*The new sci-fi film “War of the Worlds 2025” promised an edgy update of H.G. Wells’ classic tale. Directed by Rich Lee, it stars Ice Cube as Will Radford, a DHS officer uncovering an alien invasion.

The Alien franchise has been a fascinating way to look at the past 45 years of Hollywood blockbusters. The first film was directed by an up-and-coming auteur who remains a prolific filmmaker decades ...