual the hero escapes everything bad thrown in his way. A heroic effort.