War Machine Review: Alan Ritchson’s Sci-fi Action Movie Blends Big Stunts With an Overly Simple Story

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Alan Ritchson quickly became a popular actor thanks to his role in Reacher, so there was a lot of excitement for his new movie. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the film features Ritchson overcoming tough challenges, and his impressive physique and action skills make for an enjoyable, though fairly straightforward, watch.

The film War Machine follows Ritchson’s character, 81, as he endures the incredibly demanding US Army Ranger training. Just as he’s nearing completion, he encounters a terrifying new enemy. The movie blends a touching personal story with thrilling action, making it an enjoyable, fast-paced experience, though it perhaps doesn’t delve as deeply into its themes as some might like.

Alan Ritchson Brings His Physicality to 81 Perfectly

The main appeal of War Machine is undoubtedly its lead actor. Ritchson has been incredibly strong in his recent roles, and this film is no exception. The movie really showcases his physical presence and reserved demeanor. Playing character 81, he essentially carries the entire film, both in terms of action and emotional weight.

While the movie as a whole might not be very complex, Jack Ritchson delivers a surprisingly moving performance as 81. He conveys his character’s inner struggles powerfully, often without saying much at all. Ritchson quickly draws the audience in, and in just a few scenes, he makes it clear why this mission is deeply personal for him.

The fight scenes feel incredibly realistic, largely thanks to Alan Ritchson. As demonstrated in Reacher, he’s one of the most physically convincing actors working today – a true action hero, and this film solidifies that reputation. His character, 81, faces overwhelming challenges, and it’s crucial to have an actor who genuinely looks like he could survive such a brutal situation.

One reason Ritchson carries so much of this movie is the lack of a strong supporting cast. While Dennis Quaid, Esai Morales, and Jai Courtney appear, their talents are largely unused and they mostly fade into the background. Despite the focus on 81, the other members of his team feel almost unnecessary.

The supporting characters aren’t very memorable and don’t stand out after the movie ends. Their actions and personalities aren’t particularly compelling, which makes it hard to fully connect with War Machine’s story because the film clearly focuses on just one character.

War Machine’s Story Doesn’t Break the Mold

I have to say, War Machine actually tells a pretty solid story. It really shifts gears when a much stranger, more out-there threat appears, elevating it beyond a standard war movie. However, even with that sci-fi element, the core plot feels…well, a little too familiar. It’s essentially another humans-versus-invaders tale, a setup we’ve seen done countless times, and frankly, often much better.

The movie War Machine draws heavily from various science fiction stories. What truly sets it apart, though, are its emotional moments and realistic portrayal of the military. The film starts strong, exploring themes of mental health and PTSD, but these interesting ideas are soon overshadowed by action and explosions.

The movie moves too quickly through its emotional scenes, not giving the audience time to really feel them. Even with these issues, it’s still an enjoyable and fun experience. While it doesn’t really expand on previous stories, it’s not significantly worse than many similar films.

War Machine is a perfectly adequate film, but it doesn’t delve very deep into its story and doesn’t make the most of its supporting actors. While John Ritchson delivers a solid performance and essentially carries the movie, one actor can’t do everything. Ultimately, War Machine isn’t a particularly memorable film.

War Machine is now streaming on Netflix.

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2026-03-06 11:06