With this sci-fi throwback, Abrams did “ Stranger Things” earlier and more succinctly than the actual “ Stranger Things.” There’s a ragtag bunch of kids, an alien force taking over a small town, and a focus on interpersonal dynamics that makes the film’s conclusion doubly satisfying. Now that we’ve acknowledged these shortcomings, we’re here to say that “Super 8” (2011) is still awesome. He’s an emulator more than an originator, and he relies on the aesthetic pioneered by men like Spielberg and George Lucas to guide most of his creative decisions. Abrams has become a polarizing figure thanks to his “ Star Trek” and “ Star Wars” reboots. “War of the Worlds” loses steam in the final act, which keeps it from classic status, but it remains a highly entertaining gateway into the rest of our list. The solid Tom Cruise performance doesn’t hurt, either. The pacing, the gritty camera work (there’s a quick POV camcorder shot, anticipating another good invasion flick, “Cloverfield” ), and the special effects result in moments that are still awe-inspiring nearly two decades later. The invasion scenes are underrated showcases for the director. Still, Spielberg manages to instill a similar feeling of paranoia and chaos. There are some significant changes to the source material, updating the setting and the characters to reflect a post-9/11 world. Wells’ novel captivated readers in 1898, and Orson Welles’ radio adaptation horrified listeners in 1938, so it was only fitting that a master like Steven Spielberg gave it the blockbuster treatment in 2005. “War of the Worlds” is ground zero for alien invasion stories. Our list is going to focus on the direct results of an invasion and how the main characters deal with it. “ District 9” (2009) and “ Edge Of Tomorrow” (2014) are terrific sci-fi films in their own right, but they’re less about invasion and more about dealing with the political fallout. Some ground rules before we begin: we did not include films in which aliens landed prior to the events of the film. The director has been transparent about his influences and desire to pay homage to the science fiction of the past, so we felt it only proper to apply our tinfoil hats and revisit the best alien invasion films of all time. Jordan Peele’s “ Nope” is now in theaters, and it’s the latest release to mine these topics for mind-bending entertainment. It brings with it the fear of annihilation, the excitement of discovery, and the faith that we as a species can unite with (or against) our extraterrestrial visitors. Hollywood has always loved high-concept films, and few concepts are higher (metaphorically and literally) than aliens.
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