Let's face it. The primary reason to see War of the Worlds is to see stuff 'splode. And 'splode it does. The action in the film is stunning and quite exciting. Eerie scenes of alien Tripods rising out of the earth will stay with you long after you leave the theater. Imagery of humans blowing up, jet fighters attacking, and cars being tossed around like toys will blow you away (no pun intended). The gut shaking bass sounds coming from the Tripods also help add to the nerve rattling effect of the machines. This is everything you want a summer popcorn flick to be. But like any war, there are long stretches of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror. Fortunately, there's enough to keep things exciting. You really feel like you're in the middle of a fight for survival.

    If you're familiar with H.G. Well's original novel, I think you'll find yourself alternately pleased and annoyed by this adaptation. The only real change is that the aliens no longer come from Mars. Like the movie posters stated, "They're already here". However, it is similar in every other respect. The machines and aliens are all three legged. Humans are attacked globally. And, as will be discussed later, the ending is exactly the same. But in reality, the story of alien invasion told in the novel is only a backdrop for the story of the film. As the tale of Ray and his children unfolds, H.G. Wells' story is happening just over the hill in the background and our main characters occasionally wander into it.

    The real story of War of the Worlds is that of a man growing up, taking responsibility for his family, and reconnecting with his children. At the center of that story is Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier. As usual, Tom Cruise does a great job of acting. Forget Katie Holmes, forget his Oprah hysterics, forget the squirting microphone. It doesn't take the movie long to make you forget about all the gossip and accept Cruise as the character of Ray. He makes a fantastic transformation from irresponsible dad to protector. Supporting him is Justin Chatwin as Robbie Ferrier and Dakota Fanning as Rachel Ferrier. Chatwin makes a good rebellious teen full of fire and ready to fight. Even more impressive is Fanning who proves yet again why she's such a great actress. Her screams make you believe a Tripod is really about to stomp her. In smaller roles are Tim Robbins as Ogilvy and Miranda Otto as Mary Ann Ferrier. Robbins is given a bit more to do as an unstable survivor, but Otto is barely used in the movie.