Amazon Prime News: War of the Worlds Reboot
With its innovative screenlife format and talented cast, the new adaptation of "War of the Worlds" had the potential to be a thrilling and thought-provoking film, but ultimately falls short due to its underdeveloped themes and inconsistent character portrayal, making it a lackluster addition to the Prime Video library.
A modern-day adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic novel "War of the Worlds" is set to debut on Prime Video on July 30, starring Ice Cube and Eva Longoria in a unique, screenlife film format that follows a cyber-security analyst uncovering a government conspiracy.
The film, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, uses a distinctive format, placing the audience inside the action through the lenses of phones, computers, and tablets, creating a visceral, first-person experience. The story follows Ice Cube's character, a domestic terror analyst, as he navigates a global alien invasion while dealing with his own family issues.
The movie's action is limited to glitchy video clips and surveillance footage, and its climax features a Prime delivery guy saving the day by ordering a drone on Amazon. The film's themes of parenting and control are underdeveloped, and its portrayal of Ice Cube's character is inconsistent. Despite some clever tricks in the script, the film has received mixed reviews from viewers, with many finding it a disappointing and unconvincing take on a classic tale.
The release of "War of the Worlds 2025" on Prime Video has sparked concerns about the quality of the film, which was originally supposed to be distributed by Universal Pictures. The movie's unique format and star-studded cast may not be enough to save it from its overall lackluster reception, leaving fans of the classic novel underwhelmed.