Im just a little shocked. I could have sworn when Independence Day came out, Spielberg said he wouldnt make a movie that portrayed aliens negatively. Does anybody else recall him saying that?

Tony,

YOU MUST GO RENT THIS MOVIE! Unless you absolutely abhor older films. This movie was (and still is) a classic! The plot is Aliens invade earth, and start systematically exterminating us. The setting was the 50's I believe... maybe earlier, it's been a while since I've seen it. The part Tom would be playing hasn't been announced yet. Obviously someone important... although wouldn't it be refreshing to see him play a "supporting roll"? Something else I've been thinking about is weather or not Spielberg would keep the movie in it's original 50's setting, or will he have the movie take place in present time? It will be an interesting film from any perspective I think.

- Josh ;)

Actually, in today's market, blockbusters are made for a loss. This is actually a workable business model because:

1) losses can be written off of your taxes (thus, you pay less tax while giving yourself a $5 billion bonus);
2) movies are made for profits to be made in the next 10, 15 years--basically, money for the studio for a long time (one of the few instances that movie studios think about the long term).

Onnjay, I don't know what you're talking about when you say "hes not that rich." He has over 2 billion dollars.

Nobody puts $350 million dolars of their own money into a film if it may flop (before you go on about Mel Gibson: his film was only $20 million, and he was very passionate about the subject matter, and before you go on about Spielberg not being: it just sounds like it's against his beliefs and ethics that he always talks about. There, that covered all my bases right?) and I dont think he has over 2 billion dollars, that number may be a little too high (I could be wrong).

Movie was released in 1953. It'll be interesting to see what spielberg does with the untoppable martian machines. Being of an advanced age, I saw this as a theatrical release/at that time the effect was sensational.

the speial effects are still quite jaw-dropping today (sure they're dated, but admire how they did them)

Spielberian Gizmo.
Why is this guy sticking with the same stars lately? Tom cruise, tom hanks....?
Like anthony Mighella which in almost all of his films jude law is starring. Anyway war of the worlds its just another invation story, and Spiely always had a thing with aliens, as for the movie of the century thing...well i dont know about that but the director is returning to his roots filming a film that will probably capture the imagination of youngsters all over the world, as for me personally, an invasion movie cant be the movie of the century.