War Of The Worlds - 2025 Is The Worst Movie - Review

War of the Worlds (2025) Cast , Review, Information 

Thriller - 1h 31m

Rating:- 3/10 IMDb

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Amazon Prime Video

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Initial release - July 30, 2025

A computer security analyst working for the U.S. government finds his daily life disrupted by an alien attack. Accustomed to dealing with virtual threats, his struggle extends to secrets the government may be hiding.

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Director: Rich Lee

Running time: 1h 31m

Producers: Timur Bekmambetov, Patrick Aiello

Story by: H. G. Wells

Executive producer: AdamSidman

What Are the Aliens' Intentions and How Does Humanity Respond?

War of the Worlds (2025) reinterprets the timeless alien invasion story as a modern-day siege—less focused on beams from the sky and more centered on surveillance, data exploitation, and digital control. The film is directed with a sense of urgency and high-stakes tension, reshaping the science fiction action genre by blending it with elements of political thriller fiction. It explores moral dilemmas surrounding national defense, civil liberties, and the painful consequences that often accompany power.

 This modern retelling of War of the Worlds situates the iconic storyline firmly in the post-9/11 landscape, tracking Department of Homeland Security agent Will Radford as he scrambles to prevent an extraterrestrial species from weaponizing Earth’s own digital systems. The movie poses unsettling, timely questions: What are the repercussions when protective technologies become instruments of destruction? And what is the real price of living under constant surveillance?

War of the Worlds (2025) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis

Why Are the Aliens Here, and How Are They Linked to Human Technology?

The story begins with Will Radford, a mid-level officer in the Department of Homeland Security’s surveillance division, being brought in to assist the FBI in tracking down a mysterious cybercriminal known only by the alias "Disruptor." Just as their investigation begins to gain traction, several meteor-like objects crash to Earth in multiple locations. From each impact site, heavily fortified alien machines emerge, launching indiscriminate assaults on humans.

As widespread panic erupts, Radford reconnects with an old acquaintance at NASA, and together they begin piecing together a deeper truth. The alien invasion isn’t merely an act of widespread devastation—it follows a deliberate strategy. The invaders’ actions are calculated, targeting internet infrastructure and data centers across the globe. Though the military launches a series of counter-offensives, it becomes evident that sheer firepower won’t be enough to repel the attackers.

What Does Radford Uncover About Disruptor and Project Goliath?

As Radford delves deeper into tracing Disruptor’s digital trail, he uncovers a shocking truth: the hacker is none other than his estranged son, Dave. This revelation transforms the global crisis into something intensely personal. Dave transmits encrypted files to Radford, exposing the existence of a top-secret surveillance initiative named Project Goliath—a program designed to monitor every digital interaction across the planet. Despite dire warnings from scientists, DHS Director Briggs covertly greenlit the project. Goliath’s unchecked data-tracking capabilities ultimately attracted the alien invaders. To these extraterrestrials, data isn't merely valuable—it’s sustenance.

The more information Goliath harvested, the more powerful the aliens became. Radford, horrified and enraged by what he has uncovered, confronts Director Briggs. But Briggs offers no real justification, defending his actions as a "necessary evil" in the name of national security. In a haunting reflection of modern debates over surveillance and state control, Briggs coldly asserts that “to be safe is to be watched.” Moments later, in a classic act of bureaucratic betrayal, he revokes Radford’s access and effectively exiles him from the DHS.

What Roles Do Dave and Faith Play in Resisting the Invasion?

Dave, driven more by idealism than rebellion, is determined to fight not only against the alien threat but also against the surveillance regime that indirectly triggered the invasion. As an active member of a covert hacker collective, he supports Radford by helping him infiltrate the DHS network to deploy a malicious code into the alien systems. The virus initially proves effective, successfully disabling several alien machines.

However, the victory is fleeting. The extraterrestrial entities quickly adapt, retaliating with precision. They trace the digital sabotage back to its source and systematically eliminate the hacker cells involved—leaving Dave as one of the few remaining operatives.


                        A still from “War of the Worlds” (2025)

At the same moment as the successful cyberattack, Radford’s daughter Faith—a biologist—has been independently conducting molecular research on the alien species. She becomes the first to discover that the invaders aren't merely reliant on digital data—it’s actually embedded within their DNA and genetic structure. Faith comes to understand that disrupting their synchronization with digital networks could make them biologically vulnerable. Her groundbreaking insights ultimately become a crucial component of the final strategy to defeat the aliens.

War of the Worlds (2025) Ending Explained: What Unfolds During the Final Showdown?

As the alien forces advance, the military readies an airstrike on the DHS headquarters, where the Goliath mainframe is secretly housed underground. The reasoning is straightforward: if Goliath is the aliens’ data feast, then destroying it would sever their access to it. However, such a move would also eliminate any possibility of safely deactivating the system. With support from Dave and Faith, Radford infiltrates the DHS facility moments before the strike is set to begin. He initiates a manual shutdown of Goliath from within.

As the massive surveillance system powers down, alien machines across the planet begin to malfunction. The airstrike is aborted just in time. Radford, Dave, and Faith escape with their lives. Deprived of their digital nourishment, the aliens begin to fail—some collapse, others die, and many retreat into the unknown. Though battered and shaken, humanity survives.

What Does the Conclusion Signify for Radford, Dave, and the Human Race?

The film’s closing moments carry a contemplative tone. Radford is offered command of a newly proposed surveillance initiative—one that claims to have strict ethical guidelines and accountability. But after witnessing the destructive consequences of unchecked surveillance, he refuses the offer. His final words, “Now, I’m watching you,” serve as a quiet yet powerful rebuke to those who misused their authority.

Dave, portrayed as both insurgent and redeemer, embodies the principle of ethical resistance—demonstrating that not all disruption equates to chaos. Instead, it can serve as a crucial balance against blind conformity. In the end, the story champions vigilance, accountability, and the delicate tension between safety and freedom.

His once-feared knowledge becomes humanity’s salvation.Dave’s expertise, once seen as dangerous and subversive, ultimately proves to be the key to saving the world. Faith’s role, though quieter and more subtle, is equally critical. By decoding the aliens’ genetic blueprint, she bridges the gap between human innovation and extraterrestrial weakness. Her efforts are not limited to scientific analysis; she demonstrates that logic combined with compassion is essential for survival.

Briggs’ downfall offers a gratifying moment of justice. His arrest for breaching constitutional protections highlights the moral collapse of leadership during a time of crisis. He isn’t just portrayed as an antagonist—but as a stark warning about decisions driven by fear, where control is prioritized over conscience.

