REVIEW: The Tomorrow War has Unique Idea that Falls Flat
Imagine someone from the future appears on your front door step to tell you you’re needed to come fight a war 30 years in the future. Would you do it? In The Tomorrow War, civilian/science teacher, Dan Forestor (Chris Pratt), is tasked with doing just that. He must fight a war against an alien threat, known as the White Spikes, hell-bent on global extinction. With the help from a few civilians, his father (J.K. Simmons), and a brilliant researcher (Yvonne Strahovski), Dan will do everything in his power to put an end to this war and guarantee a bright future for those in 2021.
Directed by Chris McKay and written by Zach Dean, The Tomorrow War fits nicely into the sci-fi mold with clear inspirations from some of the best films in the genre, including Independence Day and Alien. Though the story is pretty unique, the film falls flat towards the last half. The first half is quite original and focuses heavily on family dynamics while the characters also work to end an impending alien invasion.
The moment Dan returns back to 2021, the film loses all its fun quirks. Instead of capitalizing on the originality and continuing the focus on the family dynamic, the film spirals out of control as it tries to find its footing with the addition of climate change, saving Dan’s family, and investigating how the aliens came to earth.
Pratt takes on the role Dan, and for as good of an actor Pratt can be, this film does nothing to show off his abilities. Strahovski comes in as Romeo Command and has decent chemistry with Pratt. Sam Richardson and Edwin Hodge play civilians, Charlie and Doran, who travel to the future with Pratt to help stop the invasion. Both actors are incredibly good in their roles and really bring the charm and comedic relief.
Simmons, Jasmine Mathews, Keith Powers, and Betty Gilpin are only in the film for such a short amount of time that their performances can be a bit forgettable. The lack of screentime for these four was a shame as they all had the potential to be great additions to the film. Viewers will wish they could’ve seen more of their characters.
The Tomorrow War is in no way going to be the next Independence Day. If you are looking for a mindless way to pass the time The Tomorrow War will help get the job done.
Grade: C+