Introduction

Alan Ritchson probably needs no introduction if you’re a fan of Reacher. The towering actor whose intimidating build and commanding screen presence have made him a standout action star has proven he can handle roles where he’s fighting against just about anything.

Now Ritchson stars in Netflix’s newest sci-fi action film, War Machine, where he plays an unnamed Staff Sergeant thrown into a brutal fight for survival. The question is simple: does War Machine add another solid entry to Ritchson’s growing action résumé, or should he stick to what works best with Reacher? Let’s find out in our review of War Machine.

Story

The story begins in the harsh landscape of Afghanistan, where a military convoy breaks down and our unnamed Staff Sergeant arrives to check on his younger brother. The two share a brief moment together, reminiscing about a promise to one day join the Army Rangers.

That moment doesn’t last long. The convoy is suddenly attacked, leaving the Staff Sergeant as the sole survivor.

Two years later, he decides to honor his brother’s memory by pushing through his injuries and attempting to fulfill that old promise. During Ranger training, things quickly spiral out of control when the team encounters what they believe to be part of a military exercise—a mysterious crashed ship.

Instead, they discover something far more dangerous: a massive alien-like machine that begins hunting them down one by one. What follows is a brutal fight for survival as the Rangers face an enemy they barely understand.

War Machine tells a simple story, but that simplicity is also part of its appeal. Rather than diving deeply into the science behind the alien machines, the film focuses on survival against overwhelming odds. In many ways, it feels similar to older action films like Predator, where the core idea revolves around humans battling an unknown threat.

That said, the simplicity can also work against the film. As someone who enjoys sci-fi action, I found myself wanting more explanation about the machines themselves and the broader situation. Questions linger about their origins and motivations, and even the main character’s situation—given his injuries and PTSD—raises some logical gaps.

Still, War Machine works best when you don’t overthink it. Turn off the analytical side of your brain and enjoy it for what it is: straightforward sci-fi action.

Acting and Cast

Alan Ritchson and Dennis Quaid serve as the main recognizable names in War Machine. Ritchson, in particular, carries much of the film through his physical performance and presence.

Unfortunately, most of the supporting cast rarely gets the opportunity to stand out. Many characters fall into the familiar “soldier who gets taken out during the mission” trope, leaving little room for memorable development.

This doesn’t mean the performances are bad. The actors play their roles competently, but very few characters leave a lasting impression. By the time the credits rolled, Ritchson’s character remained the only one I was truly invested in.

Cinematography and Direction

Where War Machine truly shines is in its action sequences. Directed by Patrick Hughes (The Expendables 3, The Hitman’s Bodyguard), the film delivers explosive set pieces that keep the energy high throughout its runtime.

The alien machines themselves look fantastic—massive mech-like creatures capable of devastating destruction. Several scenes showcase these towering enemies unleashing enormous laser blasts that feel straight out of a giant monster movie.

The camera work does a great job keeping the action readable. Even during the most chaotic moments, it’s easy to follow what’s happening on screen.

While the direction doesn’t necessarily elevate the film’s deeper storytelling elements, it ensures the action remains engaging from start to finish.

Conclusion

War Machine captures the spirit of classic 1980s sci-fi action films. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of greatness as those earlier titles.

The movie leans heavily on simple storytelling and explosive action rather than deep narrative development. Still, there are plenty of entertaining moments, and the mech battles provide some genuinely fun spectacle.

While the film doesn’t push its concept as far as it could have, War Machine still works as a casual Friday night watch. If you’re in the mood for straightforward sci-fi action with plenty of explosions, it’s an easy film to throw on and enjoy.

—Aaron