War of the Worlds (2005)

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Director: Steven Spielberg

Writers: Josh Friedman and David Koepp, from the novel by H.G. Wells

Stars: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins, Rick Gonzalez



Like "Minority Report" and "A.I.", this is another under-appreciated but serious-minded SF film from Steven Spielberg.

 


I completely agree with all the reviewers who found fault with the method of alien invasion.

 


Yes, the tripods would certainly have deteriorated after so much time under ground.

 


Maybe one even would have been dug up by accident. 



There is not much reason anyway for burying these war machines for future conquest.

 


Why not just take over the world at a time before humans had any form of technology?

 


For that matter, why would bacteria bring down an alien race? 



Having survived interstellar travel, we can assume that they have learned how to maintain an air-tight, enclosed environment.

 


We can also assume that they have the technology and wisdom to test for hostile bacteria in their new environment.

 


In the end, although these problems weakened the film, they did not defeat it because that is not what it is really about.

 


It is really about the collapse of society and the social contract, which was very relevant in the years following 9/11 when this film was made and has gained renewed relevance in these days with our fractious political landscape.

 


This take on the classic HG Wells novel is much closer in spirit to Spielberg's own "Saving Private Ryan" than the differently excellent George Pal film from the 50s.

 


A key scene shows that, had bacteria not killed the invaders, mankind's only effective defense would have been suicide bombers.


Spoiler alert!!! From the end of the movie!!




















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