The Message Behind the Machines: What Is War of the Worlds Really Trying to Say?

War of the Worlds  doesn’t conclude with a celebration—it ends with a sobering truth. This is a story about the consequences of creating systems that spiral beyond human control. Though the aliens initiated the physical attack, it was ultimately human arrogance that invited catastrophe. Goliath was built to enhance security, but it became a signal for destruction.

The film explores how mechanisms meant for protection can evolve into tools of oppression. Safety, when unchecked, can morph into constant surveillance. The emotional journey belongs to Radford, a man who starts as a compliant functionary within the surveillance machine and finishes as one of its fiercest critics. His transformation isn’t exaggerated or theatrical—it’s rooted in love, in personal loss, and in a newfound moral awakening.

In the closing moments, there is no celebration—no parades, no cheering crowds. Only stillness, a quiet exchange between father and son, and the low hum of a world beginning to piece itself back together. The external battle is over. But the internal conflict—the tension between fear and liberty, between surveillance and human dignity—remains unresolved. *War of the Worlds* concludes not with a sense of triumph, but with a lingering question: What are we prepared to sacrifice for the illusion of safety—and who holds the power to monitor those in control?

H.G. Wells’ groundbreaking science fiction classic *War of the Worlds* has probably been adapted more times than nearly any other novel, thanks to its role as the blueprint for alien invasion tales and its status in the public domain. Steven Spielberg’s famously grim adaptation recently marked its 20th anniversary. Now, Prime Video has launched its own interpretation, with the new *War of the Worlds* quietly premiering on July 30 without much publicity.

Featuring Ice Cube as a counter-terrorism specialist caught in the chaos of an alien invasion, Prime Video’s *War of the Worlds* has been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews, currently holding the rare and unfortunate score of 0% on Rotten Tomatoes (though based on only 12 critiques). While it would be nice to claim it’s not that bad, sadly, that isn’t true. Prime Video’s *War of the Worlds* stands out as one of the poorest releases from a major studio in recent years, a fact made all the more ironic by the film’s own tagline: “It’s worse than you think.”

How ‘War of the Worlds’ Missed the Mark

 


To their credit, Prime Video opted for a relatively fresh approach by adopting the screenlife format, where the entire narrative unfolds through multiple screens and digital interfaces. Although this style can sometimes feel a bit gimmicky, it has been effectively employed in films like the 2018 thriller *Searching* and the 2020 Zoom-based horror *Host*, which managed to deliver unexpected scares within its constrained setting. On paper, this concept held promise as a modern, tech-savvy reinterpretation of Orson Welles’ legendary 1938 radio drama, which famously sparked a brief panic by convincing audiences that Earth was actually under alien attack.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work out that way in execution, as the alien invasion storyline frequently takes a backseat to a convoluted conspiracy plot and some strained family drama. Ice Cube stars as Will Radford, a Homeland Security analyst who exploits America’s vast surveillance apparatus to monitor potential terrorist threats. He also uses it unabashedly to keep tabs on his pregnant daughter Faith (Iman Benson), reprimanding her in real time for her eating habits. He pays less attention to his son Dave (Henry Hunter Hall), mainly because Dave won’t stop obsessing over conspiracy theories linked to a massive government data-mining operation.

Before long, a bizarre meteor shower causes widespread chaos worldwide, followed by the emergence of colossal, tripod-like killing machines rising from beneath the earth. Will leverages his specialized skills to brief the authorities—including Clark Gregg as the DHS director—about the escalating danger, all while trying to protect his children.

That said, don’t let this summary make the film seem more engaging than it is. Much of it unfolds in the most predictable and clichéd manner possible. The visuals on Will’s computer screens are often embarrassingly simplistic, far from what one might expect from advanced surveillance technology. While I’m no specialist, it seems unlikely that hijacking a drone mid-flight could be done with nothing more than a simple right-click and “commandeer drone” option from a menu. Understandably, the film avoids getting bogged down in technical details, but a bit more realism would have gone a long way.

 

The sense of urgency often feels off; at one point, Will actually pauses in the middle of a crisis to compose a heartfelt email to Faith about the challenges of parenthood. Later, when he presents his threat assessment to the President (played by Jim Meskimen, whose subtle Southern drawl calls to mind George W. Bush), he essentially hands over a spreadsheet. It’s clear he put it together quickly, but was there really no official protocol for such a critical briefing? *War of the Worlds* is packed with puzzling moments like these, and oddly enough, that awkwardness might be what makes the film oddly entertaining—for viewers who appreciate that kind of unintentional charm.

War of the Worlds’: A New ‘So Bad It’s Good’ Gem in the Making?

Although it flounders as a blockbuster on almost every front, *War of the Worlds* still offers some amusement for anyone who enjoys a truly entertaining bad movie. Beyond its glitchy tech and surprisingly low-quality CGI, there’s enough awkward performances and baffling plot decisions to make even the most experienced fans of so-bad-it’s-good cinema chuckle.

The cast clearly isn’t just going through the motions, but unfortunately, there’s only so much they can do to lift the material. No disrespect to Ice Cube—who is often a charismatic and engaging presence on screen (just look at the *Jump Street* films)—but he struggles to convincingly portray Will’s genuine fear or his strained family dynamics. Some of his reactions come off as unintentionally funny, like when confronted with large-scale devastation and delivering a deadpan “this is horrible.”

Much of the criticism has focused on the Amazon product placement, and at times, the film seems more intent on promoting Amazon Prime’s fast delivery service than telling a compelling story. Faith’s fiancé, Mark (Devon Bostick), is an Amazon Prime delivery driver, and the movie’s climactic plan to thwart the alien invasion depends on him using one of Amazon’s latest delivery drones to deliver a crucial thumb drive to Will just in time. Ironically, while the film expresses suspicion toward government surveillance, it appears to have no qualms about endorsing Amazon—a company with its own controversial record on privacy.

As entertaining as it is to highlight the absurdity of *War of the Worlds*, anyone who enjoys a good laugh at a flop should definitely give it a watch. Sometimes, mocking low-budget indie films can feel like punching down, but *War of the Worlds* isn’t some shoestring indie project. It’s a major studio production backed by Universal Pictures and Prime Video, two heavyweights in the industry. So, with that said, I say go ahead and enjoy the fun. *War of the Worlds* (2025) is now streaming on Prime Video.

