A new screenlife adaptation of H.G. Wells’ sci-fi classic “War of the Worlds” has detonated on Prime Video – not with alien tripods, but with critical annihilation. Starring Ice Cube, the film has earned a notorious 0% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, joining an infamous club of cinema failures. Released on July 30, this modern retelling swaps Victorian England for computer screens but retains none of the novel’s tension or ingenuity, sparking widespread derision and morbid curiosity despite its historic low rating.
Why Did War of the Worlds Score 0% on Rotten Tomatoes?
Critics universally panned the film for its incoherent plot, wooden acting, and baffling creative choices. Variety condemned its “cheap-looking thriller” aesthetics and overt Amazon Prime product placement, noting the screenlife format – which unfolds entirely through digital devices – felt like a gimmick devoid of suspense. LMO’s review was scathing: “Ice Cube can’t even seem to drink a coffee convincingly. Everyone else was there for a cheap paycheque.” ABC4 added the movie “fails at being a movie itself,” citing glitchy visuals and nonsensical storytelling.
Audience reviews (12% on Rotten Tomatoes) echoed the fury. One viewer called it “unwatchable trash written by a 10-year-old using ChatGPT,” while others mocked its plot holes and “beyond unbelievable” action sequences. The backlash highlights three core failures:
- Weak Script & Performances: Dialogue and character development were criticized as laughably shallow.
- Misused Technology: The screenlife approach, effective in films like “Searching,” felt distracting and poorly executed.
- Brand Overload: Constant Amazon Prime references shattered immersion, turning scenes into awkward ads.
Is Anyone Watching This Prime Video Flop?
Surprisingly, yes. Defying its abysmal reception, the film rocketed to #1 on Prime Video’s U.S. Top 10 chart before settling at #3 by August 5. Many viewers admitted tuning in solely to witness the trainwreck. “Holy f*king sht: we may have a new ‘so bad it’s good’ classic,” tweeted one. Another called it “unhinged,” questioning if it was an April Fools’ joke. This paradox – hate-watching fueling streaming numbers – underscores how viral notoriety can override quality concerns on platforms.
Who Stars in the Prime Video Adaptation?
Ice Cube leads as a U.S. government computer security analyst battling Martian invaders digitally. He’s joined by Eva Longoria, Clark Gregg (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Andrea Savage, and Henry Hunter Hall. Despite the cast’s credentials, their performances were lambasted as disengaged, with critics suggesting they “phoned it in.”
Despite its star power and Prime Video’s reach, this War of the Worlds remake is a masterclass in missed opportunities. Stream it only if you relish cinematic disasters – for everyone else, explore acclaimed sci-fi like “The Boys” or our guide to 2024’s best streaming films instead.
Must Know
Q: Where can I watch the new War of the Worlds movie?
A: It’s exclusively streaming on Amazon Prime Video as of July 30, 2024. No theatrical release preceded it.
Q: Has any film ever recovered from a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score?
A: Rarely. Examples like 2021’s “365 Days: This Day” stayed near 0%, though some cult classics like “The Room” gained ironic followings years later.
Q: Why use the screenlife format for War of the Worlds?
A: Director Rich Lee aimed for modern relevance, but critics say it worsened the storytelling by limiting scope and creating visual monotony.
Q: Will this affect Ice Cube’s career?
A: Unlikely. His iconic status (e.g., “Friday,” “Boyz n the Hood”) insulates him, though it may deter future sci-fi offers.
Q: Are there better War of the Worlds adaptations?
A: Yes. Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film (74% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the BBC’s 2019 series offer superior takes on Wells’ invasion narrative.
Q: Did the filmmakers respond to the backlash?
A: No official statements exist. The silence suggests awareness of the film’s reception.
জুমবাংলা নিউজ সবার আগে পেতে Follow করুন জুমবাংলা গুগল নিউজ, জুমবাংলা টুইটার , জুমবাংলা ফেসবুক, জুমবাংলা টেলিগ্রাম এবং সাবস্ক্রাইব করুন জুমবাংলা ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে।