In a world of mega budgets and global marketing campaigns and releases, Steven Spielberg is a director with few equals. By thirty-two he had crafted more hits than some with a lifetime in Hollywood. And he continues. Staggering ticket sales aside, the scope and variety of his work is just as impressive as the library of special effect technologies he helped pioneer, and War of the Worlds reaffirms his position in the movie world.

This is a big picture in terms of the scale of star power, the cast size, and digital effects. The story is a bit lean, just as the basis for the original movie was. It’s a classic Spielberg formula, an every man styled broken family must negotiate a situation of earth shattering importance. Aliens invaders, you have a pickup! Please report to the front counter for your nefarious plans of conquest and domination.

What’s good about War of the Worlds:

1) Effects, effects, effects. Steven Spielberg wrote the book on eye candy.

2) Key characters – Tim Robbins, Dakota Fanning and Tom Cruise excel here. Tim Robbin practically steals the movie from Cruise.

3) There was a distinct M. Night Shaymalan influence to the camera work. Several of the shots involved reflections off water, glass or mirrors. Maybe Spielberg has always done that but this seemed different in this context and it was a nice touch.

4) The robot attack ships were way cool.

5) Easy to follow, easy to watch.

Areas needing improvement:

1) The ending pales against the opening and buildup. I wanted for more verve for the climax.

2) It’s neither scary, nor particularly suspenseful. Either approach might have helped the ending.

Verdict: Theater, matinee price. DVD if a theater system is available.