 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The War of the Worlds (1953)
- Review Date: October 30, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Classic
- 1953
Common Sense Media says
Some grisly and scary parts. Not for young 'uns.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is apocalyptic in its nature. The film deals with an attempt by Martians to invade and colonize the planet. Much of the film focuses on alien-on-human violence and the aliens' attempts to eliminate Earth's human occupants. There's a grisly off-screen murder. Characters drink and smoke.
What's the story?
When aliens touch down in sunny California, it's bad news for the planet -- especially when they start destroying cities and shooting at everything that moves. WAR OF THE WORLDS explores what might happen if some of our intergalactic neighbors proved less than friendly. The action starts when a strange meteor lands outside a small town. Noted scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry) comes in to investigate and quickly teams up with Sylvia Van Buren (Ann Robinson). When almost everyone returns to town for a square dance, the "meteor" opens up, revealing itself as an alien spaceship. The visitors quickly demonstrate they're not looking to make friends with the neighbors by killing the three men who try to greet them. What follows is the "war" of the title, as the human race tries to defend itself, and the alien visitors fly around zapping everything in sight.
Is it any good?
When Orson Welles did a radio broadcast of War of the Worlds, people thought aliens really were invading. While director Byron Haskin's film version is nowhere near as convincing, it's still a great example of the science fiction genre.
This original War of the Worlds is a true classic, but unfortunately, it is dated to the period that produced it. In particular, the special effects, cutting-edge in 1953, now seem hokey. However, aside from the dated production values, the movie really is top-notch. For viewers who have an appreciation of older films, or who are interested in film history, this sci-fi classic is a must-see.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the "science" of this science-fiction film, particularly if some viewers have an interest in outer space. Other possible topics for discussion might include the film's Cold War historical context or the concept of colonization. How might the Martians' attempt to take over the entire planet compare to the empire-building of nation-states? Why don't the Martians attempt to communicate with the people of Earth?
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AGE
Probably was great back in the 50's, but by today's standards this movie is too dull and campy to be suspenseful. Recommended for fans of science fiction classics only.
As for content, there is some violence but nothing at all extreme. Good for kids 8+
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AGE
an excellent story with great special effects for its time some may fine it boring or outdated but its got a great campy supenseful fell to it
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AGE
14+?!?! Seriously Common Sense? How Stupid Are You?
Ok first off i want to say Common Sense Media you are so STUPID! i mean seriously??? 14+?!? I saw this movie and it was extremly boring and cheasy. With cheasy speacial effects (that didn't look real at all) and stupid woman standing there screaming all the movie long saying "NO! PLEASE HELP ME! NO JARED YOU MUSN'T GO! WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!" And blah, blah, blah! I would rate this on for 6! I mean yeah there is some explosions and a LITTLE tension. So what? Do you honestly think that's going to scare people under 14? Ha well than you guys must be scardy cats than. Oh, also 4 stars? Seriously? I would give it one because i could barley hear the explosions over that loud lady screaming all the time. Jeeeeeezzzz
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AGE
the newer one is much better
I watched this movie a few days ago and i was really dissapointed. The special effects where really really lame and you could actually see the alien spaceships being held up by strings! So lame! And what the heck common sense ON for age 14! and off for ages 1-12! There's barley anything in that movie! It was really really lame!
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AGE
It's way more fun and much more intelligent than Spielberg's version.
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AGE
what the heck common sense?
14+?! i saw this movie when i was 5 years old. and did it scare me 1 bit? no. it is NOT that violent!!!
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AGE
War of the Worlds-1953
The movie has been described as the "Star Wars of its time." Even if you can see the strings holding up the spaceships. The story is true to H.G. Wells' theme of one culture holding technological superiority over another culture as well as containing the 1950s themes of, paranoia of Communism, and sort of a blind faith in science and military domination. The down side is that in this version o f " War of the Worlds", no other cultures,either of race or religion, seem to exist in the United States. Although an African-American friend said he saw the movie as a kid and thought it was great. Young women's roles consist of serving coffee to men and screaming in horror. You can be a smart woman if you're older, relatively unattractive, and foreign. Still, great fun, a sci-fi classic.
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AGE
Blubber is a cool movie
This is a pretty good movie, apart from the fact it,s an old movie so the effects aren't brilliant. Minor explosions and aliens and stuff, so fine for kids
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AGE
Good for 8 year olds
I think this movie has a lot of peril, but there are no graphic images. also they have good role models because they dont give up no matter what
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Byron Haskin |
| Cast: | Ann Robinson, Gene Barry, Les Tremayne |
| Genre: | Classic |
| Run time: | 85 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 26, 1953 |
| DVD release date: | May 13, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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