Have you seen *War of the Worlds*? No, not the 2005 adaptation starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning, based on H.G. Wells’ iconic sci-fi novel. I’m talking about the *2025* version, headlined by Ice Cube, which recently debuted as part of this year’s movie lineup and is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Don’t worry if it slipped under your radar—its critical reception has been so disastrous that it’s now one of the rare films to earn a *0% rating* on Rotten Tomatoes. Rapper 50 Cent had a hilarious reaction when he came across the news.

Out of the 20 critic reviews posted on Rotten Tomatoes, *not a single one* gave the film a positive score. Even the audience-driven PopcornMeter fares only slightly better, sitting at a meager 18%. Upon seeing the flood of headlines about how poorly the film has been received, 50 Cent took to Instagram and posted the following response (edited for clarity and grammar):

One review in particular, from  the  Peter Debruge, criticized the film for functioning more as a glorified Amazon advertisement than a movie, writing, “Even with a Prime subscription, you still have to sit through two minutes of ads to watch 90 more that basically play out like a feature-length commercial for everything Amazon.” Meanwhile, *The Telegraph*’s Ed Power wasn’t impressed with how much screen time Ice Cube received, remarking, “It’s ridiculous, poorly made, and features far too many shots of rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube staring at a monitor, looking like he’s dealing with a moderately urgent stomach issue.”

A reinterpretation of H. G. Wells’ seminal 1898 novel *The War of the Worlds*, this version is an Amazon Prime original directed by Rich Lee and featuring Eva Longoria alongside Ice Cube. Cube portrays Will Radford, a surveillance specialist working for the Department of Homeland Security. The majority of the film unfolds through the lens of his computer screen as he juggles a cyber threat, an alien invasion, and the challenge of keeping his family safe.

The official synopsis on Prime Video describes it this way: “A colossal invasion looms in this modern retelling of the iconic novel. Acclaimed actress Eva Longoria teams up with legendary rapper and actor Ice Cube, along with Michael O’Neill and Iman Benson, for a high-stakes, out-of-this-world journey that explores timely issues surrounding technology, surveillance, and personal privacy.”

People  who also ask This Movie

Is War of the Worlds a good movie?

71% Critics Consensus: Though it's dated in spots, The War of the Worlds retains an unnerving power, updating H.G. Wells' classic sci-fi tale to the Cold War era and featuring some of the best special effects of any 1950s film

What killed the aliens in War of the Worlds?

The aliens were defeated by bacteria, due to a difference in worlds, the aliens were not immune to Earthly microorganisms.

Did War of the Worlds have an ending?

Ray and Rachel finally approach Mary Ann's parents' house, reuniting with Mary Ann and Robbie, who survived. In closing, the narrator explains that the aliens died because they were vulnerable to the countless microbes inhabiting the Earth that humanity has adapted to for millennia

Is war worth watching?

It's not a film for everyone although We must appreciate what the makers have intended to do But the weaker prospect in Writing, Screenplay and character development ressisted me to "Love" it in the end. So overall it's an One time watch but A really good one in that!

Who is the villain in War of the Worlds?

The Martians

The Martians, also known as the Invaders, are the main antagonists from the H.G. Wells 1898 novel The War of the Worlds

Who is Emily's biological father in War of the Worlds?

“He should never have been born,” she says to Emily's dad Jonathan (Downton Abbey's Stephen Campbell Moore). “I've tried to protect him from the truth, but I see his father in his eyes and I hate him for it. He is so like him.”

Is the War movie hit or flop?

It is the highest-grossing Indian film of 2019.

Is the War of the Worlds series worth watching?

Critics Reviews

This series helped me rediscover the joys of The War of the Worlds, and its larger message of what one intelligent but cruel species can do to another. Content collapsed. By the end of episode two a hungry dog was chasing a terrified straggler, but it was the overall stillness that got me.

What is Love is War rated?

It's certainly not meant for anyone under 13 yo due to some clear-cut sexual jokes (nothing too sensual). Besides that, there may be some jokes about chest size and one or two choice words spread throughout the 3 seasons, but nothing too serious.

What killed the aliens in The War of the Worlds?

Answer and Explanation: The Martians in The War of the Worlds are the major antagonists that invade Earth. They are described as resembling octopi and are extremely technologically advanced. Despite their war machines and heat rays, the Martians die at the end of the book because of a common form of bacteria.

Who is the father Nathaniel in War of the Worlds?

Parson Nathaniel is a character in Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds - both in the album and in the Live on Stage Adaptation. He is played originally by Phil Lynott and in "The Next Generation" by Jason Donavan. In both versions, he had a wife named Beth.

Is War of the Worlds 2 books?

The Massacre of Mankind - Wikipedia

The Massacre of Mankind is a 2017 science fiction novel by the British writer Stephen Baxter, a sequel to H. G. Wells' 1898 classic The War of the Worlds, authorised by the Wells estate.

What is the biggest movie flop of 2025?

Biggest Flop of 2025

Black Phone 2. 2025R. ...

Until Dawn. 20251h 43mR47Metascore. ...

Nobody 2. 20251h 29mR. ...

Predator: Badlands. 2025. ...

I Know What You Did Last Summer. 20251h 51mR42Metascore. ...

Saw XI. StarsTobin BellCostas Mandylor.

Tron: Ares. 2025. ...

The Accountant 2. 20252h 12mR58Metascore. 6.7 (98K) Rate.

Film Synopsis

Longshoreman Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is struggling to connect with his two children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin). When his ex-wife, Mary Ann (Miranda Otto), leaves them in his care for the weekend, it seems like it will be yet another emotionally strained visit. But everything changes when a series of electromagnetic lightning strikes hit the area—signaling the onset of a full-scale alien invasion. Now, Ferrier must fight to keep his children safe as they flee from the growing extraterrestrial threat in search of shelter.

War of the Worlds (2005)

Acting (38)  , Special effects (20) , Storyline (14) , Casting (11) , Excitement (9) Suspense (9) , Realisticness (8) , Character development (6) , Engagement (6) , Story (6) Visuals (5) ,  Adaptation (4) , Pacing (3) , Sound design (3) , Watch value (3)

Google Review Audience to given blew 

Andrew Diez

2 years ago

I remember watching the trailers for this movie back in 2005 and I was not disappointed when I finally saw it (and comprehended it). The visuals are stunning and hold up well even now after 17 years (as of August 31, 2022).

The acting by Cruise and Fanning is very believable and to an extent has a sense of grounded reality with regards to a dysfunctional family. While the Third Act of the film for all intents and purposes slams on the brakes in terms of pace and direction, it is quite a sensat

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56 people found this helpful.

