If you’re looking for a movie that is exactly what would’ve aired on FX every single Saturday at 1 pm while you and the boys hooped in the basement with your Nerf basketball, Netflix’s latest release “War Machine” captures that feeling. This is in no way a negative reaction to the film. There was something fun and comforting about those films that aired in that time slot in the early 2000’s. Turn it on, let it play in the background while you posterize your buddy on a 6-foot hoop. The action sci-fi flick “War Machine” fits that vibe perfectly.
“War Machine” (2026) Review | An Action Sci-Fi Reminiscent of the 2000’s
Brainless Sci-Fi Action
There are many films out there where little to no thinking is required, typically called “popcorn” flicks. They’re fun to watch, and you don’t have to use your thinker to figure out the plot and the incoming twist. It’s just locked, loaded and ready to roll. “War Machine” is exactly one of those. The plot starts rolling within the first 5 minutes, and it’s not often the foot gets let off the gas pedal. While there are some pretty unbelievable situations in this action sci-fi romp, you have to remember to take realism out of your mind. The action is serviceable, and the gore definitely made it more enjoyable.
A Cast & Crew of Familiarity
Alan Ritchson leads the way and brings his stone-faced, broke-down, shell-of-a-man persona to a role that suits him well. He only has one goal on his mind and will fight through all the immense PTSD in order to accomplish said goal. Smaller roles from Dennis Quaid, Esai Morales and Jai Courtney are well done, even with extremely limited screen time. This was my first exposure to Blake Richardson, but I was fairly impressed with his smartass, unlikeable role. I honestly thought he was Lucas Black (Sean from “Tokyo Drift”) at first, as they’re spitting images.
Shot on location in Australia and New Zealand, I really liked the cinematography from Aaron Morton and direction from Patrick Hughes. If you’re familiar with Hughes’ work, this is definitely in line with his previous credits. It has some forced dialogue, like in “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” and similar bloody action as “Expendables 3.” “War Machine” is not a bad entry into his resume, but also not his best by any means.
Overall Enjoyable in Leisurely Fashion
If you have about two hours to spare and you need something to watch while you veg out on the couch, fold laundry or hoop with your boys in the basement, you can do far worse than “War Machine.” Just put your seatbelt on for the bulldozer sequence; it’s an all-timer and something I’ve never seen before. Credit is due to Patrick Hughes for taking a big swing on that when writing this script and executing it well.
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