Written by Melissa Allen, who you can follow on Twitter at @melissajournal
Since the early 2000s, hundreds of films have been released, but not many hold a flame to 2005’s War Of The Worlds. Stephen Spielberg has numerous films under his belt, including Jaws and Jurassic Park – but War Of The Worlds’ - starring Tom Cruise - is something of brilliance. Spielberg combines the idea of aliens to a grounded plot with realistic dynamics between the characters.
Film of the Week on Female First
Ray Ferrier (Cruise) is to spend a weekend with his somewhat estranged children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) at his home. What seems to be a regular, awkward visit soon turns into the tense, horrifying events that unfold quickly after.
As the film follows Ray, Rachel and Robbie in their search for safety, we are stunned to silence by the adaptation that came from H. G. Wells' original novel of the same name. The film utilises comedy in an awkward and realistic way, with Ray’s panics and outbursts just one reason why this is one of Cruise’s best features. His charming yet unstable demeaner leaves you wondering how he acts with his children and how this character will – if he does – change by the end of the film; or if something sinister changes him.
This film is one of the best of its time not only due to the outstanding performances by the cast, but by the CGI and special effects. They are subtle and despite the film focusing on extra-terrestrials – the realism is right there with you. There is not a moment in this film where you feel like looking at your phone or switching off, as Cruise delivers a stellar performance and the twists that lurk around each corner keep this film interesting, and unnerve you until the very end.
The impact this film has made is clear as it is still something audiences immediately think of when chatting about Cruise and Fanning, and it has inspired people - including myself! - to read the novel and compare the two.
The marvel that is War Of The Worlds should be on everyone’s watch list.
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