View Full Version : War of the Worlds
No no no, this isn't another Creation vs. Evolution thread, regardless of the title.
Has anyone seen War of the Worlds, the new one of course? They could have left Cruise out of it, and it had alot of predicatble twists (predictable twists that werent in the book or the old movie, but way too predictable nonetheless).
Anyhow, those criticisms aside, this was probably the creepiest movie I've seen in a long time. It ain't no "Independence Day" for sure. This was a far, far cry from the book and old movie, and it's not just a bunch of flying saucers shooting lazers. They leave just enough to the imagination to really creep you out.
It's rated PG-13, but please, go see it, but leave the kids at *home*.
windeindoiel
07-10-2005, 12:26 AM
I'd say leave the kids at home too. I thought it was good though. Even with Tom Cruise. I never saw the first one or read the book. I really liked the movie though. I found it scary and sad, it ended kind of quickly which was less fun but whatever.
flyfly
07-10-2005, 4:33 AM
I really want to see that movie. Whats wrong with Tom Cruise?
Cruise is just too "cosmopolitan" for such a movie. I say leave him and Brad Pitt to the chick flicks, the only people that really like either one of them are the ladies. I don't mind that, I just get tired of seeing the same no-so-talented face all the time. If he looked like John Wayne, he'd be a flop. John Wayne wasn't a pretty-boy (I guess he has the "rugged good looks" pinned down?), and his fame was built on talent and dignity. Now mind you, wait until I tell you how I *really* feel, lol.
nursie
07-10-2005, 8:30 AM
It's rated PG-13, but please, go see it, but leave the kids at *home*.
Hehe..I plan on leaving me at home too...
125gJoe
07-10-2005, 11:21 AM
It's not good to hear the movie didn't follow along the lines of the old movie.
But, if you understand it's from a 'families' point of view, I guess it "works"...
This is what I gathered from the Internet Movie Data Base. .. :huh:
Check out the 139 pages of comments: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407304/usercomments
lbritish
07-10-2005, 12:35 PM
I just saw it this weekend.... For once I just wish there would be a movie without a little blonde girl in it that for neurotic reasons tends to be compeled to let out piercing screams at the drop of a hat....
*Spoilers* My review of the film and book, and a compare/contrast between the two.
I'm reading the book now and I am kind of pissed. First of all, the book isn't as freaky as the movie in ways. Maybe it was back then, but the "heat ray" just catches things on fire instead of sending people straight to ash. And it is invisible. And the aliens came down in falling stars that turned out to be capsules. And they built the machines over several days, instead of just taking one up out of the ground. Not sure if the materials to build the machines were in the capsules or in the ground.
I read an abridged version before but that was years ago.
I do kind of prefer the idea in the movie that the machines were buried there whole millions of years ago.... it made the plan seem less spontaneous and more elaborate.
So far, some similiarities and differences:
Similiarities:
*The Machines have tops whose motions and gyrations resemble those of the human head
*The main character spends the story trekking to a woman of close relation who was presented in the beginning of the story and who has since relocated to another area
*The alien beings come down in capsules
Differences:
Movie:
1The aliens are three-legged cuties with big disk eyes (I like the three legged part... correlates to why they would make the machines tripods - creating in their own image)
2 The Machines move relatively slowly, in fluid motions
3 The main character has a family and an ex wife (?)
4 The alien beings ride down a (assumably) self-generated lightning storm
5 We don't know where the aliens are from
6 The story takes place in America
7 There is no mention of a poisonous gas
8 The aliens use the blood of their victims to fertilize the red weeds
Book:
1The aliens are formless, tentacled blobs that move slowly because of the gravitational differences between Mars and Earth
2The machines are much more stilt-like, move very rapidly, and their gait is explain as a "waddle".
3 The main character has a wife and no children
4The alien beings come down in capsules that are originally assumed to be falling stars, shot out of a gunlike structure from Mars
5 The aliens are from Mars
6 The Story takes place in England
7 The aliens use a toxic gaslike substance as a precaution to wipe out areas of possible hidden regiments
8 The aliens need the blood of the victims in order to replace their own, as they lack developed digestive systems (seen as an improvement, because of all the energy wasted in humans in the digestive process)
AfterThoughts
Okay, I'm done reading it now.
I love how the book states that there was no evidence that the martians were eceptionally cruel, and that everything they did was out of neccessity - how the author couldn't morally judge them since they were not guilty of that which even the young and innocent humans do : enjoyment of unneccessary torturing of those beneath us... such as a child impaling an insect. How it only seemed horrific to us because the tables were turned, although it wasn't as bad for us as we make it for other creatures.
