THE TOMORROW WAR – A Review by John Strange
The Tomorrow War is set in two eras, 2022 and 2052. In the farther era, there is an alien race that is slaughtering every living creature on the planet and mankind is rapidly losing the war to stop them.
The future scientists develop a stable wormhole device that allows them to send a team back 30 years to ask for help. They certainly get the world’s attention when they appear in the middle of a stadium during a championship soccer game.
Not everyone can go forward to help. Those that can are sent forward for seven days. If they are still alive at the end of those 168 hours, they automatically get sent back home to 2022. Most don’t make it back, many who do are missing limbs or worse.
Yes, the war is going bad, and the odds of mankind surviving are rapidly nearing zero. Dan Forester (Chris Pratt) is drafted to go forward. He was in the military 15 years earlier, so he has some idea of how to handle himself.
That is good as the crossover does not work as it was supposed to. Dan and his fellow soldiers are dropped in the wrong place. Most don’t survive their arrival.
From this point on writer Zach Dean proves he can write a mean sci-fi action script. There is action, there is blood (alien and human – but not too much, this isn’t a slasher flick), and there is heart, with a side of humor slipped in (Pratt, remember?).
There is so much I want to say, and ALL of it would give away the best elements of this film. The script is excellent, the directing and cinematography are great, the creatures are very good, and the acting talent is superb.
Those wanting “Pratt” humor will get just a wee bit. Those wanting action will get a LOT. Those wanting to watch a good movie while eating popcorn in front of your television (I hope it has a BIG screen) will be totally satisfied.
The premise of an alien race driving mankind nearly to extinction isn’t new. However, writer Zach Dean has given us a script that director Chris McKay took and knocked it out of the park. Pratt does a great job, but his co-stars may be the reason you find that you love this film.
The Tomorrow War opens tomorrow (July 2nd) on Amazon Prime Video. Check it out!
Director: Chris McKay
Cast: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson, Edwin Hodge, Jasmine Mathews, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Keith Powers
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, and some suggestive references)
Selig Rating: 5 Stars
Runtime: 140 Min.
Release Date: July 2, 2021
Trailer: THE TOMORROW WAR Final Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
