War of the Worlds

War of the Worlds (starring Tom Cruise) was shown on HBO-Asia this weekend. Is there a possibility that this could happen in real life? Do you think there is intelligent life from other planets aside from earth?

I would like to think that there are because the universe is too big. The earth would be such a lonely place if it's the only planet populated with life. However, I would prefer them to be friendly, helpful and benign.