Ad Astra

4

catlinhSep 28, 2019

"Ad Astra" follows a story of a determined astronaut(Brad Pitt)who sets on a secret mission to locate his supposedly dead father and to find the source that is putting Earth in critical danger. This film is extremely slow-paced(and"Ad Astra" follows a story of a determined astronaut(Brad Pitt)who sets on a secret mission to locate his supposedly dead father and to find the source that is putting Earth in critical danger. This film is extremely slow-paced(and predictable)considering that it is only 2 hours(like any other movie). "Ad Astra" is monotonous throughout, with a very unnecessary, imbecile plot that makes no sense, which will put you to sleep for almost half of the movie. However, prominent themes of a meaningful relationship between a father and son is truly heartwarming to watch and the theme of sacrificing your life for your career is also shown. The special effects crew is someone I would like to applaud to. I appreciate that they were able to successfully create a space-like environment in a movie theater, although, it was excruciatingly lagging. They could have cut out many parts of simple (silent) sequences or transitions which were at least 5 minutes or longer, that could have been much shorter. James Gray, with "Ad Astra" has tried too hard to make this a meaningful, original movie. With monologues that were sappy and not so bittersweet as it should have been. This film has many characters that serve almost no impact on or a crucial role in the film, which I am not a fan of. In conclusion, PLEASE do NOT waste a movie ticket or your money to watch "Ad Astra" if you are not into space-related films. More importantly, PLEASE do NOT bring your kids or friends who are 17 or under as they will get bored and most likely doze off. As a teenager watching "Ad Astra", felt like years. I got bored very easily and fell asleep like the majority of the audience. If I was awake, I would see people walk out disappointed. However, some people(mainly adults) would most likely appreciate its' interesting aspects and uniqueness. Overall, "Ad Astra" is a film not worthy to watch as it will most likely to come out on streaming services or sites that you can watch without wasting money or a movie ticket.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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4

MovieRiffingJan 8, 2020

Director James Gray presents a visually stunning film, but one that lacks substance. Ad Astra's slow and methodical pacing culminates in a disappointingly hackneyed climax, where the mounting tension goes to waste. With nothing new to say, AdDirector James Gray presents a visually stunning film, but one that lacks substance. Ad Astra's slow and methodical pacing culminates in a disappointingly hackneyed climax, where the mounting tension goes to waste. With nothing new to say, Ad Astra resorts to the same messages on family and appreciation that other films have been doing more uniquely for years. Put Ad Astra on in the background as a pretty screensaver and you will not be missing much.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

Juan92acgSep 23, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mas lenta que el caballo del malo..... es un remaster de marco buscando a su madre … Expand

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

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4

StonedFinnMar 15, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie has some giant plotholes and unnecessary scenes.
The characters are completely undefined.
Brad Pitt most of the time shows no emotion at all but suddenly he screams or cries.
The physics in this movie are even worse.
Rockets don’t use their engines continuously and in space water like substances aren’t liquid in real life.
It can’t compete with movies like The Martian or interstellar.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

AllseerSep 22, 2019

Acting: 7/10 alright acting from a fairly impressive cast, but what they were delivering was fairly cringe-y or dull at times.
Plot: 2/10 vapid space tropes that lead nowhere. Plot-holes that are laughably confusing and inexcusable. RandomActing: 7/10 alright acting from a fairly impressive cast, but what they were delivering was fairly cringe-y or dull at times.
Plot: 2/10 vapid space tropes that lead nowhere. Plot-holes that are laughably confusing and inexcusable. Random made up unscientific garbage sprinkled everywhere. And lastly, random sequences that could easily have been built up to something else, but completely ignored.
Visuals: 5/10 a few interesting scenes, edits, and vfx moments, ultimately nothing all too impressive or deserving lavish. Direction: 5/10 while the direction was cohesive (for the most part), the story left much to be desired.

Conclusion: Extremely unimaginative derivative plot with very familiar space tropes that seem to drag on endlessly in a meandering slow paced space spectacle (without the spectacle). The complete lack of intrigue and story depth was astonishing in juxtaposition to the major critical praise this movie is receiving. Shallow characters following monotonic plot devices that don't drive home any sort of cohesive themes other than that space is dangerous and people go crazy in solitude (which have been explored in basically EVERY space movie ever made). Left the movie theatre having wondered if i even watched a movie, or a poor collage of scenic space shots and advertisements for another greater sci fi movie with better writing. There was hardly a journey, hardly a destination, and the melancholy undertones were all too familiar the entire course of the movie.
Shorter conclusion: Imagine Apollo 13, interstellar, and gravity all had a lovechild that came out neither as interesting, nor paced as well as either of them individually. As if all those movies had their souls torn out, and fused into a travesty of unoriginal writing and story telling.… Expand

9 of 19 users found this helpful910

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4

Gnova67Sep 23, 2019

It' Apocalypse Now except without a great director, Marlon Brando, or anything to make you care about any of the characters.