Neil Egan-Ronayne

6 years ago

While perhaps not quite in the top 3-4 Steven Spielberg titles, his reimagining of the 1953 original projects an identity of its own, and with solid tension spanning all three acts, it’s undoubtedly a feature film that delivers time and time again, particularly on the sonic front.

With a great cast and inventive direction, Spielberg captures the imagination with a dark menace often absent from his cinematic style, and yet the narrative keeps true to a simple formula, which in many respects unde

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39 people found this helpful.

Shaheed Bux (Buddy)

4 years ago

The Aliens didn't need the clothes...

SCARY MOVIE

So I haven't seen this movie in a very long time, and why is you asked...okay nobody actually asked haha! But I blame Scary Movie! After I have seen Scary Movie and the amount of times I have seen it, I just couldn't take this movie seriously anymore so I haven't even attempted to watch this, but I must say watching it now, I don't reme

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46 people found this helpful.

Wendy Morales

6 years ago

This movie is simply my favorite movie of all time. I grew up with it, one if the first movies I saw in theatres as a tike.

Sure, there's things in here that didn't make sense, such as the plane crash and the car not being damaged whatsoever, the whole letting Robbie go off and somehow ?? Fighting with the military??

Anywho, I think other than some obvious flaws such as I listed and others as well, the movie was played out pretty well. Human emotion is caught beautifully, camera work is outsta

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107 people found this helpful.

R.B. OO7

2 years ago

Steven Speileberg, the maker of E.T. came back with another movie that includes aliens back in 2005 but this time, that alien is not friendly and nice to some kids, want to get back in his planet. This time, he made a survival movie staring one of the biggest names in Hollywood like Tom Cruise while the aliens are destroying the planet and he succedeed in that. What I liked in the movie is its visuals, the movie looks way to beautiful and the story showing a father desperately trying to save his

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9 people found this helpful.

Hannah Camel Calotes

4 years ago

Of all disaster movies I've watched the thing that this makes it remarkable and amazing is that all the main characters were able to experience all life and death situation. Like for example at that ship , in other movies , main characters wont get to be on the boat -the writer's way in saving them cause we all know the boat will sink it always does and is not the safest option , but in here they were able to ride the boat and survived , next they were captured by those moving tripods and experi

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8 people found this helpful.

Justin R

4 years ago

Spielberg's adaptation of War of the Worlds is an impressive re-telling of the classic HG Wells tale. It certainly delivers spectacular action sequences and impressive visuals with customary Spielbergian grandeur. What makes the plot engaging is that it's told from an 'every man' perspective. There are no General's in dark rooms moving units around - this is alien invasion in microcosm - one man and his family's struggle to survive. As a result, the movie successfully avoids many of the usual cl

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7 people found this helpful.

Clay Stablein

2 years ago

The movie"s okay. I give it three stars because the rest of the film isn't very good. There are, though, several pretty amazing scenes along the way.

The first is the first 30 minutes of the film. The way we get introduced to our aliens is beyond good.

So good is it, that I've not watched anything more of the movie but the opening since seeing at the theater.

So good is it I put it in my Top 10 of movie opening scenes (along with the first 30 minutes of The 1st transformers movie).

The abje

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5 people found this helpful.

Aakash

3 years ago

Steven Spielberg's War of The Worlds is the right amount of terrifying, horrorifying and thrilling movie you could get. 8.7/10

It's directing amazing, set pieces brilliant, imagery horrific and keeps you on the edge of your seats. It's well acted, well directed, well written but it ends kinda abruptly, the movie unlike the source isn't about trying to defeat the Martians but just to survive them. Every turn there is really something to admire. But the ending was kinda hinting towards a sequel b

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6 people found this helpful.

Goji Tsar

3 years ago

Very interesting take on the original novel. My main criticisms are the first act and last act. The first act dragged on, and the main protagonists are really bad actors, they don't feel like natural kids. And I hated that character that lets them bunker down with him, he's so bizarre. I hated that his part of the movie took up a large chunk of the plot.

But other than that, really cool!

It's so terrifying and eerie, I love it. The alien's intros drag on, but they're worth the wait. The scene wi

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3 people found this helpful.

Devo A

a year ago

I haven't seen this in a long time but it was so popular when it came out. It was actually pretty good to me still except like another reviewer pointed out how it made no sense for them not to react and stand there as the ground was cracking and even when they first saw the machine. I agree with that. Anyway pretty scary movie, but I love apocalyptic movies so I thought to rewatch it. I just didn't like Robbie very much, just confused me how he seemed to care so much abt the sister but kept tryi

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2 people found this helpful.

Jason Grammer

a year ago

So glad I watched this again. I wanted to compare it to the current series, which goes a little too far afield from Welles' source novel. I appreciate films like this that go farther than just being entertaining. The post 9/11 paranoia was definitely running under the surface of this film. In this current time of isolation and, for many, growing desperation, this film is a sobering reminder of what our world might look like if we fail to work together globally, with science, to address the chall

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9 people found this helpful.

Colby Hildenbrand

3 years ago

This is one of my all-time favorite movies! I grew up with this movie and have watched it countless times and it never gets old. Very arguably in the top 5 Tom Cruise movies. Of course watching it now in 2022, the graphics are not that great, but in 2005 when this movie was released, it was amazing; something I had never seen before. I have been hoping ever since for a sequel with Tom Cruise. I stay hopeful now that they are about to release Top Gun 2:)

7 people found this helpful.

Rome Demetri

2 years ago

I saw this when I was a kid so I have a lot of nostalgia with and watch it ever few years so it still gives me a rush of suspense and flashbacks everytime. The soundtrack and movie sounds are phenomenal and visceral. I know the plot isn't the best' has many holes and centered in on a disfunctional family but if you watch it just for fun and don't think too much about it it's great. Only gave it 5 starts cause it still gives me chills when the tripods blow the horns and again.... Nostalgia. Give

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4 people found this helpful.

Tom West

a year ago

A solid start that threatens elevation to brilliance as the machines emerge, but ultimately loses its nerve and takes the easy option (forcefields), denying us a real Thunderchild' moment.

As the film progresses it seems to owe more to George Pal's rather silly 1950's film for inspiration than the novel, which is a shame.

I expected a bit more bravery from Spielberg and Koepp to be honest, although John Williams ' score is interesting; not the usual fanfares of his work on Potter and Star War

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1 person found this helpful.

