Ice Cube's War of the Worlds Scores 0% on Rotten Tomatoes Amid Broad Criticism

The latest adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, released on Amazon Prime Video and starring Ice Cube and Eva Longoria, has been widely panned by critics and audiences alike, earning a rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Rich Lee, this 'screenlife' thriller unfolds entirely on computer screens, focusing on contemporary themes like digital surveillance and privacy, but has been criticized for its poor script, acting, visual effects, and excessive product placement for Amazon. Critics described it as 'disastrous,' 'unwatchable,' and akin to a feature-length commercial for Amazon, with Variety and The Telegraph giving scathing reviews. Despite the negative reception, the film has attracted significant viewership on Prime Video, ranking as the second most-viewed title shortly after release. This adaptation contrasts sharply with previous versions, such as the well-regarded 1953 and 2005 films, and the 1978 musical album, which continue to be celebrated. Social media users and reviewers have expressed their frustration and disappointment, often highlighting the film's failure to deliver suspense or a compelling narrative.