In the world of hip-hop and Hollywood, few friendships are as entertaining as the one between 50 Cent and Ice Cube. Both are legends in their own right—trailblazing rappers, successful entrepreneurs, and actors who have left their mark on the big screen. But when Ice Cube’s newest film, a modern adaptation of H.G. Wells’s “War of the Worlds,” landed a rare 0% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, 50 Cent couldn’t resist sharing his hilarious take on the situation, sparking laughter and debate across social media.

A Sci-Fi Swing and a Miss

Ice Cube is no stranger to comedy or action. From his iconic roles in “Friday,” “Are We There Yet?,” and “21 Jump Street,” to his more serious turns in “Boyz n the Hood” and “The Predator,” Cube has shown impressive range. But his latest project—a contemporary, screenlife-style adaptation of “War of the Worlds”—has proven to be his most controversial yet.

Released exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, the 2025 “War of the Worlds” stars Ice Cube as a U.S. government computer security analyst who must battle an alien invasion from behind a computer screen. The film’s format, inspired by screenlife thrillers like “Unfriended” and “Searching,” unfolds almost entirely through webcams, video calls, and desktop activity—a bold choice that aimed to bring the classic story into the digital age.

Unfortunately for Cube and the film’s producers, critics were not impressed. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a brutal 0% score from critics and a dismal 17% audience rating. Reviews from outlets like Loud and Clear called it “the worst possible adaptation of H.G. Wells’s work,” while the Daily Telegraph described it as “silly” and “soddy.” Many viewers complained about the excessive Amazon Prime product placement and found the screenlife format both confusing and hard to watch.

50 Cent’s Epic Reaction

As news of the film’s poor reception spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to weigh in. But it was 50 Cent’s reaction that stole the spotlight. Known for his sharp wit and playful jabs, 50 Cent posted a meme on Instagram featuring a screenshot of the Rotten Tomatoes page, with the infamous 0% score front and center. The caption read:

“Damn Cube, they gave you a zero for this? Even my mixtape got better reviews than that! 😂👽💻 #WarOfTheWorlds #CubeNeedsANewComputer”

The post immediately went viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. Fans chimed in with their own jokes, while others defended Cube and blamed the critics for being too harsh. 50 Cent, never one to miss an opportunity for a laugh, followed up with a story post showing himself watching the film on Amazon Prime Video, mockingly holding a computer mouse as if preparing to “fight the aliens” himself.

Hollywood’s Take: When Friends Roast Each Other

This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has roasted a fellow rapper or actor online. His social media persona is built on playful trolling, quick comebacks, and an ability to turn even the harshest criticism into comedy gold. But his relationship with Ice Cube is rooted in mutual respect. Both artists emerged from the West Coast rap scene, and both successfully transitioned to Hollywood, starring in box office hits and producing their own projects.

Industry insiders say the back-and-forth between 50 Cent and Ice Cube is all in good fun. “They’re both legends who know how to take a joke,” says entertainment journalist Kevin Monroe. “If anything, 50’s post probably made more people want to check out the movie just to see what all the fuss was about.”

Cube’s Family Steps In

While Ice Cube himself has remained silent about the negative reviews, his son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., jumped to his father’s defense. Jackson Jr., who memorably portrayed Cube in the acclaimed biopic “Straight Outta Compton,” responded to a critical X (formerly Twitter) user with a pointed message:

“Y’all can hate all you want, but my pops keeps pushing boundaries. Not every movie is gonna be for everybody. If you don’t like it, make your own.”

Jackson Jr.’s support resonated with fans who appreciate Cube’s willingness to experiment and take risks, even if the results aren’t always universally loved.

The Screenlife Format: A Risky Experiment

Part of the controversy surrounding Ice Cube’s “War of the Worlds” centers on its screenlife format. The technique, popularized by horror films like “Unfriended,” creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy by showing the action through computer screens and webcams. While it can be effective for certain genres, critics argue that it’s a tough fit for a sprawling sci-fi epic like “War of the Worlds.”

Film critic Angela Kim writes, “There’s something inherently grand about H.G. Wells’s story—cities crumbling, humanity on the brink, epic battles. Trying to capture that through a laptop screen just doesn’t work. The result feels small and claustrophobic.”

Others felt the movie was hampered by heavy-handed product placement for Amazon Prime, with characters constantly referencing the streaming service or using branded devices. “It’s hard to feel scared for humanity when everyone’s just trying to get you to subscribe,” one audience member joked.

The Power of Rotten Tomatoes Scores

The Rotten Tomatoes score has become a cultural touchstone for moviegoers, often making or breaking a film’s reputation overnight. A 0% rating is exceedingly rare, reserved for movies that fail to impress even a single critic. For Ice Cube, whose career has included both critical darlings and box office hits, the score is a setback—but not a career-defining one.

“Cube’s legacy isn’t built on one movie,” says Monroe. “He’s survived worse. If anything, the attention might help the film find its audience among fans who enjoy campy, experimental sci-fi.”

What’s Next for Cube and 50 Cent?

Despite the harsh reviews, Ice Cube remains a beloved figure in both music and film. Rumors suggest he’s already working on his next project—a return to comedy with a new “Friday” sequel, which fans have been clamoring for. 50 Cent, meanwhile, continues to expand his empire, producing hit TV shows like “Power” and developing new music.

The playful rivalry between the two artists is a reminder that even in Hollywood, where egos run high and criticism can sting, friendship and humor endure. As 50 Cent’s post made clear, sometimes laughter is the best response to disappointment.

When Legends Laugh at Themselves

Ice Cube’s “War of the Worlds” may not have won over critics, but it succeeded in generating conversation—and a few good laughs—thanks to 50 Cent’s viral response. In an industry where failure is often met with defensiveness or denial, the ability to take a joke and keep moving is a mark of true star power.

As the movie continues to stream on Amazon Prime Video, fans can judge for themselves whether it’s as bad as the reviews say—or if, like 50 Cent, they just need a good laugh at the end of the world.