I also like how in the book they sprayed the land with a gaseous poison, like how we spray bugs to exterminate them.
I also loved how in the beginning of the book it is expanded on how the martians envied our earth because they were slowly fading to extinction on the much older and dying Mars. I think the story is kind of convicting, since what seems such a horror to us was merely done logistically and out of purpose.... how what seems such an injustice was not an injustice at all, but rather, two species competing against eachother, as always occurs.
I almost felt sad reading about the last martian dying in his big machine thing, calling out in desperation it seems.
aquariumfishguy
07-10-2005, 4:55 PM
I think Tom Cruise is a worthless piece of crap that should have ended his career after movies like top gun. He was once believable in the films he starred in… and that was, a spoiled young guy who was used to getting what he wants, or at least trying to get what he wants. Arrogant, fashionably educated, etc.
Now all he does is insult and criticize decent people like Brooke Shields for using prescription anti-depressant drugs, and if he isn't right in your face, he is going on TV shows like The Today Show telling Matt Lauer he is full of himself and knows nothing to which he speaks… which may or may not be true – but the fact remains, Tom is a pushy immature failure of a husband/father/man.
...Wow that was more fun than I thought... :D
125gJoe
07-10-2005, 5:15 PM
I think Tom Cruise is a worthless piece of crap ... ..
.....and if he isn't right in your face, he is going on TV shows ....
...Wow that was more fun than I thought... :DWow!
I never saw those TV shows..
So, in my eyes, he's an incredible actor! Great actors know how to "act".
I suppose if I saw his personal views on matters I could be biased too...
(ouch..)
"Bono" ... :thud:
http://u2.reicht.net/history/u2pics2002/2002-03-14-bono-bush.jpg
LOL ........ :D :D :D
nursie
07-10-2005, 6:58 PM
Hey..at least Bono can sing. AND I might add is married to his original wife, and has not changed her out for one half his age. If he wants to think he can effect change let him try. WHo knows. :huh:
I liked Tom C in Top Gun. He was a blethering idiot in The Tonight Shop and Oprah. I missed his interview with Matt Lauer, but from what I heard it wasn't exactly a shining moment either. He's outlasted his 15 min for sure. :joke:
125gJoe
07-10-2005, 8:55 PM
Hey..at least Bono can sing.....
I liked Tom C in Top Gun. He was a blethering idiot in The Tonight Shop and Oprah. I missed his interview with Matt Lauer, but from what I heard it wasn't exactly a shining moment either...... :joke:I also missed all the BS about Cruise...
Seems like it's a big deal! I guess I should watch more daytime TV... (not)
Cruise is an "actor" - that's all...
It would be funny to see his recent "stumbles"!
Give me the clips! .... :D _____________
125gJoe
07-11-2005, 3:16 PM
*Spoilers* My review of the film and book, and a compare/contrast between the two.
...
Thanks for the white text...
I will have to find this thread after I see the movie.
It would be interesting to see your comparisons!
The only thing that bothers me about the movie is it's from a families point of view, and that seems like it would take away from the plot. Technical wonders of the alien machinery would be left out.... Maybe I'm wrong ...
Fish-Head Aric
07-11-2005, 3:41 PM
Am not sure why, but the scene with the railroad crossing and the full-bore AmTrak train burning from the inside out really got me more than much of any other part of the movie.
Never look at AmTrak the same way again while at a crossing.
happychem
07-11-2005, 3:57 PM
I'm not a big fan of Tom Cruise in general, but the elements of his personal life (i.e. diverces) don't mean a thing to me. I've just not been a big fan of his work, he always seems to play the same character. Top Gun would be the exception, I really enjoyed that movie, although I'm not certain that TC really brought anything to it.
As far as his views go, I think he's an idiot. But there are a bunch of actors and actresses who are complete flakes or complete jerks. As long as they can act and entertain me, I really don't care. But then, I've never been interested in their personal lives: i.e. shows like ET, Inside Entertainment, whatever. I've never cared about the Oscars either, although I do enjoy hearing the results of the Razzies.
For Brad Pit, I actually think that he can act. I've enjoyed him in his grittier roles (a la Snatch, which incidentally is fun to watch with English subtitles ;) ).
