Directed by James Gray
Starring: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga
Rated PG-13 for some violence and bloody images, and for brief strong language
“2001: A Space Odyssey” meets “Apocalypse Now”. In the near future, humans are still set to find intelligent life outside the Solar System. They have colonized Mars and the Moon are set to move forward. But when a surge hits the Earth and threatens our planet, Major Roy McBride (played by Brad Pitt) is set to the edge of the Solar System to find his father, Clifford McBride (played by Tommy Lee Jones), who is the key to the survival of Earth.
“Ad Astra” is a beautiful movie to the eyes. The visual effects are extremely well done and it has to be as the majority of the film takes place in space. There were numerous shots of beauty being shown on the screen. From the outer atmosphere of Earth to the rings of Neptune, the visuals shine in a way I have not seen on film. In addition to the visuals, the cinematography is also a standout. Hoyte van Hoytema does the camera work here and it is beautifully shot. So many shots are reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey from the colors to the futuristic technology. Finally, the sounds of the film were so different than the rest of sci-fi films. The opening scene of the film features an explosion, which sounds so different. The typical sci fi film has the same explosion sound effects that we are so used to. Not only the visuals, but the sounds of the film elevate the film to realism.
Brad Pitt has a very limited role but does an exceptional job with the role he has. The acting is not done by the words he says, but the emotions in his face. In particular, the scene where Pitt’s character, Roy McBride, has to convey a message to his father. The emotions and tear that run on McBride’s face says it all. It shows sadness, along with a longing for the past. Along with Pitt, the supporting cast of Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga, and Tommy Lee Jones shine with the limited role their have. Unfortuantely they are only shown on screen for about ten to fifteen minutes each and don’t share enough screen time. It is understandable that McBride is the main character, but I would love to seen more of the supporting characters.
“Ad Astra” is a visual spectale that has to be seen on the big screen. The visual effects, along with the sound mixing, acting, and cinematography is what makes “Ad Astra” stand out from other sci fi films. As Oscar season quickly approaches, my hopes are that we see “Ad Astra” get a few technical nominations for the fantastic work behind the camera. This is a must see.
3.5/4
Edward's Film Reviews 