The War of the Worlds

[countchocula]

http://a408.g.akamai.net/f/408/1284/24h/image.netflix.com/NetFlix_Assets/boxshots/large/1103939.jpg

I think of this film as an elderly relative. I love it, but I don't like it. I respect its place in cinematic history, and I value the inexhaustible influence it had on the genre, but being that it's an archetype, it rifles through haggard tropes like nobody's business. It single-handedly invented so many clichés, that it can be a chore to sit through if you've already seen its shameless photocopies. I also didn't care for the clerical, god-fearing resolution. The War of the Worlds couldn't end on a more contrived note. That said, I relished the vivid colors, the unique UFO's, the stark landscapes, and the adept character development. This film is obligatory viewing for any self-respecting sci-fi/horror nerd, but I prefer its shameless photocopies.

[Elgyn]

I used to LOVE this movie when I was a wee lad (and the original book ain`t bad either)!
I was fascinated with the look of the UFOs, and also the martian that is shown for a few split seconds.
I`ll always remember the scene early in the movie when a few guys approach the first UFO to "welcome" it, and are greeted with a nasty surprise.


P.S. - Do you remember that weird TV show spinoff from the 80`s, which used the same UFO design as the movie?

[Cronos]

i loved this when i was younger, i liked everything about it and it was a lot of fun but i havent seen it for 9 years or so, i really must find this

[pyscho dude]

I saw some of it in my english class some time ago. It looked pretty cheezy and corny. P.S. I hear Spielberg's gonna remake this movie.

[ParileseMonster]

Yep he is going to remake it and as much as I hate remakes anymore I will probally see his version only because he has been a director for a long time and most of his films I do have appreciation for.
That is the only reason. You will not see me support any remake from a newcomer or anyone who has made stupid movies for that matter. That is my choice.

[Gluttony]

Count basically said it all. I feel exactly the same way, only more hateful towards War of the Worlds in itself. I didn't like the movie when I was a child... and I still don't now.

On the Spielberg remake, I don't like Spielberg. I like some of his movies, but for the most part he puts the same damn themes in most of his movies and I have never enjoyed seeing the same damn underlying messages every time. Harumph.

He can make his remake, but I don't want to see it.

[countchocula]

Big-budget remakes are usually cause for concern, but I have faith that Spielberg will give it some degree of depth.

Elgyn, I've read about the TV series, but I've never actually seen it. 'Twas a bit before my time.

[the dead one]

A friend of mine use to watch the WOTW t.v. show religiously, I caught it every now and then. It was some what a departure from the movie, I do remember it was pretty creepy. This show had a very dark tone, it was graphic and violent! The show was horror oriented and the target of censorship, due to it's intense nature. They even had a warning before the show would air, viewer discrection was advised!!

It was pretty cool actually :cool:

If they ever get War of the Worlds back in syndication, I recommend that horror fans should check it out!

As far as the DVD goes...WHY the hell wasn't this thing in WIDESCREEN?

[ParileseMonster]

The original WOTW was made in '53, which is the first year that widescreen/CinemaScope photography was used - Fox started this process with The Robe, and only certain theaters could play films this way. They had to pay for special equipment. Prior to this, and even for a few years after, films were shot 1.33:1, which is basically flat/full screen.

[the dead one]

I thought that might be the case, but I wasn't sure. My worst fear has been realized for this movie! Oh well, thanks for the info ParileseMonster... By the way have you ever seen the t.v. show? If so what did you think of it?

[ParileseMonster]

I did watch it and I did like it at the time. I was younger and I am curious to see if as an adult I would still like them but I have not seen an episode in years. I also liked V and Alien Nation tv series as well. It just seems that then they sure did know how to make a good show, stuff now sucks ass!