Han Dev

a year ago

I liked this film. The score, cinematography and look of the Tripods are good, there are lots of fantastic moments of tension, and Tom Cruise’s acting is great. This film is also well-paced and enjoyable, and (despite the updated setting) I like how faithful it is to the main storyline of the book. This film isn’t ALL good though — the characters aren’t very likeable or interesting, and I don’t like how it changed the origin of the aliens (them being from an unknown planet and coming up from und

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3 people found this helpful.

Bo Huggabee

a year ago

With the films few issues. The gripping helplessness and terror you feel from the situation, is still captivating. Is it brilliant? No.. but the cgi holds up to this day. .  often, through out the film, dakota fanning is completely void of emotion to the situation and what is happening.  Where then you assume a child is completely void to the idea of the situation, she will become overly emotional. But her screaming later in the film, would you have rather had that the entire time?!  Absolutely

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2 people found this helpful.

Sarita Robinson

2 years ago

This is Tom Cruise at his best and in his prime. Loved the character arcs and the dynamics of family struggle created between the characters. Very realistic. It really tells the underlying story of a once irresponsible, perhaps self-centered man becoming a true and genuine father all wrapped up with a great alien invasion story for modern time.

Fantastic scenery. Prime acting. Awesome storyline and great excitement. The end kinda fell apart but I think we simply just ran out of run-time.

3 people found this helpful.

Akshat Mahajan

a year ago

War Of The Worlds was enjoyable but it had a lot of potential. Movie was not upto the mark and there were many plot holes (When the attack begins, every piece of electronic equipment stops working. However, moments later when the Tripod rises from the earth, people are snapping pictures on digital cameras and one person is videotaping everything on a camcorder). I didn't expect this type of mistake from Spielberg.

Well, leaving this plot hole aside there were other things also which were not u

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7 people found this helpful.

Gerald Stearns

5 years ago

Excellent remake of the 1953 classic. Superb special effects drive this increasingly intense & frightening film from start to finish. Spielberg's excellent direction elicits strong performances from his cast, especially Cruise who totally inhabits his role warts & all. By the end he has redeemed/redefined his character from a self-centered part time Dad &  sob to an heroic figure. Two caveats however: Dakota Fanning's otherwise very good performance is marred by too much shrill screaming. A litt

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13 people found this helpful.

Spence Kissack, Author.

4 years ago

Recommended score: 4.7/10

If you've never seen this movie you ought really look forward to it.

& then you can be disappointed

I'm disappointed. With this legend of a director, taking the H.G. Wells classic & bastardising it; falling so comfortably inline with all that is wrong & soulless with Hollywood.

It is as honest as a priest looking a young boy in the eye & installing him with all the necessary trust you'd think should be going on. Meaning it's utterly unconvincing.

It starts off as i

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21 people found this helpful.

Jacky Beck

3 years ago

This movie has lots of references to H.G Wells old novel "The War of the Worlds". When I saw pictures of the cover of the film and later watched it, it was different than I thought it would be, but I still enjoyed it! It is a bit scary when I think about but I can deal with it when I watch it. And surprisingly its less scarier when I actually watch it! The action is great, story is interesting, and a lot of it reminds me of Jeff Wayne's Musical War of the worlds! Its interesting to see how the a

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2 people found this helpful.

Jayne

2 years ago

I love this version best. I just watched the 1953 version with my parents today and the thing I found the most interesting was the lead actresses acting in that version. She acted like a ten year old little girl. I'm sure she played the part the way she was supposed to, but it's another example of how much times have changed. As a forty something year old woman I'm glad of the changes. Anyway, it made me wonder if that was why in this version that part is actually played by a little girl. It wor

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3 people found this helpful.

Michael Zitting

9 months ago

Acting was good but they could have polished this gem a little better. That's said I still recommend it, lately anything on the topic of space, aliens, time travel, multiple dimensions has become a favorite of mine and this series actually rails along a true concept. The CERN collider hasnt documented creating mini black holes but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened and aliens exist unless of course one is still limited in belief to the constraints to the constructs that be. Man has made other

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1 person found this helpful

Vikas Joshi

a year ago

Sci -fi ? thriller , with captivating visuals VFX , who could have been able to do it with perfection ? Obviously no one but great iconic director Steven Spielberg 👏

He actually started  sci -fi era in movies when there was no other film production house or director ever thought about it .

His visionary extraordinary skills crafted sci fi movies much better than any other zoner . Spielberg is a great director who has made greatest war drama , comedy drama , espionage thriller of course sci fi

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9 people found this helpful

Sofia Santos

a year ago

Still a very good movie to watch for me.  The special effects are amazing, the Martian Tripods were horrifying as they should be, the sound design is brilliant, and the tension during some scenes is so strong because the scenes consisting of the Martians or aliens are so well done.  That being said, it's not perfect.  The characters are insufferable, especially the father Ray Ferrier played by Tom Cruise.  I couldn't stand him throughout the first act, the dude didn't even care about his kids. S

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3 people found this helpful.

s white

3 years ago

Frightening and gripping. Tom Cruise at his best. This film grabs you from the beginning and does not let go until the end. The horror in this film comes in waves: the aliens invade from nowhere totally unexpected and attack with such immediate and massively devastating impact, humans are selfish and useless against such malevolence, normal life turns into dystopia within a couple of days, fear turns to more fear turns to even more fear. The will to survive the next minute is palpable. The visua

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2 people found this helpful.

Exploring with Nacho

a month ago

It’s just great…

Wish I could’ve seen this in the movies for the first time but I wasn’t even born yet.

Great sci-fi Thriller that could be watched any day of the week.

I believe this is what actually would happen if there was an alien invasion.

Amazing acting, special effects, videography or whatever, set pieces, and Music. Storyline could be called as messy but still very entertaining

Wish there would be something similar to this in today’s movies

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MELANIE MACALISANG

3 years ago

1000/1000 The movie is so good also the cast, I really love it I watched it 300x and I never been bored. Hope they made a sequel to this movie. Thank you for this wonderful movie. Tom cruise handsomeness never fade up until now. I really love the father's bravery. The movie is really something that make my heart feel like I'm in that situation. Thumbs up to cast's and the people who make this movie something that really Good. This is my favorite childhood movie and up until now I watched it 😘 A

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2 people found this helpful.

lisa jones

a year ago

Just rewatched this and I was amazed at how well it held up. I noticed my eyes kept getting wider and stayed glued to the screen. For me it’s a suspenseful horror film. I’m one of those wack jobs that thinks this could possibly happen one day, seriously hopefully not though. Irrational fear aside, this is a movie that’s worth more than one viewing.

