Overview
Ice Cube’s latest film, “War of the Worlds,” currently ranks as the top movie on Amazon Prime Video. However, it has become a subject of ridicule online due to widespread criticism from viewers and critics alike, with many describing it as “tragic” and “cheap-looking.” The film has achieved an unusual 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.
Key Information
The movie is a reimagining of H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel and features Ice Cube as a Homeland Security computer security agent dealing with an alien invasion. The narrative unfolds exclusively through computer screens, showcasing characters’ interactions on video calls.
Despite being the No. 1 film on the platform as of Wednesday, it has faced harsh criticism, securing a 0% critic score and a mere 17% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed by Rich Lee, making his feature film debut, the cast includes Eva Longoria, Clark Gregg, Andrea Savage, and Henry Hunter Hall. Lee previously directed music videos for artists like Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish.
Critics’ Opinions on “War of the Worlds”
Critic Peter Debruge from Variety dismissed the film as a “cheap-looking thriller,” questioning Ice Cube’s performance, which he described as having “two expressions: a resting scowl and nuclear overreaction.” Ed Power from The Daily Telegraph labeled it “one of the most tragic things Prime has put on screen,” claiming it drains the excitement from the alien invasion plot. Korey Coleman, a film critic, lamented the lack of effort put into the production, especially criticizing its graphics and the computer screen format.
Response From Social Media Users
The film has gained popularity on social media, primarily due to user mockery. YouTube creator penguinz0 criticized it in a viral video titled “This is Actually the Worst Movie I’ve Ever Seen,” amassing 3.5 million views, where he labeled it as “an insult to the entire medium of making movies.” Another user described the film as “hilariously awful,” sharing a specific scene where an Amazon delivery driver assists Ice Cube’s character.
Production Background
“War of the Worlds” began production in 2020, although the release took five years. Produced by Timur Bekmambetov, known for other computer-screen films, the movie was crafted to resonate with modern audiences by asking how aliens would invade today, suggesting that it would likely be viewed on smartphones.
Previous Adaptations
Notably, prior adaptations of Wells’ novel have been more successful, such as the 2005 version directed by Steven Spielberg, which starred Tom Cruise and earned a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes along with three Academy Award nominations. Spielberg’s rendition also grossed an impressive $604 million worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film of that year.
