Ad Astra review

First off Ad Astra on paper is nothing new in terms of plot and characters. In that sense it is pretty generic but it is elevated to absolutely amazing heights (sometimes literally) by it's cinematography, acting of his main actors and the art of making you actually feel like you are along for the journey with Brad Pitt's character. Speaking of Pitt he plays an Astronaut named Roy McBride. A major and well respected he is tasked with travelling across space to find his dad who for many years he thought was dead. But after getting news that he may very well be alive after almost 20 years he is tasked with travelling to Mars to send a message in hope of it finding his dad's lost shuttle. Like I said at the beginning the story is pretty basic and that's fine but it's Pitt's performance here that is just incredibly captivating. It's hard to put into words just how good he is you truly have to see it for yourself. Tommy Lee Jones who plays his dad is also very good here although he doesn't get much screen time and even when he does it's mainly footage of him being watched by his son Roy. 

Ad Astra is not one to shy away from big action set pieces either. From almost the first moment we're thrown into a giant power surge around the entire globe that takes the lives of over 40 thousand people. The view and overall feel of being above earth as people fall to their deaths from above our planet was both terrifying and heart wrenching. The overall feeling of space itself is also something that I need to touch on. When Pitt's character is alone it feels incredibly empty like so empty that he seems to lose himself among the stars as the journey to find his father rolls on. And it is that bond that holds Ad Astra together. The bond of father and child, the ups, downs and tragic moments it's all here and to be frank it's really emotional. Thanks once again to the performance of all on screen. The emotion behind Brad Pitt's eyes is enough to make your own eyes water as he searches for his father who remember he thinks had been dead for almost 20 years. Also as the movie goes on it just gets better and better as the intensity rises and the stakes get higher. All culminating in a third act that is powerful, reflective and just flat out epic. 

Ad Astra is a Sci-Fi movie for the ages. It's paced perfectly and doesn't drag at all. It won't be for everyone as there is a lot more here than just mindless action but it is a beautiful tale of love, bonding, loss and acceptance. This is one you just must go to see.

★★★★★