The Tomorrow War ★★★

Chris McKay

Starring Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson

Plausibility is key to creating a successful sci-fi concept movie, and although logic sometimes escapes through a literal time portal, the concept feels for the most part fresh and interesting.

Dan Forester (Chris Pratt) is recruited by an army from the future to fight a war 30 years from the present day. The trailer for this film was lacking any sense of nuance or originality, but as soon as the exposition began there was more to be excited about than initially expected.

The aliens themselves are really well animated, and are quite frankly terrifying. While comparing them to the Xenomorph or Predator may have been a bit of an over-judgement, the suspense built around them only adds to their terror.

It's not just the performances from the aliens that are solid here. Chris Pratt is on great form as ever, as is J.K. Simmons. Yvonne Strahovski, whose role should remain a mystery to first-time viewers, is excellent also, creating a rough cut dynamic with Pratt's charming energy.

The concept may feel fresh but the plot itself is predictable and in places uninventive. You can begin to guess at various intervals what the outcome will be, especially in the final third of the film; but then that final third still manages to keep an audience captivated, showcasing new landscapes, set pieces and a conclusive final act.

The Tomorrow War available now on Amazon Prime