The War of the Worlds

_**Clark Kent & Lois Lane face an invasion of Martians!**_ A flaming meteor lands near a small town in rural California, yet it turns out it’s not really a meteor, but rather the beginning of an extraterrestrial invasion! “The War of the Worlds” (1953) loosely interprets H.G. Wells' classic 1898 novel and moves the events up to the mid-20th century wherein Earthlings have modern weapons at their disposal, including the atomic bomb. Gene Barry and Ann Robinson play the protagonists, who are seriously reminicent of Clark Kent & Lois Lane. The movie wisely focuses on the alien invasion as seen through their eyes, which naturally gives the story human interest. The Martian vessels are superbly depicted and very threatening. Even better, the flick doesn’t skimp on showing the aliens up-close-and-personal and they’re even better than those in the 2005 reimagining (the one with Tom Cruise). While the first two acts are compelling sci-fi cinema of the highest order (in its quaint early 50’s way), the story somewhat loses it’s captivating power in the last act when the story switches to Earth vs. the Martians and Clark, I mean Dr. Forrester, stumbling around post-apocalyptic Los Angeles desperately searching for Lois, I mean Sylvia. The film runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and was shot in Southern Cal & Arizona. GRADE: A-/B+

Not great in terms of the script, acting or the abrupt ending, the practical effects were impressive and a lot of fun with the Martian ships flying and causing mayhem and destruction. I can imagine this wowed audiences back in '53. **3.0/5**

“The War of the Worlds” now restored in 4K HD with its lovely looking technicolour and amazing surround sound really has elevated this movie to a higher level than any previous release. Made during the height of optimism in 1953 “The War of the Worlds” was and still is quite horrific and unnerving. The joys of the Atomic age are highlighted by the beauty of the alien spacecraft and the atom bomb being the answer to stopping any invading force. What is genuinely good about ”The War of the Worlds” is the way it goes for the horror element rather than any melodrama. The vague romance only acts as connecting dialogue between the hysterical panic and extreme action that takes centre stage throughout. The dark themes that were common place during the 1950’s are clearly on show, fear of invasion from a military force out to decimate and lack of confidence in governments to protect is quite apparent. Equally relevant today with recent pandemics, lock downs and threat of nuclear war in Europe, “The War of the Worlds” reminds us we all live under fear of invasion while governed by indecisive smugness.