Movie review: The Tomorrow War

 Thirty years in the future, in 2051, mankind is losing a war against an alien species. Sent back in time to 2021, a group of soldiers delivers the disturbing news, a plea for humanity to stand up and fight now, and institutes a draft to take soldiers back to 2051 to help fight in the war.

Chris Pratt (Dan), Yvonne Strahovski (Muri), J.K. Simmons (James), Betty Gilpin (Emmy), Sam Richardson (Charlie), Jasmine Mathews (Lt. Hart), Edwin Hodge (Dorian), Keith Powers (Maj. Greenwood), Mary Rajskub (Norah).

The Tomorrow War begins by showing us where Dan will end up before rolling back time 28 years for the arrival of soldiers from the future. The soldiers explain that humanity is losing a war against aliens in the future and must begin fighting now. That means drafting soldiers and taking them to the future to fight. When Dan is recruited, and realizes the war has already been lost, he joins forces with a scientist and his estranged father in hopes of rewriting the future for his daughter.

Acting was decent with Pratt delivering fairly well. Strahovski was solid, if a bit stiff. Simmons delivered his usual nicely. Richardson, Mathews, and the remainder of the supporting cast were pretty good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were rough with poorly done CGI, VFX, and obviously apparent green screens. Creature effects were decent up until the final fight scenes at which point things got ridiculous. Dialogue was okay but could have used a bit more depth. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall The Tomorrow War is an enjoyable Action & Adventure film if you don't dwell on the special effects. The story is interesting, the action keeps things moving, and acting is decent.

With some moderate violence, foul language, and potentially disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 7.12.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Comedy

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