I usually love science fiction films from the 1950s and 60s, especially when they involve alien invasions, but I've never liked the original War of the Worlds. The design of the Martian war machines is iconic, of course, and there are a number of nicely done scenes. Including everything in the farm house, and the first confrontation with the Martian machines. But almost everything else in the movie is really, really boring, and both the leads are incredibly dull. The ending in the church makes its point early and then keeps going way too long, straight to the point of pure cheese. Outside the scenes mentioned above as highlights, there's rarely a sense that the characters or humanity at large is up against much of a threat. The fact that so many people think of this film as an equal of Forbidden Planet, The Day the Earth Stood Still or Invasion of the Body Snatchers baffles me, as a dedicated fan of the genre. Even the largely silly Earth vs. The Flying Saucers is more entertaining, and Pal's adaptation of The Time Machine is worlds better, yet doesn't seem to get half the appreciation outside of niche fan circles.