Into Film logo
BFI/Lottery logo
  • Films
  • Clubs
  • Training
  • Resources
  • Events
  • Competitions
  • News & Views
All Close
  • Films
  • Clubs
  • Training
  • Resources
  • Events
  • Competitions
  • News & Views

Log inCreate an Account

My Account

Username

My Into Film Club My Into Film Club My Films My Playlists View / Edit profile Account settings My Bookings
LOG OUT

Close
Print review
IntoFim logo

Member review

War of the Worlds

War of the Worlds

Member rating

388 reviews

Big budget movie version of HG Wells pioneering sci-fi alien invasion story.

Certificate12

Duration111 mins

Review by

  • george?, 18
  • 2 reviews
Review 500

Review by george?, 18

4 stars

01 Oct 2016

When Spielberg decided to remake a cinematic classic 53 years after the original, many were shocked and thought he would fail. They were wrong. War of the Worlds is a great blend of a sci-fi flick, disaster movie and a tense family adventure. The film is told through Ray Ferrier and his family's trek across alien infested America. Coming together in the wake of an extra terrestrial attack, Ray played greatly by Tom Cruise must man up and take action and responsibility for his family, for the first time in his life, and we the audience get to see him tackle his unfortunate scenario.

I would say that this is one of Spielberg's better films to come out in this century as he was able to use America's recent paranoia of terrorist attacks and foreign invasions to his advantage. He essentially made a film following a refugee placed in a country being invaded by a strong foreign force, but rather than having soldiers and tanks rolling in Spielberg has aliens dropping from the sky and operating highly advanced war machines called tripods.

The only criticism I can give this film is Dakota Fanning's acting and character. Her character is highly annoying and childish in many scenes. The actor is unfortunately armed with one the worst screams in film and possibly the world. I could be being too critical but I also understand that she is a child and the children in this film are supposed to be annoying, she just suits the role perfectly.

Without giving too much away the film is great and will have you on the edge of your seat through multiple tense and unique situations.

Overall great film, I highly recommend if you haven't seen it, perfect for a weekend watch.

Print review

Connect with Into Film

  • x twitter icon x twitter icon
  • facebook icon
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Into Film+ Help Centre
  • Account Options
  • Jobs at Into Film
  • Our Trustees
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Green Statement
  • Into Film Ambassadors
  • Youth Advisory Council
  • Young Reporter Programme
  • Into Film Festival
  • Partnering with Into Film

In association with

  • Accessibility
  • Safeguarding
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy

© 2025 Into Film | Registered charity number - 1154030

Back to top