Spielberg's 'War' Out of This World

July 1, 2005 -- -- I know it's not even July, and any meteorologist will tell you that summer isn't over until September. But for movie critics, it has already ended. The summer movie with the most thrills, the best special effects, and heart-thumping suspense -- the film that's simply the most fun -- just hit theaters.

Steven Spielberg didn't let us know what the aliens looked like before "War of the Worlds" was released, but here are a couple of things to watch out for: When the star says, "Don't worry, everything is going to be fine," start worrying. And when the star says, "Lightening never strikes twice in the same place," get ready to duck.

Tom Cruise doesn't bounce off the couches in this one, but he may have you hiding under your seat. He plays a deadbeat dad, who works on the Jersey waterfront, and his ex-wife has just remarried. It's his weekend with the kids -- played by Justin Chatwin and Dakota Fanning -- and the world comes to an end. I hate when that happens.

Part of the genius here is that the story is told from Cruise's point of view. We don't know anything he doesn't. We don't see anything he doesn't. We're never sure what these things attacking our planet are, or where they come from. Spielberg keeps us guessing. He wants you to see the movie. And you will.

Steven Spielberg is a great director and this is a great Steven Spielberg film. Grade: A-