Review of The War of the Worlds (1953) by Ryan V — 08 Feb 2015

HG Wells intended War Of The Worlds to be a commentary on British imperialism, so it's a bit ironic to see it updated to reflect American paranoia regarding communism. This 1953 cinematic rendition keeps several of the original novel's story beats, but it adds nuclear worries, "folksiness", and a hammy current of religious symbolism.

This version of War Of The Worlds can often feel like a museum piece and it's arguably more dated than its source material. Still, it has some technicolor vibrancy, creative special effects, and it serves as a pop culture window into America during the mid-20th century.