On his way to being transported to another jurisdiction the town is attacked by aliens and the game changes. For now the surviving town members including Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), Ella (Olivia Wilde), Doc (Sam Rockwell) Meacham (Clancy Brown) and Lonergan must join forces to fight a common extra terrestrial foe.

People from all around the area are being abducted or killed by the marauders from above and only Lonergan and his new allies can stand in their way.

This is an interesting concept based on the popular graphic novel. I particularly liked the irony of ranchers having the tables turned on them and being treated like cattle themselves by the invading aliens.

There is plenty of action and not much time to think or to establish characters back stories. But in this kind of film these concerns are unimportant. There is a problem and everyone is in it together: here are the bad guys and they must be defeated. Simple.

You go to this kind of film for spectacle and entertainment and there is plenty of that. The special effects are exceptional and the aliens are particularly hideous, grotesque and chilling.

My advice is to ignore the critics who have been gleefully sharpening their knives and just enjoy this. It is what it is: an alien invasion effects film, a summer blockbuster. It is not supposed to be high art or Merchant Ivory. The script does have its moments of humour but don’t expect too much insight or development.

For undemanding lowbrow entertainment this is perfect.