War of the Worlds
Ray Ferrier is a divorced dockworker and less-than-perfect father. Soon after his ex-wife and her new husband drop off his teenage son and young daughter for a rare weekend visit, a strange and powerful lightning storm touches down.
Critics Sentiment
Massive tripod war machine emerges from underground and attacks crowd
Ray and Rachel reunite with Mary Ann and surviving Robbie in Boston
The film plummets from its spectacular first tripod emergence (9.2) to the widely criticized basement sequence with Harlan (5.2), representing a 4-point drop as Spielberg lost his directorial grip.
War of the Worlds starts exceptionally strong with memorable set pieces like the tripod emergence and burning train that showcase Spielberg's mastery. However, the film loses momentum significantly in the second half, particularly during the basement sequence, and never recovers its initial power. The ending is widely seen as rushed and unsatisfying, preventing what could have been a sci-fi classic.
Full cast
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Tom Cruise
Ray Ferrier
Dakota Fanning
Rachel Ferrier
Justin Chatwin
Robbie Ferrier
Miranda Otto
Mary-Ann
Tim Robbins
Harlan Ogilvy
Rick Gonzalez
Vincent
Yul Vazquez
Julio
Lenny Venito
Manny the Mechanic
Lisa Ann Walter
Bartender
Ann Robinson
Grandmother
Gene Barry
Grandfather
David Alan Basche
Tim
Roz Abrams
Herself
Camillia Monet
News Producer
Michael Brownlee
TV Reporter, Osaka
Marlon Young
News Cameraman
John Eddins
News Van Driver
Peter Gerety
Hatch Boss / Load Manager
David Harbour
Dock Worker
Miguel Antonio Ferrer
Brazilian Neighbor
Crew
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