The summer blockbuster of 2021 is now available on Prime Video. The Tomorrow War, an Amazon Original Movie, brings science fiction, aliens, time travel, Chris Pratt, and a lot of action. All the ingredients to become a blockbuster hit, and that’s precisely what The Tomorrow War accomplishes. The film certainly has its flaws, but in terms of entertainment, it scores more than well.
The whole world is watching the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar in December and sees the game disrupted by something incredible. Soldiers have come back from the future to ask for help. In 30 years, the earth is under attack by aliens, ‘white spikes,’ and the future world needs help to defeat the aliens—lots of help. A global draft is instituted based on a lottery. Everyone selected goes seven days into the future to fight in the war. This includes ex-soldier Dan Forester, played by Chris Pratt.
Together with a colonel leading a science team to develop a toxin for the aliens (Yvonne Strahovski), Dan tries to save the future. For the world, but especially for his own daughter. The story starts a bit slow but is explained in straightforward terms, making it easy for everyone to follow. Perhaps a bit too easy. The Tomorrow War doesn’t use the most original science fiction storylines. Still, the Amazon Original Movie gets away with it because the entertainment level is very high.
Action movie with a weak script
A story like this would fit well in a new Christopher Nolan film. The execution is more reminiscent of a Michael Bay production. Especially the special effects are occasionally ‘over the top.’ This isn’t a problem when it enhances the story, but in The Tomorrow War‘s case, that’s not true. The writers found inspiration in various science fiction and action films and incorporated everything into one. This doesn’t always work well. The title is also a bit simple and not very inspiring. Additionally, the attempt at humor by some characters feels forced. Moreover, there are some gaps in the story that make you wonder why they didn’t solve certain issues differently. All of this doesn’t contribute positively to the film, which, in itself, brings forth an interesting concept. But it remains an action movie through and through and is successful in that regard!
All ingredients for a good blockbuster
As seen before in Guardians of the Galaxy, the corresponding Avengers films, and the Jurassic World-series, Chris Pratt is the ideal hero in action films. The same goes for this new blockbuster. Pratt shines as ex-soldier Dan, doing everything to give his daughter a future. The film is clearly built around his character, but his co-stars also perform well despite a relatively weak script. Yvonne Strahovski appears as an action hero/scientist, a departure from her role as the stern Serena Joy in The Handmaid’s Tale. J.K. Simmons is also part of the cast, playing Dan’s estranged father, a character reminiscent of his role in Palm Springs. At least on-screen, as The Tomorrow War would undoubtedly have fared well in theaters.
Despite a few drawbacks, it’s the experience and entertainment value that make The Tomorrow War a good action film. No, the film won’t win major awards. Still, its primary goal, to entertain the audience, has been achieved! All the ingredients for a good blockbuster are present. For every fan of science fiction or action films, The Tomorrow War is undoubtedly a recommendation. Even if it’s just to immerse yourself in a different world for 2 hours and 18 minutes (!).
The Tomorrow War (2021) – Prime Video
A family man is drafted to fight in a future war where the fate of humanity relies on his ability to confront the past.
Cast: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, e.a.
Director: Chris McKay
Writer: Zach Dean
Studio: Amazon Studios
