Writer/Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Tim Robbins
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have made films making headlines news like Tom Cruise. Since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Cruuse has been a beloved icon. Whether it’s spies enduring dangers, lawyers or soaring aviators, Cruise has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Cruise’s best strength as an actor is his powerful commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always put his life on the line by performing his own stunts. Even when he has suffered injuries, Cruise has never lost his passion for making memorable movies. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, Cruise has become an icon in entertainment. Although he’s best known for his role in the Mission Impossible series, Cruise has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout his powerful career, Cruise has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Cruise and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “War of the Worlds” is my favourite. Released back in 2005, Steven Spielberg’s movie depicted alien invasions causing catastrophe. Packed with breathtaking visual effects, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best alien invasion movies ever made. At centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Tom Cruise, who embodies a survivor of an alien invasion that causes issues. Ultimately, what makes “War of the Worlds” a science fiction classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most alien invasion movies, it tackles themes that everyone will relate to. A breathtaking sci-fi masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “War of the Worlds” is an alien invasion movie worth watching.
“War of the Worlds” tells a story of an alien invasion that causes terrifying destruction. Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, a conflicted dock worker. Following a dire divorce, Ray struggles caring for children in a situation that’s nerve-wracking. However, Ray’s life drastically changes when his family faces terrifying alien invasions causing disaster. Faced with a tense situation, Ray struggles caring for children in an alien invasion. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Ray questions whether it’s possible to protect his family from disaster. Experiencing trauma, Ray questions whether it’s possible for him to survive in alien invasions which cause a dilemma.
Steven Spielberg has often been fascinated with the lives of aliens. A fantastic director, Spielberg has often made engaging movies about aliens facing disaster. His iconic film “E.T.” offered an engaging portrait of aliens forming friendships with children. With “War of the Worlds”, however, Spielberg made his first ever alien invasion blockbuster. It was the filmmaker’s first ever attempt to adapt a legendary book about aliens facing tragedy but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Spielberg conveys an alien invasion catastrophe. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, Spielberg effectively utilizes point of view shots to capture hardships survivors of alien invasions go through. For instance, the POV shots elevate the alien invasion scene. During this intense scene, Ray faces tension when his family faces an intense invasion of aliens. Using stunning POV shots, Spielberg crafts a portrait of aliens that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in films. As Tony Scott’s “Top Gun” proved, POV shots enhance aviation movies. That being said, it works tremendously. Using stunning visuals, Spielberg captures alien invasions that are terrifying.
Another admirable aspect of “War of the Worlds” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive alien films ever made. Emulating Roland Emmerich’s “Independence Day”, Spielberg effectively uses cross-cutting to capture the tensions that terrifying alien invasions are causing. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the alien attack scene. During this memorable scene, Ray faces tension when his family is attacked by aliens causing tension. Using cross-cutting, Spielberg creates a portrait of terrifying alien invasions that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is memorable. John Williams’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the painful burdens survivors of terrifying alien invasions bear. Through captivating production, Spielberg creates a powerful portrait of a frightening alien invasion.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “War of the Worlds” is an alien invasion film that’s compelling. The film is extremely well-written, and expertly uses silence to convey tension faced by survivors of alien invasion. For instance, silence enhances the familial bonding scene. During this heartfelt scene, Ray spends valuable time with his daughter taking a break from an alien invasion scene. Through silence, Spielberg crafts a portrait of alien invasions that audiences can relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use in most movies. As Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia” demonstrated, silence enhances movies about Los Angeles. Barry Levinson’s “Rain Man” suggested that silence elevates films about Autism. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Spielberg captures alien invasions causing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tom Cruise delivers one of his best career performances as Ray Ferrier. Cruise first earned appreciations for playing soaring aviators in action movies. With “War of the Worlds”, however, he took on his most bold role. It isn’t easy to portray the survivor of an alien invasion catastrophe but he pulls it off successfully. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, strong and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentment of a father struggling to protect his children from alien invasions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Tom Cruise, the supporting cast is brilliant and worthy of praise. Dakota Fanning is dazzling, capturing the tensions faced by a girl that struggled surviving alien invasions that are frightening. Tim Robbins is terrific, capturing heroic persona of a dockworker that seeks to survive an alien invasion that is tragic. Lastly, Justin Chatwin deserves appreciation. As a heroic father, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “War of the Worlds” will achieve the appreciation of everyone for capturing alien invasions affecting worlds. Unlike most alien invasion movies, it tackles powerful themes everyone will relate to. It tackles relatable themes including parenting, mental health and survival which would resonate among everyone. Therefore, “War of the Worlds” is one of those rare alien invasion films that everyone will adore.
Fans of Tom Cruise will enjoy “War of the Worlds” and so will audiences which seek enjoyable entertainment. An astonishing alien invasion blockbuster, it honours an actor with a charismatic nature.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic science fiction film about terrifying alien invasions in a war of the world causing catastrophe, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray strong characters in unforgettable movies which audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 