The Tomorrow War

(Possible spoilers!) Chris McKay's film certainly doesn't escape comparison to the (for me) famed sci-fi film Edge of Tomorrow, with the makers of The Tomorrow War also taking a slight nod in the direction of The Thing and Prometheus. The film's biggest negatives are its overblown running time and the sometimes reprehensibly deadpan build-up of the plot, which goes hand-in-hand with a number of typically American scenes (kids and the next generation being the top, the heroism of ordinary people, the blatant political correctness within the cast, etc.). Yet, I'm willing to rise above these aspects to enjoy the decent load of action and a sci-fi level that definitely had potential, albeit slightly buried by the family-themed dialogue. I liked the look of the aliens, the locations, and one almost comic book-like shot that made me think of 300. If the editing had omitted the unnecessary "weeping scenes", which would have shortened the running time, I would have been comfortable with a higher rating. (07/04/2021)

A strange film indeed. Its better parts felt like a thrilling video game I wished I could control. However, this lack of control took away from the overall impression. The weaker moments felt purely American, with a handful of individuals saving the world in typical fashion, the team composition changing based on current trends. In these weaker moments (well, more than moments...), there was an excess of melodrama and flying over Russia on board a Hercules aircraft. The 90s have long passed, yet here we are, with Americans still saving the world just like they did back then. It's getting a bit repetitive. However, I did appreciate seeing Yvonne Strahovski and Betty Gilpin again, which added a certain spark to the experience. (10/11/2021)

I really didn’t expect such an entertaining popcorn flick! Sure, it doesn’t compare to Edge of Tomorrow in terms of script quality, which was on a completely different level, but on the other hand, this film with Chris Pratt at the helm knows its purpose and focuses solely on one thing: entertaining the audience, which it does excellently. I was quite surprised that the film also has something to offer in the non-action scenes; there are moments when emotions are genuinely stirred, and I have to say it’s not just for show—it works (for instance, the dialogues between Pratt and Strahovski hit some very sensitive spots). The acting is above average; Pratt carried it with his charisma, and J.K. Simmons was a pleasure in his supporting role. I have no complaints about the action. The aliens are great in terms of design, most of the battles take place during the day, which is often not seen, and overall, the visuals are top-notch. Even the ending in snowy Russia was enjoyable. I’m satisfied :) It gets a weaker four stars from me. 7/10. (07/05/2021)

The Tomorrow War is pure guyish pleasure, an enthusiastic B-movie packed with everything that we love about the action sci-fi genre. Human characters with sincere, emotionally charged relationships, unpredictable and richly escalating plot development, set in an attractive fantasy world, with delicately brisk action and well-made repulsive aliens. Cleverly written and directed with heart, cunningly hiding its art behind a false mask of cheap trashiness, this is the best Emmerich movie without Emmerich. (11/13/2021)

In the first minutes, it looks like an original hybrid of Edge of Tomorrow, Independence Day and some post-apocalypse flick, but in the final reckoning, it's at most an upgraded Battle Los Angeles, and even that I'd rank higher due to the important factor of "great value for money", which definitely doesn't apply to Amazon's creation. That said, the visual effects sequences are fantastic, likewise with the design of the aliens. This being the main reason to watch Tomorrow War, because the script is a patchwork full of illogical moments and clichés, and the casting is also not good. Star Lord shouldn't get too involved in serious roles, because he’s fine when he’s wisecracking, but when the tone gets more serious, he is not so good. (07/13/2021)