I saw it. Great realism in a disaster-movie sense. Focus on family drama is limiting. Ends abruptly, like a thrill ride, and when it's over, you go, "Is that it?"

The '53 version was richer, more interesting and satisfying both because the main characters were more appealing, and the Martians were presented with a greater sense of mystique by impressario George Pal. Spielberg's version is all gut-knotting tension, coming in spurts, like a rollercoaster, with short respites between setpieces, which escalate in grimmness until the film suddenly peters out and the family unit is rather unconvincingly reunited. The gritty authenticity of Spielberg's effects is great though, and I detected an influence of Topps' Mars Attacks cards in the way that crowds of unfortunates met their sorrowful ends.