War of the Worlds
Yes, I saw it. No, I didn’t work yet today. Yes, I’m glad I went.
Is that enough? Would that be enough of a review for you to see War of the Worlds? No matter what I say in this small review, you’d still go see it. That’s the power of Spielberg. That’s the power of Cruise. That’s the power of Alien invasions. That’s the power of the summer blockbuster.
Still, the reviews for War of the Worlds have been coming in on the positive. Many give it rave reviews, with a twinge of “I wish the ending was better”. Unfortunately I have to agree with the majority on this one. War of the Worlds was a fantastic montage of intensity, story, acting and action - yet the ending left you on the edge of your seat just about to fall off.
However, one must consider the source. The source of War of the Worlds was not Spielberg. Sure, he made it look the way it did - and he told the story through cinema - but the actual core was not fussed with. So keep that in mind.
Also, keep in mind that a story’s ending in a book can come across very differently on film. What takes 10 pages in a book may take mere minutes on screen.
All that being said, I think the ending was relevant, sufficient and not “hollywood” as has been noted. Go see it. You know you will no matter what anyway.
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