Jul 2
War of the World’s review
Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise’s film adaptation of H.G. Well’s “War of the Worlds” had so much potential. With the possibilities of modern graphics, which I will say are well integrated into the film, the film had limitless potential. However, when it was all put together, the film was mired with mediocrity. The characters are not well developed and the plot does not transition well from scene to scene. Although it starts well, the ultimate execution of the story is lacking and leaves the viewer disappointed.
IMed in by: Leather Clad Stud Muffin
9 Comments so far
What I’d love to see is a faithful adaptation of the original book; set not in present-day suburban America, but in late Victorian England, as was the book.
Unfortunately this won’t be doable because American audiences only seem interested in films set in America.
It’s a good thing you aren’t in Quebec. That unnecessary apostrophe in the title would get you fined.
Who knew Dodge used to work for a greegrocer?
“Unfortunately this wont be doable because American audiences only seem interested in films set in America.”
Funny. American audiences came out in droves to see movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Gladiator, and the three Lord of the Rings films, none of which were set in America.
Tim um what with the greengrocer comment? I did in fact spending a summer stacking shelves at a supermarket. Bloody amusing it was.
Aw, I liked WoTW. Yes it did suffer from the ‘set scene’ syndrome so beloved of CGI directors, and yes I felt that Spielberg could have done far more with it. Given the limited aspect of 21st Century life in the movie it could have been far better done, as Tim says above, as a true adaptation of Well’s original Victorian-era setting.
And now the good news.
There has been a movie in production for quite a while now by Pendragon pictures which is supposed to be a faithfull build of the original book.
http://www.pendragonpictures.com/
http://www.eveofthewar.com/articles/6472
I liked the movie. I don’t really care where it was filmed. BTW, I liked the older version of the movie too, staring Gene Barry. This Paramount version also relocated the plot from Victorian England to the US. Maybe some talented director/producer in England will do another War of the Worlds film based based on the original Victorian England era. If it is good…I’ll probably like this version too. Who the hell cares where it was made….it is an Art form and should be enjoyed for it’s quality and creativity.
Unfortunately this wont be doable because American audiences only seem interested in films set in America.
“Funny. American audiences came out in droves to see movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Gladiator, and the three Lord of the Rings films, none of which were set in America.”
Should say: American audiences only seem interested in films set in America for the present time. Because all movies: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Gladiator, and the three Lord of the Rings films” are set at about few hundred years back.