2 people found this helpful.

Tony Webb

3 years ago

Amazing time! This is a great experience full of excitement and adventure. This would be great for both families (with kids 8 & up or proper age for kids using VR), dates, or a night with friends. They have great food and even better drinks. The staff was truly amazing and ensured everyone had a wonderful time. I will definitely visits again next I’m back in London.

2 people found this helpful.

Mitchell Smith

2 months ago

At first I was disappointed with this film because it used a different approach from the original classic. Then I realized it followed the book almost to exact specs. Meaning the machines used were differently. It wasn't flying machines that got us , rather machines that came from underground

Now, watching for my 5th time I am completely engulfed. This is a remarkable film. The acting, effects and most of all the crowd scenes are all remarkable.

I cannot recommend this film more. It is defin

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Kashmeera R

a year ago

Don't understand the reason why it has such low rating. This is an amazing movie. And Tom has acted very well. I had watched his mission impossible series and this movie proved that Tom is capable of other genre as well. The ending definitely surprised me. Don't wanna spoil, but teaches everyone on earth that nature finds balance. A hidden message to humans as well I guess. Overall loved it

2 people found this helpful.

sagar singha

4 years ago

People are waking up in the year 2021 and commenting on how the Aliens or tripods are poorly constructed. Finding a scientific hole in the story. Debating over Alienistic behaviors.

I have got a piece of news for you, this movie was made 16 years ago. Every Marvel, DC fanboys who are disappointed by the state of technology used in this movie have already been disabled to taste cinematic experiences.

The use of wide angles, aerial shots, frameworks are out of this world. Use of non-glamourous an

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6 people found this helpful.

Donna Scott

3 weeks ago

I’m so sorry I didn’t care for this movie. I was very surprised Spielberg put his name to it. Tom Cruise did an excellent job playing that character but that was it for me. I like Dakota Fanning but in this movie all that screaming drove me crazy. To me there were too many obvious parts like why is everyone standing around just waiting for that thing to kill them. Or looking up and staring instead of getting the heck out of there. Wherever that may be. I’ve never been one to care for these kinds

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Busstop Boxer

3 years ago

Somehow Hollywood kept up with the tradition of wetting their pants while dealing with H.G. Wells. Maybe and this is just a suggestion, if the adaptations were less loose(like the plot points trying their damndest to connect with one another), the movies would've been more watchable. This also establishes Spielberg to be very much a hit-and-miss guy and this was a spectacular miss. Not against artistic liberty, except the fact that half of the movie industry normally paddles their way down the s

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7 people found this helpful.

Ben Brown

a year ago

Probably one of my favourite alien films of all time and definitely my favourite apocalypse film. I dunno why this gets so much hate, sure it ain't Stevens greatest film but its still great. Everything from the creepiness to the loneliness of the film to the amazing acting and special effects. Sure we could of has more tripod scenes and the deleted scenes are a shame but this is much better than people say.

1 person found this helpful.

Dave Kennerly

a year ago

3.5 stars.  Generally well-done, with great special effects, intense scenes, decent acting.  There are a couple of those "why did they do something that would so obviously endanger them?" scenes so common to horror movies, thrillers, and action-adventure movies.  The plot is not strong, but I think the end makes perfect sense, even if understated.  It's even telegraphed at the opening of the movie.

3 people found this helpful.

Carey Grayson

a year ago

Stiff acting by Tom Cruise coupled with a clunky plot that meanders aimlessly, War of the Worlds special effects saves this movie from a one star rating. The conflict between father and son, which is the main story in the beginning, is suddenly dropped and is replaced with random encounters that lead us to an uninspired and unimaginative ending. If only more time was given to the storytelling. What a great film this could have been. The worst concept in this flick is how the Martians arrive via

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3 people found this helpful.

 

Nyannah Jones

a year ago

I really loved this movie. It's now one of my favorites. I definitely love science-fiction movies. They are really fascinating to me. Tom Cruise is a great actor in this movie as well. This movie is really concerning to me though, like what if this is going to happen in the future. I also loved how they made this seem real. I think ya'll should watch this. It's the besttttt! :)

2 people found this helpful.

Tom F

a year ago

Absolutely terrifying concept of a movie. All the characters are done very well and really make the situation believable. It’s not exactly a horror film but has aspects that are out right spine chilling to think about. I’d love to see a sequel of the war after they found the aliens weakness. 10/10 would recommend

3 people found this helpful.

Nicole Pasalagua

a year ago

This is one of my all-time favorite films!!!

There is so much that I love about it. It is a cinematic masterpiece for one. There are so many details,  the filming is amazing, The pacing is really well done, There are calmer bits and then it goes insanity.

The camera work and design of everything is incredible. The colors. The sounds. The looks of terror in their eyes!

Some people don’t like the ending but I think it is perfect. The technology of this movie far surpasses classics like ET

2 people found this helpful.

Stephanie Panos

3 months ago

Now more than ever, I’m reflexively skeptical of remakes etc. I didn’t even give this movie a chance until years later. Glad i finally decided to give it a chance.

Every now and then I come back to this film to watch all the way through. It’s not my favorite disaster flick, but definitely compelling enough to keep your eyes glued for the entirety of the film.

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Liya Hira

a year ago

It's tremendously beautiful. The storyline is picture perfect you'll never get bored of it ,everytime you'll  get thrilled and off course how can you be bored with Tom Cruise's acting. I usually don't like alien type movie but after watch this movie I couldn't able to delete it .l'm sure you are gonna love it.

8 people found this helpful.

Nils Skjodt

7 months ago

Classier and more elegant than these kinds of things usually are.  The script skips a few beats that would have made the teenaged son's behavior make more sense, but erratic behavior in a crisis isn't so strange for 15 year olds. It's impressive that there are only 4 important characters reacting to an outlandish situation with two of them being child actors and the performances still feel grounded and realistic.

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Tim Cummings

9 months ago

I liked Spielberg's re-imagining of H. G. Wells classic story. Kind of heavy on the Tom Cruise persona but still watchable. It's a small thing but why did the alien tripods only emit one type of sound? It was eerie at first but got repetitive. You would think an intelligence capable of interplanetary travel would have a more advanced form of communication. In the novel Wells explains that Earth's heavier atmosphere may have prevented it so I guess I'll live with that. All in all an intertaining

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1 person found this helpful

Vereen John

a year ago

This movie scared the bejeezus out of me.   I needed to hold someone's hand bcus it was so scary to me.  The terrifying way the aliens attack us to the way humans are so awful during things like this...the van stealing scene...just ...was so horrified at that behavior bcus thats how it WOULD be. Why there was a plane after the attacks idk either on that.  But the movie really really really REALLY should've been done WITHOUT Dakota fanning 's character....SOOOOO SOOOOO FRICKIN ANNOYING!! hated he

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22 people found this helpful.

