Ice Cube Battles Aliens (and Amazon Drones) in War of the Worlds 2025—But Is It the Worst Sci-Fi of the Year?
Amazon Prime Video has just released a brand new take on H.G. Wells’ famous story with War of the Worlds (2025). This movie is not connected to the classic versions from 2005, 1953, or even the recent BBC series. Instead, it goes in a very different direction—using the “screenlife” format, where everything unfolds on computer screens. With Ice Cube in the lead, this sci-fi film tries something bold, but reactions have been far from positive.
- Overview of War of the Worlds (2025) on Amazon Prime Video
- Key cast members and their roles
- Unique “screenlife” presentation
- Critical reception and notable features
- Major plot points and setting
What Is War of the Worlds (2025)?
This new movie is a fresh adaptation of the classic novel by H.G. Wells, but it stands apart from previous versions. The film was released on Amazon Prime Video at the end of July. It’s not related to Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster or the 1953 Oscar-nominated movie. Instead, it’s a modern reimagining that uses only computer screens to tell the story—a style known as the “screenlife” genre.
Who Stars in the Movie?
Ice Cube takes on the main role as Will Radford, a surveillance technician for the Department of Homeland Security. Other actors include Clark Gregg and Eva Langoria, who play supporting roles. Ice Cube’s character spends most of his time monitoring his own children and tracking a mysterious hacker known as “Disruptor.”
How Does the Story Unfold?
The plot centers on Will Radford, who uses the country’s surveillance system to keep an eye on his kids and stop threats to national security. His hunt for the hacker is suddenly interrupted by a full-scale alien invasion. As chaos erupts, the entire movie plays out through video calls, pop-up windows, and news clips on his computer.
The director, Rich Lee, is known for his work on music videos for artists like Eminem, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish. You can find examples of his previous work below:
He also worked on action previsualization for big movies like the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. However, this screenlife approach has received mixed feedback from viewers and critics alike.
Reception and Notable Moments
War of the Worlds (2025) currently holds a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the least-liked adaptations of the story. Critics point out that while the screenlife format has worked in other films, it doesn’t quite deliver here. Ice Cube’s energetic performance, combined with SyFy-style effects and a chaotic plot, leaves the film feeling cluttered.
The movie also features some unusual product placements and plot twists. For example, Amazon drones and Tesla cars play big roles in the rescue efforts. At one point, the main characters rely on Amazon to deliver a crucial flash drive in the middle of the alien attack.
Family Drama and Tech Themes
The screenplay, written by Kenneth A. Golde and Marc Hyman, borrows ideas from previous films—like the “single dad” storyline. Will’s attempts to parent his kids over video chat while fighting off aliens add some humor, even if it’s unintentional. The family’s dynamic is tense, but often feels more like a parody than a serious drama.
What Makes This Version Unique?
This movie leans heavily into modern technology. The entire war is revealed to be a distraction for alien robots to hack global data servers. Ice Cube’s character and his NASA colleague, Dr. Sandra Salas, end up using Big Tech solutions to fight back. There’s even a scene where a character escapes from a tripod in a Tesla.
Some moments poke fun at real-world tech trends, with phrases like “fake news!” and plotlines involving deep state conspiracies. The film’s release on Prime Video feels fitting, given its focus on technology and streaming culture.
