War of the Worlds is awesome (no spoilers)!

[mike_c]

Just saw The War of the Worlds. It is NOT ET! It's a full-on VERY INTENSE end of the world movie. Spielberg did one hell of a job on this one. I highly recommend it, and I also recommend you see it in a theater with a good THX certified sound system. The sound is every bit as important as the visuals in this movie, and once you've heard it-- felt it more likely-- you'll agree that this will never sound the same on DVD.

[UdoKier]

1. Back atcha.

Agreed - even a home theater would not do this one justice. I feel like a studio hack saying this, but it's really worth the price of admission.

Sound effects were very good and scary, enhancing the overall effect.

I'm glad they chose to withhold the really good stuff from the trailer.

[jayfish]

6. The Sub I'm Using Right Now Comes Pretty Close.

and there are much better ones than it. I actually find cinema systems a bit harsh. That being said, I am itching to blow some money on "War of the Worlds" this weekend. Did your theater, by any chance have the trailer for "King Kong" running. I watched it today and it looks excellent.

Jay

[mike_c]

9. yes it did, as a matter of fact....

Took me a bit by surprise- I didn't know a remake was in progress. I'll wait to hear some reviews before I decide to see it. King Kong has never been a particularly compelling story for me.

[jayfish]

20. I Kinda Felt That Way About ...

the "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy. Peter Jackson changed my mind.

Jay

[mike_c]

22. oh yeah-- although in my case it was less a matter...

...of not thinking the story was compelling as just not thinking anyone could do it justice. Peter Jackson set a fantastic standard for LOTR.

[gmoney]

2. SPOILER:::

It's about spacemen...

[tjdee]

3. Is it exactly like Independence Day meets Signs?

I can't get that feeling out of my head.

Do the aliens look exactly like every other alien we've seen for the past decade, now?

[UdoKier]

4. The aliens are not that original-looking...

But they're not bad either. It's way scarier than Signs or Independence Day. A much better film than either of those.

[mike_c]

8. not even a little....

This is not a rah-rah movie or an X-files wannabe. War of the Worlds is the real deal. Even people who don't care for it will be amazed at what Spielberg has accomplished, I think. I can't WAIT to see him top it, because WOTW raises Spielberg's personal bar quite a bit, IMO.

I should mention that I'm just about as jaded a science fiction movie fan as anyone on Earth. I was fully expecting to give this one a C+. It's a definite A, and not just for special effects. Cruise does a very credible job in his role and Dakota Fanning is awesome. The effects are monumental on the one hand but understated on the other-- this is not a Star Wars battle of the matte paintings movie either. It is an acting and direction movie, with some otherworldly stuff thrown in for effect-- not to be the sole point.

[misanthrope]

10. Signs?!?!...

...Lord, I'd almost forgotten how bad that was until your post. My suggestion to Shymalan: learn some basic level science before you make a science fiction flick.

Absolutely pathetic in parts.

[Radio_Lady]

14. Their legs were longer and their faces were better shaped.

[Jamastiene]

5. I always like Spielberg movies for some reason.

My hometown has no movie theater, so I'll have to wait until it comes on HBO or something, but I am anxiously awaiting that moment.

[Left Is Write]

7. Thanks for the tip.

Despite our personal feelings about the movie's star, my husband and I both really want to see this one.

[Radio_Lady]

11. Good point! I made the same point last Monday when I started this thread

Tom Cruise is entitled to whatever views he wants to hold on Scientology or his love for his younger fiancee -- what I'm interested in -- as a movie reviewer -- is his performance in the new film "War of the Worlds." That's it! I give the movie a "B" -- give me your review if you wish!


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3533920

[evlbstrd]

12. I'm planning to see it at the drive-in this weekend.

It's playing with the new Batman for $7. And they put digital sound in the post speakers, promising the clearest, bestest drive-in sound ever. Along with the FM radio feed they provide ro propel all of the rolling boom boxes, it should be cool.

[mike_c]

19. I dunno, without those 15" woofers it's hard to imagine the sound...

...having the same punch. WOTW is a very visceral movie, in part because Spielberg uses the big sound so well. It's not just a matter of clarity-- it's sheer power, expecially in the low range.

[Radio_Lady]

21. Where in the heck are you? I'll bring my '57 Chevy over and we

can all go together!

How's the popcorn?

Seriously, is there a drive-in operating that REALLY does this? Or are you just toying with us?

[UdoKier]

13. The thing about it that struck me is that they are not just threatening...

... they're merciless, relentless killing machines.

It's not exactly gory, but it doesn't pull any punches, either.

[Radio_Lady]

16. UdoKier, I disagree --

Bodies floating in a river?

Blood and guts everywhere?

Not gory?

I am surprised the film only got a PG-13 rating.

[marigold20]

15. Just got back from seeing it

It was really good. Our "mega" theater has the most uncomfortable seats possible but I didn't even notice my aching back! It was not better than Batman Begins, but not worse.

[Radio_Lady]

17. Seems you agree with my husband, who rated "Batman Begins"

as "B" -- I gave "War of the Worlds" a "B" also.

[WhollyHeretic]

18. I just got home from the movies, I thought it was great and

people definitely need to see it in the theater. The special effects were amazing and it had some freaky scenes. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[misanthrope]

23. Read it first...

...As our culture moves further from literacy, it would the worst crime imaginable to rob yourself of a cornerstone of the science fiction genre just because it's easier to see it in a theater.

I've never seen the film that could match the literature from which it was drawn.