Michelle A Kendrick

3 years ago

I just wanted to say I just got to see this movie and it's one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and I really enjoyed it. Not sure if their is a part two but would love to purchase it. I can watch it over and over again. Really enjoyed love movies like that and such amazing actresses and actors.

1 person found this helpful.

Mark Vincent

3 years ago

Retaining none of the charm or elegance of the original story set in England, this translation for US audiences is poorly acted and just not plausible at all. There is more cringe than the 1953 US adaption and portrays civilians as more eager to crowd around the aliens than run for their lives. There is a lot of running.

When they do run, it is completely linear and predictable. This will have you cheering for the martians in no time at all. Throw in a number of irrational child screams and the

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10 people found this helpful.

Lewis Occhioni

4 years ago

This is one of the best sci-fi film I've ever seen. When aliens attack earth, coming out of the earth, Tom Cruise has to survive on the run with his teenage son, who tries to run off and his 10 year old daughter.

This is a film that nobody can call boring with action, scary scenes and full on drama, this is a film that is too good to be true.

5 people found this helpful.

Skyler Cleary

a year ago

I don't think Speilberg did the story justice with this film. It could have been way better, especially the CGI, plot and side character's acting. Way over the top with pyrotechnics, not dramatic. Cliche. Over obviously fake, and just lazy. Annoying frankly. If I were to compare this to District 9, which was only made 4 years later, it pales in comparison. This story still has the potential to be extraordinary but without Speilberg's signature style, which IMO doesn't fit this story. Christopher

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1 person found this helpful.

J. D. Schultz, Sr.

a year ago

In order to truly appreciate this picture, one should not only watch the 1953 film version, nor even hear the Holloween,1939 Orson Welles Mercury Theater of the Air production, but by actually READING of the rapid crumbling of civilisation's thin veneer, as depicted in intimate detail of the original 1898 book by H.G. Wells.  The introduction of the 1953 film sets the story with Wells' beautiful, almost poetic prose. Hollywood seldom shows Wells' societal tragedy among the graphic depi

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1 person found this helpful.

Klingon Force

2 years ago

Same people who give this low score are the same ones who give She Hulk 5 stars saying how great the writing is. About people standing around is called shock of what's happening in front of them. Not everyone is scared and runs away.

It's a great movie. Action packed. Nice flowing story. I still watch it every now and then. Still entertaining to watch.

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Tim Water

6 years ago

What a steaming pile of garbage.

Stumbles through a series of jaw-dropping plot holes...

Daughter: "I can't eat the peanut butter sandwich."

Father: "Why not?"

Daughter: "Because I'm allergic to peanuts."

Father: "Since When?"

Daughter: "Since birth."

The only revelation here is the extraordinary news that Tom Cruise's 10 year old daughter hadn't died of anaphylactic shock 10 times over before filming began.

Spielberg has crafted some of the finest movies ever made...this is absolutely not on

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47 people found this helpful.

War Of The Worlds - 2025 Cast and character :

About

Hannah Dakota Fanning is an American actress. Fanning is known for her roles in blockbuster films and independent features, both as a child actor and as an adult. Her accolades include nominations for a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Wikipedia

Born: February 23, 1994 (age 31 years), Conyers, Georgia, United States

Awards: MTV Movie & TV Award for Most Frightened Performance · See more

Parents: Steven Fanning, Heather Joy Arrington

Upcoming movies: Vicious, The Nightingale

Siblings: Elle Fanning

About

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV is an American actor and film producer. Regarded as a Hollywood icon, he has received various accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for four Academy Awards. Wikipedia

Born: July 3, 1962 (age 63 years), Syracuse, New York, United States

Upcoming movie: Judy

Spouse: Katie Holmes (m. 2006–2012), Nicole Kidman (m. 1990–2001), Mimi Rogers (m. 1987–1990)

Height: 1.7 m

Children: Suri Noelle, Connor Cruise, Isabella Jane Cruise

Parents: Thomas Mapother III, Mary Lee Pfeiffer

About

Justin Chatwin is a Canadian actor. He began his career in 2001 with a brief appearance in the musical comedy Josie and the Pussycats. Wikipedia

Born: October 31, 1982 (age 42 years), Nanaimo, Canada

Siblings: Brianna Chatwin, Claire Chatwin

Height: 1.83 m

Parents: Brian Chatwin, Suzanne Chatwin

About

Timothy Francis Robbins is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Andy Dufresne in the film The Shawshank Redemption, and Jacob Singer in Jacob's Ladder, as well as winning an Academy Award and Golden Globe award for his role in Mystic River and another Golden Globe for The Player. Wikipedia

Born: October 16, 1958 (age 66 years), West Covina, California, United States

Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role 

Height: 1.96 m

Children: Miles Robbins, Jack Henry Robbins

Parents: Gil Robbins, Mary Bledsoe Robbins

Siblings: David Robbins, Adele Robbins, Gabrielle Robbins

About

Stephanie Finochio is an American stuntwoman, actress and former professional wrestler and valet. She is known for her appearances with NWA Total Nonstop Action and World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring name Trinity. Wikipedia

Born: December 1, 1971 (age 53 years), New York, New York, United States

Education: Lindenhurst High School

Height: 1.7 m

Billed weight: 130 lb (59 kg)

Debut: October 10, 2002

About

David Kenneth Harbour is an American actor. His accolades include a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award, in addition to nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He began his career acting in Shakespearean theatre productions. Wikipedia

Born: April 10, 1975 (age 50 years), White Plains, New York, United States

Spouse: Lily Allen (m. 2020)

Height: 1.9 m

Parents: Nancy Harbour, Kenneth Harbour

Education: Dartmouth College (BA)

About

Morgan Freeman is an American actor, producer, and narrator. In a career spanning six decades, he has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as a nomination for a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. Wikipedia

Born: June 1, 1937 (age 88 years), Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Upcoming movie: Now You See Me: Now You Don't

Spouse: Myrna Colley-Lee (m. 1984–2010), Jeanette Adair Bradshaw (m. 1967–1979)