I'll probably rent WotW when it comes out on dvd. My theatre time is too precious and there are too many movies from comic books to see :D (I'm really liking the comic to movie theme lately, maybe just 'cause I haven't read any of the books so they're just entertaining flicks to me :D )
aquariumfishguy
07-11-2005, 4:20 PM
The problem when you have an average or “seasonal” actor like Tom is that you have to bring something else to the table... smarts, charisma, SOMETHING. Lately, his public life has been something to be ashamed of. He dropped Nicole Kidman at the drop of a hat, and everyone knew the publicity with Penelope Cruse was for show. Now he shacks up with Katie Holmes, who like someone else pointed out, is half his age. I don't normally judge on age, but c'mon - she's been with him a few months, and now wants to embrace his religious beliefs? What a phony bologna.
My problem with him started long before the interview with Matt Lauer, but that was the last straw since I have an aunt who relies on anti-depressants. Because of those drugs, she is able to function, work, and maintain a decent quality of life. Shame on him for being such a dumba$$. That’s all I got to say!
aquariumfishguy
07-11-2005, 4:22 PM
PS: Sorry if this was intented to be about the movie itself. I saw others talking about Tom, so I figured what the hell.. and chimed in. ;)
I think Tom Cruise is a worthless piece of crap that should have ended his career after movies like top gun. He was once believable in the films he starred in… and that was, a spoiled young guy who was used to getting what he wants, or at least trying to get what he wants. Arrogant, fashionably educated, etc.
Now all he does is insult and criticize decent people like Brooke Shields for using prescription anti-depressant drugs, and if he isn't right in your face, he is going on TV shows like The Today Show telling Matt Lauer he is full of himself and knows nothing to which he speaks… which may or may not be true – but the fact remains, Tom is a pushy immature failure of a husband/father/man.
...Wow that was more fun than I thought... :D
Lol, you know why he's like he is against prescription drugs, right? He's bought hook line and sinker into Scientology, which is a pseudo-religion kinda thingie cooked up by Sci-Fi writer L. Ron Hubbard.
BTW, Matt Lauer *is* full of himself. I've heard him discredit and insult, on live TV, certain conservative figures (religious) who weren't there to defend themselves. So is Tom, so it's a wash.
Am not sure why, but the scene with the railroad crossing and the full-bore AmTrak train burning from the inside out really got me more than much of any other part of the movie.
Never look at AmTrak the same way again while at a crossing.
You're right, one of my favorites for sure. Then again, AmTrak has always been good at sending flaming trains down the track, off the track, sideways, upside down, you name it, they've done it, been there, got the t-shirt.
Fish-Head Aric
07-11-2005, 11:02 PM
Happychem,
If you want to know, War of the Worlds did come out in comic book, Marvel did it in the 70s. So now you can go see the movie, eh?
Smitti
07-11-2005, 11:13 PM
I just saw it this weekend.... For once I just wish there would be a movie without a little blonde girl in it that for neurotic reasons tends to be compeled to let out piercing screams at the drop of a hat....
I thaught She was one of the best parts of the movie.....i didnt think it got good untill near the end.....i fell a sleep at one point when they were in the bacement! i woke up to a scream....but it was a good movie just some parts of it just draged on WAY to long!
happychem
07-12-2005, 8:19 AM
Very tempting Aric :D
aquariumfishguy
07-12-2005, 2:56 PM
Lol, you know why he's like he is against prescription drugs, right? He's bought hook line and sinker into Scientology, which is a pseudo-religion kinda thingie cooked up by Sci-Fi writer L. Ron Hubbard.
BTW, Matt Lauer *is* full of himself. I've heard him discredit and insult, on live TV, certain conservative figures (religious) who weren't there to defend themselves. So is Tom, so it's a wash.
Tom looks brainwashed by his religion. Even his eyes look glassy lately.
And Matt Lauer may very well be full of himself. I don't watch The Today Show often, nor do I care much for Matt Lauer... but I do know he fits the typical mold of the news figures out today. So in a way, I would expect nothing less from him... I mean, we're talking about news. They are always biased - as are the conservative figures.
125gJoe
07-12-2005, 3:37 PM
Tom looks brainwashed by his religion. Even his eyes look glassy lately.... ....That's just from all the money rolling in! :D
Fish-Head Aric
07-12-2005, 4:31 PM
Any guy that can buy 40 acres of lunar landscape must be doing something right, eh?
125gJoe
07-12-2005, 4:50 PM
Any guy that can buy 40 acres of lunar landscape must be doing something right, eh?Where's the report on that? You can't buy the Moon...
--------
I must be working too much, I can't keep up with all this strange stuff!
:eek: ............. :D