War Machine Review: Brutal Action Meets a "Silly" Ending on Netflix
When "War Machine" debuted on Netflix on Friday, March 6th, viewers could be forgiven for a moment of confusion. This isn't the 2017 Brad Pitt-led war satire of the same name. Instead, this latest iteration is a gritty, sci-fi action thriller, anchored by the formidable presence of Alan Ritchson, known for his towering performance in "Reacher." This "War Machine" review delves into a film that promises a high-octane encounter between an aged-out Army Ranger hopeful and a colossal alien war machine, delivering brutal action but ultimately stumbling towards a somewhat anticlimactic, even "silly," conclusion.
Set against a backdrop of what feels like a perpetual training mission, the film quickly establishes its premise: humanity versus an extraterrestrial threat. If you're looking for a comparison, imagine the relentless survival horror of "Predator" mixed with the industrial, mechanical aesthetic of "Tron" or "Aliens." While it manages to stand slightly above the vast sea of unchallenging streaming content, its journey is a rollercoaster of intense highs and frustrating lows, leaving viewers to ponder what could have been.
The Relentless Grind: Brutality and the Behemoth's Arrival
"War Machine" wastes little time in introducing its central conflict. Alan Ritchson's character, known only as "81," is an Army Ranger with a haunted past, grappling with his final shot at a coveted military career. His squad’s routine training exercise quickly devolves into a desperate fight for survival when a massive, alien death robot ambushes them. This isn't your typical tentacled monster; instead, the behemoth is a boxy, brutalist contraption that blends the utilitarian strength of an "Aliens"-style Power Loader with the stark, imposing lines of a "Tron"-esque Recognizer. This design choice cleverly sidesteps the pitfalls of potentially shoddy CGI often seen with organic alien creatures, though it contributes to the film's overall visually drab aesthetic.
Despite the dry visuals, the film truly hits its stride during its ferocious second act. The initial ambush tests 81's mettle, decimating most of his comrades and setting a grim tone for the ensuing battle. It's during the robot's second, merciless assault that "War Machine" truly unleashes its fangs. A particular chase scene stands out for its unrelenting intensity and sheer ruthlessness. Here, the movie feels less like an homage and more like it's powered by its own unique engine, delivering a visceral sense of dread and desperate survival. This sequence is a masterclass in tension, pushing 81 and the remaining survivors to their absolute limits. The monstrous machine, in its relentless pursuit, almost takes on a thematic role, embodying the concept of "the monster is grief," relentlessly pursuing 81 and forcing him to confront his inner demons amidst the chaos. For a deeper dive into the film's genre comparisons, explore
Netflix's War Machine: Predator-Esque Action or Generic Spin-Off?.
Alan Ritchson's "81": A Hero Forged in Obsession and Grief
At the heart of "War Machine" is Alan Ritchson's compelling performance as 81. Ritchson, known for his imposing physique, expertly delivers a nuanced portrayal that balances raw, hulking heroics with a palpable sense of tortured vulnerability. While his physical enormity is often obscured by heavy combat gear, the sheer knowledge of his powerful build underpins 81's unsettling obsession with durability, with going the distance no matter the cost. This commitment to endurance isn't merely physical; it's psychological, driven by a recent, tragic past that slowly unravels throughout the film's crucible of fire.
81 isn't just fighting an alien robot; he's battling his own demons, seeking a form of redemption or, perhaps, catharsis through extreme adversity. His character is given surprising depth, far more than the often-undeveloped supporting soldiers who, save for a couple, remain largely anonymous faces in the chaos. Jai Courtney appears in a small but pivotal role as 81's brother, a connection that feeds into 81's redemption arc and adds crucial layers to his character's motivations and internal struggles. Ritchson's ability to convey both immense strength and profound internal pain makes 81 a compelling protagonist, elevating the film beyond a simple shoot-em-up. His presence alone is a significant draw, as highlighted in another recent piece:
War Machine Review: Alan Ritchson Takes on Netflix's Sci-Fi Bot.
The "Silly" Ending and Missed Opportunities: What Could Have Been
Despite its standout second act and Ritchson's strong performance, "War Machine" doesn't quite fulfill its potential. The core blueprints for an engaging action movie are there: a hero with a bone to pick with the universe, and the universe sending an even bigger bone right back. However, the film often veers into territory that feels like stodgy, four-quadrant content, designed to appeal broadly without taking significant risks. The initial visual dryness, combined with a lack of truly unique sci-fi elements beyond the machine's appearance, often gives the film a generic sheen, akin to a cheaper "Transformers" spin-off rather than a groundbreaking sci-fi invasion story.
The most significant stumble, however, comes in the film's resolution. After building up such a formidable, relentless threat, the cosmic blastoid bot is ultimately defeated in a way that can only be described as "super silly." Without giving away spoilers, the specific weakness exploited by 81 is so unexpectedly mundane and contrived that it threatens to pull viewers completely out of the immersive experience the preceding action had built. It's not quite a "big red power off button," but it's regrettably close, leaving a lingering sense of disbelief and deflation.
Furthermore, the film makes the unfortunate choice to tease a possible franchise rather than delivering a satisfying, self-contained conclusion. This decision undermines the resolution of 81's journey and dilutes the emotional impact of the story. Instead of a powerful ending that brings closure to the themes of grief and durability, viewers are left with an open-ended setup that feels more like a marketing strategy than a narrative choice. This leaves the overall "War Machine" review with a bittersweet taste, highlighting the frustrating gap between its potential for a deeper, more satisfying experience and its eventual execution.
Conclusion: Is War Machine Worth Your Time?
Ultimately, this "War Machine" review finds Netflix's latest sci-fi action offering to be a mixed bag. It delivers brutal, engaging action, particularly in its intense second act, and features a commendable, layered performance from Alan Ritchson as the tormented 81. Fans of Ritchson's previous work or those who appreciate relentless, militaristic sci-fi thrillers in the vein of "Predator" will find moments to enjoy.
However, the film is hampered by its visual plainness, some generic plotting, and most crucially, a truly baffling and "silly" resolution to its central conflict. The decision to prioritize a potential franchise over a strong, conclusive narrative also deflates much of the emotional resonance. While it manages to rise slightly above the average streaming fare, it never quite achieves greatness. If you go in with managed expectations, ready to appreciate the brutal action sequences and Ritchson's committed performance, you might find "War Machine" to be an adequate, if flawed, diversion for a weekend evening. Just be prepared for an ending that might leave you scratching your head.
