War of the Worlds

Let me just say that it was "War of the Worlds" night throughout Manila (or rather all over Ortigas-Mandaluyong area) tonight! There were two special screenings in Megamall: one by UP and the other by Medical City. There was also one in Shangri-La and in Galleria (sponsored by Wave 89.1). If there's a special screening in Makati, as well, that I do not know.

Also, Steven Spielberg didn't allow critics to review this film before its actual showing. Perhaps to avoid any ending spoilers to leak out. People have also speculated that it might be because of the water squirting incident that happened to Tom Cruise in London. What is the relation with that? Beats me! Dunno!
Anyway, I won't do any technical assessments about the film. Because, as always, the Steven Spielberg delivers! No doubt about that. I'd rather do character analysis re the leads in the film. I believe that this movie was well-acted and well-characterized. More than a special effects film, this movie is about people trapped in catasthropic times.

Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, a father of two. He is a father who tries his best to know his children despite the gap that they feel from one another. He is the kind who wants to be a buddy kind of dad because he seldom sees his kids. During the first few minutes, it was shown how he tries to have fun with them. However, it never works because they need a strong father figure than a buddy. But what does he know? Even he, himself, likes the excitement and thrill of being a boy. So, instead of realizing the danger that the machines had brought, he was mesmerized. After the true tragedy sinks in, though, the fun and excitement stopped for him. He realized that he had kids to attend to and save more than himself. More than anything in the world, his obligations are with his children. Having a kid like myself, I understood where he was coming from when he killed Ogilvy (Tim Robbins). In desperate times, family matters most.

Justin Chatwin as Robby, Ray's oldest son. At first, it might seemed that he wanted to become a hero (or magpaka-bayani, in Tagalog) by wanting to be where the action is. But it wasn't his intention. Like any other teens, yes, he wanted to be where the action is! He wanted to be a first-hand witness to the history that was unfolding before them. He gets it from his father. Not exactly knowing the grave perils that would come, he wanted to be let go.

Dakota Fanning as Rachel, the youngest daughter. Like any kid, she gets hysterical and terrified with any signs of danger. She'd run away whenever she feels threatened and go to a place where she'd think it's safe. In the end, it's the embrace from her dad that would calm her down. It reassures her that everything would be alright.

"War of the Worlds" will be a good addition to Tom Cruise's resume. It is a different character for him basically because he is a father in the film. It was quite awkward watching him act as a father at first because we are not used to seeing him like that. He is either a bachelor or a hero in his movies. But it picks up in the middle. He was able to redeem himself.

Now, what happened with the aliens in the end? There's only one answer to that: They don't belong on earth! Nature took its course! If there are aliens that would try to end human's existence on earth, they should first be immune to whatever it is we have here!

This movie is scary as hell! I wouldn't want to be in the same predicament as them! Not even in my imagination! I was grabbing the hand of my partner all throughout the film!