Height: 1.88 m

Children: Alfonso Freeman, Morgana Freeman, Saifoulaye Freeman, Deena Freeman

About

Rick Gonzalez is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Timo Cruz in the motion picture Coach Carter, as Spanish in Old School, as Ben Gonzalez on the CW supernatural drama television series Reaper, and as Naps In Roll Bounce. Wikipedia

Born: June 30, 1979 (age 46 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States

Spouse: Sherry Aon

Height: 1.73 m

Children: 1

Nationality: American

About

Amy Beth Dziewiontkowski, known professionally as Amy Ryan, is an American actress. She began her professional stage career in 1987 and made her Broadway debut in 1993 as a replacement in the original production of Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig. Wikipedia

Born: May 3, 1968 (age 57 years), Flushing, New York, United States

Spouse: Eric Slovin (m. 2011)

Nominations: Academy Awardfor Best Actress in a Supporting Role · 

Parents: Pam Ryan, John Dziewiontkowski

Height: 1.62 m

About

Gene Barry was an American stage, screen, and television actor and singer. Barry is best remembered for his leading roles in the films The Atomic City and The War of the Worlds and for his portrayal of the title characters in the TV series Bat Masterson and Burke's Law, among many roles. Wikipedia

Born: June 14, 1919, New York, New York, United States

Died: December 9, 2009 (age 90 years), Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States

Spouse: Betty Claire Kalb (m. 1944–2003)

Children: Frederick Barry, Michael Barry, Elizabeth Barry

Siblings: Reva Klass

Height: 1.83 m

About

Miranda Otto is an Australian actress. She is the daughter of actors Barry and Lindsay Otto and the paternal half-sister of actress Gracie Otto. Otto began her acting career in 1986 at age 18 and appeared in a variety of independent and major studio films in Australia. Wikipedia

Born: December 16, 1967 (age 57 years), Brisbane, Australia

Spouse: Peter O'Brien (m. 2003)

Children: Darcey O'Brien

Parents: Barry Otto, Lindsay Otto

Siblings: Gracie Otto, Edward Otto

Height: 1.65 m

About

Lisa Ann Walter is an American actress, comedian, and television producer, best known for her roles as Chessy the housekeeper in the romantic comedy film The Parent Trap and Melissa Schemmenti on the ... Wikipedia

Born: August 3, 1963 (age 62 years), Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

Spouse: Sam Baum (m. ?–1999)

Children: Delia Baum, Spencer Walter, Jordan Baum, Simon Walter

Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Education: The Catholic University of America (1983), Montgomery Blair High

About

Ty Keegan Simpkins is an American actor. His notable film credits include Insidious, its sequel Insidious: Chapter 2, Jurassic World, and Insidious: The Red Door. Wikipedia

Born: August 6, 2001 (age 24 years), New York, New York, United States

Siblings: Ryan Simpkins

Parents: Monique Simpkins, Stephen Simpkins

Height: 1.8 m

war of the worlds trailer

Dialogue Analysis in *War of the Worlds*: Novel vs. 2005 Film

The dialogue in *War of the Worlds*—both in H.G. Wells' groundbreaking novel and the 2005 film adaptation—is essential for expressing key themes such as survival, humanity’s role in the universe, and the devastating consequences of an alien invasion. As the story unfolds, the tone of the dialogue transitions from curiosity and awe to fear, hopelessness, and ultimately, a renewed sense of appreciation for life. In the film, the dialogue further reflects an American ethos of persistence and the collapse of social norms under intense pressure.

Novel Dialogue Breakdown

Curiosity and Initial Fascination

In the early chapters, the narrator’s remarks about the Martians are steeped in scientific intrigue and a sense of wonder. This curiosity reflects humanity’s desire to explore and understand the unknown.

Loss of Control and Humbling

As the Martians tighten their grip on Earth, the narrator’s speech reveals a sense of personal disintegration—he feels stripped of dignity and reduced to mere survival instincts.

Human vs. Animal Imagery

Repeated comparisons between humans and animals emphasize the loss of dominance. Dialogue frames people as hunted, helpless creatures, mirroring how humans often view lesser species.

Fear, Panic, and Desperation

As danger escalates, conversations grow frantic. Characters express terror and hopelessness, reflecting the psychological toll of constant threat.

The Artilleryman’s Grim Vision

The artilleryman’s unsettling perspective—that humanity may be domesticated by Martians—illustrates the potential for complete societal collapse and a bleak future of subjugation.

Empathy Toward Animals

By the novel’s end, dialogue conveys a deeper compassion for animals, suggesting the conflict has broadened human empathy and reshaped how people see their place in nature.

Family-Centric Survival

The movie shifts its focus to a personal level, with dialogue highlighting one family’s fight to endure the alien onslaught. This humanizes the narrative and anchors it in emotional stakes.

Suspense and Rising Fear

As the threat intensifies, dialogue is used to amplify suspense. Characters respond to the chaos with confusion and dread, building tension throughout the film.

Children’s Perspectives

Through the words and reactions of Rachel and Robbie, the script captures the emotional trauma children experience when confronted with incomprehensible horror.

Ogilvy’s Descent into Madness

The survivalist Ogilvy’s erratic speech reveals his unraveling sanity, showcasing how extreme stress can fracture the human mind

Breakdown of Social Trust

Dialogue between strangers becomes increasingly hostile and distrustful, mirroring the crumbling of civil society under disaster conditions.

Refusal to Surrender

Despite the odds, characters express resilience and the will to fight on, echoing a cultural narrative of determination and grit, particularly associated with American values.

Informational Dialogue

The film uses characters' conversations to convey exposition about the aliens’ origins and attack strategy. While informative, some critics considered this explanation overly forced or heavy-handed.

Shared Themes in Both Versions

Fragile Humanity

Whether through narration or character exchanges, both works underscore mankind’s helplessness against a technologically advanced invader.

Collapse of Order

Conversations reflect the rapid unraveling of law and structure, highlighting how quickly society can descend into chaos in the face of catastrophe.

Instinct to Survive

From whispered pleas to defiant declarations, the dialogue showcases humanity’s deep-rooted will to survive, no matter the odds or circumstances.

Lasting Scars of Conflict

Even as the threat recedes, the dialogue points to lasting emotional and societal wounds, emphasizing the need for recovery and reflection after devastation

Conclusion

In both the original novel and the modern film adaptation, the dialogue serves as a vital narrative tool. It does more than move the plot forward—it captures the human experience in the midst of unimaginable crisis. Through shifting tones, character responses, and emotional resonance, the words spoken in *War of the Worlds* reveal profound insights into survival, morality, and the fragile structure of civilization when faced with existential threats.

 

 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


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