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Overall Rating : 6.5/10
Directed By : David Michael Latt
C. Thomas Howell (The Hitcher II)
Rhett Giles (Jolly Roger : Massacre At Cutter's Cove)
Andrew Lauer (The Beast Of Bray Road)
Jake Busey (Tomcats)
Supplied By : The Asylum
Film Reviewed By : Rick Blalock
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| PLOT In this modern retelling of H.G. Wells' sci-fi classic, civilization is laid to ruin when a race of super aliens invades Earth. |
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| THE REVIEW Many, people have made a fuss over The Asylum's H.G WELLS' WAR OF THE WORLDS, and Steven Spielberg's WAR OF THE WORLDS. They are saying they are too similar and that David Michael Latt and his Asylum group are "ripping off" and making a mockery out of Spielberg's version. These people that say this often also get upset when someone gives out a positive review out for this one, well here's another one for them to eat on! The story takes place when George Herbert, an astronomer, his wife in son plan to embark on a trip to Washington DC for the weekend. Their plans are immediately changed as mysterious aliens have landed only to begin a rampage, destroying literally everything in it's surroundings. With his wife and son leaving early unknowing of these attacks, George is left behind along with whomever is left to try to survive... and maybe reunite with his family. Now I have not ever read the H.G. Wells novel, or have I seen Spielberg's multi-million dollar version, so this review is purely based on the film...not what it has "ripped off or how faithful it is. All I can say is wow, this film really did impress me on many levels. This film probably deserves way more credit and praise that Spielberg's version, as The Asylum spent almost a million dollars and made it look like they were spoiled with that ridiculous amount that the other guys have. In my eyes there is no sane reason to have that much money at your expense to make a film, it is actually the heart and dedication that goes into a film, not how much pretty green paper you have. I think these people like Mr. Spielberg, use their millions to cover up their creative flaws, some of the most creative people in this world happen to be flat broke. Spielberg on the other hand hasn't made a good film in years, but has spent his money....remember his great film THE TERMINAL? Of course not... The only other time I have ever saw David Michael Latt direct, was when he directed the horrible, horrible, horrible SCARECROW SLAYER, that was by far one of the worst films i've ever seen. But with this film, Latt has completely redeemed himself, and has made me forget about the previous film I just mentioned. It seems as is Latt had this film all mapped out nicely, as it never tends to get slow or boring it just keeps going. I'd say this is above your average directing. The visual effects are absolutely amazing for a 1 million dollar or so budget, I must say I am quite impressed with it. There are a few instances, where the alien walking machines look kind of cheesy, so that subtracts a little from my score. Otherwise. the effects are great, it was stunning how on that budget they were able to create the digital rubble as well as they did.....you can't even tell it's digitally placed! The acting is great, you have C. Thomas Howell as our main character George, whom i'd rather watch any day of the week rather than a scientology obsessed loon like Tom Cruise anyway. Howell has the versatility and look that makes him the actor that he is. His look brings an intensity and passion to George, his character. In the supporting roles, are Rhett Giles whom has become sort of an Asylum "staple" if you will. Giles offers up is best performance I have seen from him so far. Jake Busey is also here, acting about as crazy as his father Gary as an uptight and upfront Lt. Samuelson...and does a pretty good job. Also having roles are Andrew Lauer, C. Thomas' son Dash Howell and Tinarie Van Wyk-Loots, as Felicity, George's wife....whom is incredibly hot by the way... This was a fairly well-rounded effort by The Asylum, and that effort certainly shows! |
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| GORE
METER 4/10 No much gore to it, this movie seems to be more about shock and sound scares... but it truly works this time around. |
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| MUSICAL
SCORE 5/10 the soundtrack isn't heard much, or at least not much as I can remember..... the movies sound is so good, who needs it? |
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| SPECIAL
FEATURES RATING 5.5/10 We have a "How'd They Do That?" feature, that explains the remarkable effects....I am still amazed that they did what they did! We as also get a behind the scenes feature with interviews with actors, deleted scenes and 2 different commentaries, I believe. |
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| OVERALL
IMPRESSION OF THE FILM This film is so impressive! It is by far the best Asylum film I have seen to date on so many levels. This film had a great plot, that kept you interested, and one that actually made you care about the characters, The sound is also the best I've heard The Asylum produce, and I've already saw many of their releases.....it nearly knocked me backwards! If you want to see, effortless, "paint by the numbers" fluff, as i'm sure it is....go see that "other version". But if you want to see well inspired dedication and hard work, as well as raw emotional genuine acting, see The Asylum's H.G. WELLS' WAR OF THE WORLDS! |
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