I'm a committed sci-fi buff and I thought this was an excellent movie. My wife, who normally hates sci-fi was gripped by it too.

The story is reasonably if not entirely faithful to the book. The effects are excellent and the acting isn't bad (I thought the young girl was excellent), even Tom Cruise. One or two typical Spielberg sentimental gaffs, e.g. why were the wife's family all unscathed in a sea of general destruction around them? I perticularly enjoyed the scene in the basement with the electonic/mechanical tentacle searching around for the humans.

Overall I'd give it 9 on 10. I personally wouldn't take a 5 year old to it as I think nightmares could definitely result.

I see the usual knockers of anything are knocking this, so no surprise there...

Peace

moo