Writer: Siti Munawirah Mustaffa

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Watch this if you liked: “The War of the Worlds”

Throughout the film's introduction, thoughts of a particular computer game during the 90's called "The Last Express" came to the reviewer's mind as the similarities bring back good, old nostalgia- scenic European background, periodic 19th till 20th century and of course, exhaust trains. To add up the melancholy, the beautiful background music was enough to move the reviewer in anticipating how the next scene is going to be like.

One could have guessed just how excited Malaysians are when hearing about this steam-punk, sci-fi film that is said to be the most expensive animation in Malaysia. And as much as the world places its hope on A.R.E.S, the same weigh is brought upon by viewers who seek for something more than just a typical local film, especially when it features our very own Tony Eusoff as a Malayan Bugis Prince named Raja Iskandar Shah.

Set in an alternate-reality Manhattan, New York in 1914 amidst a steam-punk setting, "War of the Worlds Goliath" tells the tale of Mother Earth being left at stake during a perilous Martian invasion. The world's only hope lies in a small resistance force, A.R.E.S., led by Teddy Roosevelt (Jim Byrnes) and General Sergei Kushnirov (Rob Middleton).

On the surface, the film scores well in terms of graphics and effects - elements which help to elevate it onto international recognition. But like any other films that place much emphasis on graphics and effects, "War of the Worlds Goliath" lacks in several other departments i.e mundane storyline, cliche dialogues and cardboard characters, which end up not making it any much different from TV animations back in the 80's. Rather unfortunate, indeed, as the film seems to have so much potential as a great animation.

In spite of the cliche and the bland storyline, "War of the Worlds Goliath" is a good attempt and is one of the films that help to make good contributions to the local film industry. And personally, the reviewer feels that more credit should be given to Luka Kuncevic, a composer responsible for the ear-catching soundtracks. One thing for sure, she would not hesitate in adding all the music to her playlist.

Cinema Online, 17 November 2012