Before we start, don't get any ideas that this is a sequel to Spielberg and Cruise's hit of 2005. This is a sequel to The Asylum's mega hit of the same year. Mega hit being that it rented like crazy for them in American video stores. Watching the first one recently to prepare myself for the sequel, I was pleasantly surprised how pretty good it was. Now I am not really a fan of Spielberg's version (apart from the first attack – which was terrific) I prefer the George Pal version. So how good is the sequel, which is directed by its star C. Thomas Howell?

It is now 2 years since the Martians were defeated and the human race is slowly getting back to normal. George Herbert (Howell) is living quietly with his son, when he picks up signals from the Martians on his radio. Rushing off to the nearest army base to advise them, he discovers that we have been tampering with alien technology and have adapted our planes for space flight.

George meets with Major Kramer and his scientist team who after hearing George's findings asks him to stay on the base. George has to return home to collect his son who is hiding out in the cellar, when he runs out of petrol and is delayed getting home. Watching his son get zapped by an alien walker, George is distraught but quickly realises that they are being abducted by the martians for their blood.

Easily a better film than its predecessor, The Next Wave benefits from better CGI effects and although extremely derivative, a nice script with nods to Independence Day and V. The production design is inspired and has touches of The Matrix and Alien. Filmed entirely in and around Los Angeles, the film has a nice little twist in which I won't reveal when George gets to Mars.

Also we are treated to a nice little space battle in the style of ID4 and some nice little CGI camera movements of the planes blasting away around the surface of Mars. Howell proves himself a competent director considering the scope and ambition of the picture with its lowish budget. The cast are rounded out with Howell's two real life sons, House Party's Christopher Reid and Asylum regular Kim Little as scientist, Victoria.

As with all recent Asylum productions, the film has been shot using High Definition cameras so the picture is excellent. The CGI effects blend well into the film, although not the standard of ILM, they serve the film well and the space battle scenes look particularly good.

A 2.0 sound presentation which has clear dialogue and good sound seperation for the effects.  The LFE is used to good effect, shame we don't have a full 5.1 sound for all those nice alien and space sound effects.

The Magic Behind C. Thomas Howell
A short featurette starring Howell and various crew members. Howell performs some magic tricks on camera. Very unusual and quite unique for a DVD extra.

Behind the Next Wave
Interviews with Howell and Christopher Reid interspersed with behind the scenes footage. I liked the footage showing the alien ship's set which was very well shot in the film and very atmospheric. Quite a shame to see how it really looks. The magic of movies, eh?

Trailers of 100 Million BC, 2012 Doomsday, AVH Alien vs Hunter and Monster.

As I said, a much better film than its predecessor (a rare occurrence amongst sequels) with a fun script and a good leading man. War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave is in my opinion well worth anyone's money who enjoy fun sci-fi and want to pass an hour and a half away.

The Asylum continue to churn out entertaining genre flicks. They are not to everyone's taste but when you see their extras and listen to their commentaries, you realise that these guys want to make fun films and reach as many people as possible. What's wrong with that?