Ain't it Cool News had this to say about a new production of the classic H.G. Wells story, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg
This Time The Aliens Have Had Their Flu Shots........
To Whom It May Concern (Pretty much everyone on the planet).
Everyone should find out tomorrow morning (12th) but I wanted to be the first to announce the VERY exciting news that summer 2005 we will see Tom Cruise battle some invading alien A-holes in a modern retelling of “War of the Worlds”. If that wasn’t news enough, it is to be directed by Steven “Isn’t it about time I made another movie with aliens?” Spielberg. This news comes from a friend in a very senior position at Paramount “Damn, we’ve got some kick ass movies coming out!!” Studios.
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Variety, I think, did announce this was happening, due to MI:3 waiting for JJ Abrams to have free time.
I'm not sure how I feel about placing the story in a modern context though. I rather enjoy listening to Jeff Wayne's musical version and having it placed in the proper timeframe.
Posted by Semi Transparent Fellow on :
I have Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds on cd. I particularly like Justin Hayward's contributions and the opening number, which starts "the chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one ... but still they come..." I also have the 1979 ep vinyl disco version of it. It had some success in the gay discos at the time.
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
The opening number always hooks me, my favorite part. And Richard Burton's narrative is classic Burton. For me it only starts to fall down near the end with the insane artilleryman's rant (Brave New World).
Don't know if I've ever heard the disco version. Was that the one with the remixes of The Eve of War and Forever Autumn?
Posted by l.e.g.i.o.n.JOHN on :
quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad:
I'm not sure how I feel about placing the story in a modern context though. I rather enjoy listening to Jeff Wayne's musical version and having it placed in the proper timeframe.
i still enjoy watching the 50's sci-fi classic movie version of War of the Words. when ever AMC airs it i make sure to watch it. say lightning lad, didn't justin heywood or the entire Moody blues do a sound track for War of the Worlds in some kind of stage production in great britian a few years back?
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by l.e.g.i.o.n.JOHN:
quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad:
I'm not sure how I feel about placing the story in a modern context though. I rather enjoy listening to Jeff Wayne's musical version and having it placed in the proper timeframe.
i still enjoy watching the 50's sci-fi classic movie version of War of the Words. when ever AMC airs it i make sure to watch it. say lightning lad, didn't justin heywood or the entire Moody blues do a sound track for War of the Worlds in some kind of stage production in great britian a few years back?
That would be the Jeff Wayne version Semi and I are talking about. Its a great album if you can find it.
As for watching the 50's classic, that and When Worlds Collide are two of the best classic sci-fi movies that I like to catch when ever possible.
Posted by Semi Transparent Fellow on :
I also love the War of the Worlds with Gene Barry. That and the Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux version of The Time Machine, and Day the Earth Stood Still, are my favorite sci-fi movies. I still experience the thrill I got when I first saw them as a kid. I have all 3 on dvd and they are perfect for watching on a dreary Sunday afternoon.
Posted by rickshaw1 on :
Well, wasn't that essentially what Independence Day was? Just a slicker retelling?
I have seen the original WOTW's, as well as ID, and i heard, a long time ago, the Original with Wells.
To be honest, I probably wouldn't go see it just because of Cruise. I know he is a fan fav, but he just kinda leaves me cold. I was in the hotel that hosted the wrap party in Darlington, SC the night they closed up Days of Thunder, and the entire hotel was invited. I had much more fun with my date at the time.
Just personal preference, i know. But it doesn't really interest me. Some classics can't be bettered.
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
It needs to be set in Britain, in Victorian times. And if they have had their flu jabs it kind of negates the point Wells was making dosent it.
Still it will be full of special effects, shiny white teeth and the good old USA saving the day "again" making it a box office success.
In fact given that its speilberg, i am now resigned to seeing a "cute" Martian who helps "us" to win.
Posted by matlock on :
Just once I'd like to see something like "War Of The Worlds" adapted without stripping it from it's original setting. I suppose that there is some sort of assumption that audiences couldn't accept a resolution like the one at the end of "War" but honestly, what will seem more plausible in 25 year's time - Well's ending or some crap like the "download a computer virus" ending of Independence Day?
Posted by Semi Transparent Fellow on :
While I would prefer to have it set in Victorian times, I trust Speilberg to be able to update the film while remaining true to the spirit of H.G. Wells' tale. I think Speilberg has proven himself to be a first rate filmaker, not only of blockbusters, but also of character driven films and period pieces. Whatever he does, you know the effects are going to up the ante once again and you know you're going to go see it.
Posted by STU on :
I wonder how many people are going to fall for it this time.
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
I'm not terribly excited by this.
I loved the novel and the original film. I even thought that TV series from a few years back had some good moments. Tom Cruise, feh.