Well, they make a spectacular comeback here - on a mega-million-dollar budget.

Lifeless characters, effects that vary from cheesy to breathtaking and impossible jingoism are all on show as America, with a little help from stereotypes around the world, puts paid to the power-hungry invaders.

Very silly, but tremendously enjoyable stuff, with adrenalin-rushing action that will have you cheering for the world's forces, led by Will Smith, Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum, and booing that nasty mother-ship from outer space.

One really scary moment among all the glitz occurs during an alien autopsy, so get ready to shut your eyes if you don't want to see the result.