War Machine Cast: A Deep Dive into Netflix’s Action Thriller
You might be tempted to scroll past Netflix’s latest action offering, War Machine, especially with current global events. However, this sci-fi thriller offers a unique twist on the classic soldiers vs. aliens trope, setting it apart from the real-world conflicts. It’s a clear recommendation for fans of films like Predator, Edge of Tomorrow, or even Battle: Los Angeles, but with a distinct mechanical edge.
A Different Kind of Alien Invasion
Unlike many alien invasion films featuring tentacled creatures, the extraterrestrials in War Machine are designed to resemble advanced machinery, almost as if they originated from another nation rather than another planet. This gives the film a slightly generic feel, reminiscent of a lower-budget Transformers spin-off, but thankfully avoids the often-criticized “Netflix murk” – the colour-flattening filter that plagues many streaming releases. This is a welcome acquisition from Lionsgate, offering a slicker-than-usual streaming experience.
Alan Ritchson: The New Action Hero?
Filmed in Australia but set in Colorado, War Machine benefits immensely from its lead, Alan Ritchson, known for his role in Reacher. Ritchson is a modern action hero – a towering 6ft 3in with a physique that rivals an over-pumped GI Joe. He’s a clear upgrade to Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his performance is a standout. Interestingly, Ritchson is also a vocal critic of right-wing politics, adding another layer to his public persona.
It’s somewhat ironic that while the Predator franchise has embraced diversity with leads who are female or people of colour, War Machine leans into more traditional action hero tropes – white, muscular, and gung-ho. Even a small role is given to Dennis Quaid, known for his conservative views.
The Story Unfolds
The film opens with a predictably tragic scene involving Ritchson’s character, 81, and his younger brother (Jai Courtney) in Afghanistan. Fast forward to the present, and 81 is a haunted veteran determined to complete the brutal selection course for the Army Rangers. Along with his team (featuring Stephan James and Keiynan Lonsdale), he soon discovers they are being hunted by something far more sinister than the US military.
The plot follows a familiar trajectory, with clues like news reports about a falling asteroid foreshadowing the alien arrival. While the outcome is predictable, the action sequences are well-staged and benefit from surprisingly impressive special effects. Hughes keeps the pacing brisk, even if some set pieces feel a bit derivative – a cliff climb during an alien attack, for example.
What Could Have Been
The alien design itself feels somewhat underdeveloped, relying too heavily on standard “scan, target, destroy” technology. A more creative and menacing approach would have elevated the film. It feels like a sequel or remake, despite being an original story. Ritchson delivers a solid performance, particularly in the physical aspects of the role, but his character’s emotional journey feels somewhat flat.
Ultimately, War Machine is a serviceable action thriller that delivers on its promise of explosions and thrills. It’s a fun, undemanding watch, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. It’s a film that does what it needs to do, but lacks the memorability to linger long after the credits roll.
You can learn more about the science behind asteroid impacts at NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office.
