War of the Worlds arrives with a spectacular (and terrifying) bang only a mere six months after going into production. A brilliant feat considering that one of Steven Spielberg's earliest films (a little picture called Jaws) went over schedule and over budget. Virtually every film The Beard (as he's referred to by legions of movie geek fans) has made since, has not only come in on (or under) budget, but he's done so in record time. He's become quite the mad man when it comes to shooting schedules (it's been widely reported that Catch Me if You Can was shot in under a month).

There have been different incarnations of War of the Worlds. There was the source material (a book written by the legendary H.G. Wells), an astonishing radio broadcast - one that actually struck panic in those who thought they were listening to an actual news report - by the brilliant Orson Welles, and, of course, there was that outstanding 50's sci fi picture Produced by George Pal and Directed by Byron Haskin. This version is contemporary and not only retains the spirit of previous versions, but also serves as a Spielberg retrospective. When you see it, you'll know what I mean.

The focal point of this version of War of the Worlds revolves around self centered, blue collar divorcee Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) who, while taking care of his kids Robbie (Justin Chatwin) and Rachel (Dakota Fanning) for the weekend, is plunged into a horrifying nightmare when Earth is, without warning, attacked by an alien life form. Without much of a clue as to how he might protect himself and his children, he quickly acts on impulse, and attempts to lead his loved ones to safety. This brings him face to face with the evil that is trying to conquer the world.

Firstly, it should be noted that this War of the Worlds is truly terrifying. The first twenty minutes of the picture immediately set the stage at a fast and furious clip. While there certainly is awe-inspiring grandeur to be found here (my jaw was touching the floor for most of the first act), this film isn't much interested in the same sense of wonder and innocence that one might associate with the benevolent creatures in Spielberg's expertly crafted Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. No, this is an entirely different kind of beast, and quite the nasty one I might add. Several people die in this picture (mostly by way of disintegration) and I wasn't quite prepared for this. I figured going in that Spielberg wanted this film to be the polar opposite of his other alien endeavors, but I wasn't sure how far he'd take it. I understood within the first thirty minutes what exactly he had in store for his unsuspecting audience.

War of the Worlds is also, as the title indicates outright, a war picture. Many of the themes running throughout the film are similar to ones we've seen in various war pictures including Spielberg's very own Saving Private Ryan. And clearly this movie, while fantasy, is relevant given today's world, and in fact, there is a scene early on in War of the Worlds, in which one character fears that the pending doom is part of a terrorist attack. Spielberg plays these themes realistically although there are moments when the picture becomes slightly heavy-handed (particularly where young Robbie's views on the war are concerned.)

Not surprisingly, there is a more intimate tale at the center of this huge movie and it is the story between Ray and his kids (the broken family is a common thread in many Spielberg films). It's obvious that Ray will at some point re-connect with his children, and I bought into Cruise's character arc. It is well developed and never too melodramatic. I really believed it. Cruise is able to sell this role, which is quite admirable given that his Ray really isn't a very nice guy to begin with. Dakota Fanning is terrific as always, and while she appears smarter than your average ten year old, she also lends vulnerability to the role. She is, after all, just a child, and her scenes of panic are well played. This is a little girl who is witnessing images that will haunt her for the rest of her life should she make it through the ordeal. Justin Chatwin has some nice moments as Ray's teenage son. In particular, he shows some surprisingly heroic moves during a ferry boat attack.

The special effects are of particular interest in War of the Worlds. Not because they're impressive (which they are) but because of how they're used. Everything we as an audience see in this picture, Ray and his children see. As grand as the movie and it's effects are, Spielberg and his ILM team aren't interested in showing off. The effects are used to enhance the experience, not become the experience.

I always feel slightly biased when reviewing a Spielberg film because I'm just such a huge fan. I've debated and debated and debated with friends, colleagues and fellow film lovers about this director. I know people who think he ruined the industry by creating the blockbuster, while others complain about his penchant for sentimentality (which War of the Worlds has a surprising lack of - save for a slightly sappy ending). This doesn't sway my opinion in the slightest. More than any other movie maker, Mr. Spielberg is responsible for my love of film. Be it Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Schindler's List, or the flawed but compelling A.I., most of his work has left a long lasting impression on me in some shape or form. War of the Worlds is sort of a culmination of various techniques he's used through the years. This film offers up shades of Jurassic Park (there's an intense set piece that occurs in a basement - it has that Raptor kitchen sequence written all over it, and it also recalls the water tentacle in James Cameron's The Abyss), Empire of the Sun (a scene in which Dakota Fanning witnesses an angry mob trying to break into her father's vehicle is reminiscent of the Shanghai invasion sequence in which a young Christian Bale finds himself in a similar situation), and even Schindler's List (as the aliens are running Americans from their homes, I was instantly reminded of the liquidation of the ghetto). But mostly, War of the Worlds is just a great big thrill ride, and perhaps the scariest tale Spielberg has ever committed to film. The PG-13 rating is well earned. This is not a movie for young kids.

It would be easy to knit pick at War of the Worlds as it is a flawed movie. I've read reviews that have proclaimed the picture pointless and clunky (Roger Ebert even dared to say that this picture lacks the dimension of The Day After Tomorrow-WHAT!) . I would beg to differ. Miss Congeniality 2 is pointless and clunky. Without giving anything away to those of you who aren't familiar with where the story ends up (I'm referring to who wins the war and how), the climax (or lack thereof) of the picture has been a big source of the complaints. Ironically enough though, many of these same viewers were quick to praise Independence Day. For my money, War of the Worlds is the better movie. It takes the awe inspiring theatrics of Independence Day and the intimacy of M. Night Shyamalan's Signs and fuses them together in what I believe is a much richer and far more fulfilling experience. The resolution in the film, while a tad abrupt, makes sense and is in keeping with other versions of the story. This picture purposely ditches the awful, intrusive jokes that nearly ruined Independence Day and instead gives us a pretty damn scary "what if aliens attacked" scenario. And, as Shyamalan did with Signs, Spielberg opts to tell the entire story from the point of view of one family, but in a slightly less heavy handed way. No priests regaining their faith here.

War of the Worlds doesn't end as spectacularly as it starts (the final act in which Cruise's Ray meets a crazed but patriotic survivor played by Tim Robbins, is a tad sluggish), but Spielberg's direction is extremely efficient as always and his amazing cast and creative effects team elevate the proceedings. I don't believe this is the type of movie that will draw in repeat business. It's dour and extremely dark, but I for one can't wait to see it again. I found it exhilarating. It's nice to see Spielberg at the helm of a huge summer movie again. This is my favorite high profile film of the season thus far. Now bring on Indy IV damn it!