true, there were quite a few things that werent explained, but u have to remember, the movie isn't really about the invasion, its about how ppl react when put in an "end of teh world" situation. the mass hysteria, every man for himself type scenes is what the movie was all about. like the car scene when cruise is trying to get his daughter out, and everyone is trying to get the car without even caring about a little girl stuck inside. looked at from that prespective, this movie really is a masterpiece...imo anyway.

and yes, those heat rays were awsome. ppl just exploding into dust...amazing.