2 of 14 users found this helpful212

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4

SergiopSep 28, 2019

There not much story and the picture is bad. I do not understand why Brad Pitt got involved in such a bad movie

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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4

dmarkwindOct 1, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Slow, dragging, and more than a little depressing. The effects are good and Brad Pitt does a great job playing an emotionally compromised astronaut who turns out to be bad luck to a lot of the folks he comes in contact with. The psychological check-ins his character has to regularly endure make you wonder if he’s just playing the game or what his real motives might be, while at the same time giving hints of a fascist government pulling the strings from back home. It does show us a few things no space movie I’ve seen has shown us before, including: a person parachuting down from an low-orbit antenna station, a high-speed moon buggy chase, a unique fight scene in space, an astronaut swimming underwater in his space suit, and the first space surfing I’ve seen since Dark Star. Overall, not a favorite or something I’ll need to see again.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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4

CaspROct 3, 2019

This Movie, while visually stunning, had almost no character development, left me wanting more in everything from a deeper story line to an actual purpose to the movie. The ending of the movie was nothing more than anticlimactic let down, notThis Movie, while visually stunning, had almost no character development, left me wanting more in everything from a deeper story line to an actual purpose to the movie. The ending of the movie was nothing more than anticlimactic let down, not that there really was any climax to the movie. i went in having zero expectations and was horribly let down. such big names tragically under utilized. All Negatives aside, the visuals and score in this movie were phenomenal. The realism of this sci fi movie was believable, left me excited and wanting more. I think this movie had a lot of potential but wasn't able to deliver a complete product. Every character interaction was extremely surface level and almost seemed completely irrelevant. there seemed to be this urgency to jump around from situation, to interaction, as if they were in a rush to jam this 12 hour movie into the allotted time yet there was no payoff. I would recommend this as a lazy rainy Sunday watch, if theres NOTHING else to peak your interest. wouldn't spend money on it. Catch it on TV.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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4

MovieDoctorOct 5, 2019

Very slow moving. Not enough substance to keep the movie goer interested. I was waiting for it to end. Too bad, it had enough to work with but it just fell way to short.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

All this user's reviews

4

kpb1973Oct 7, 2019

One of the most thematically and emotionally confused films i've seen in many years.

The point of the movie is seemingly to explore father-son dynamics, the burden of isolation, how the near-space of our minds might just be more importantOne of the most thematically and emotionally confused films i've seen in many years.

The point of the movie is seemingly to explore father-son dynamics, the burden of isolation, how the near-space of our minds might just be more important than the deep-space of our ambitions - plus a multitude of other worthy subjects in between.

To do this, the film-makers have assembled a stellar cast, tremendous visual effects and exceptional set design.

With such an armoury at their disposal, how could Grey, Pitt and co fail?

Well...chuck in some psychopathic space monkeys, illogical interplanetary journeys, loaded-for-bear lunar pirate carjackers, countless instances of laughably improbable (and I mean utterly ridiculous) science and you're halfway to Oblivion. No pun intended.

At regular intervals come scenes that are so far-fetched that they ask less of a "willing suspension of disbelief" and promise more of an "insult to your intelligence". The metal panel through the rings of Neptune was extraordinary in this regards, but it is just one of MANY that punctured any bond I had with the underlying themes the film is trying to explore.

Additionally, Pitt's transformation from sociopath to social worker is practically instantaneous and therefore unconvincing (although the moments of high emotion that he does show are well delivered) and Lee's character is even more unlikeable. The fact there is no opportunity for them to bond, bounce off and understand each other leaves an emotional void even greater than some of the plot mechanics.

In trying to weave high art themes with low brow science, there whole film just feels disconnected - from its component parts, from its lofty intentions and indeed from many of its audience.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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4

hnestlyontheslyOct 7, 2019

Doing this review in October, two weekends late, but there’s really not much to say about this one. I’m generally pretty opposed to the genre of true-to-life, near-future space movies with a few exceptions, like Moon (2009) and ContactDoing this review in October, two weekends late, but there’s really not much to say about this one. I’m generally pretty opposed to the genre of true-to-life, near-future space movies with a few exceptions, like Moon (2009) and Contact (1997). For the most part, they feel a little smug and self-serious like First Man and Gravity. “But what about The Martian???” everyone responds. “It was such a feel-good movie! It was so scientifically ACCURATE,” to which I say, I watch YouTube videos on picture frame hanging for scientific accuracy, I go to see movies for original storytelling. Interstellar and Arrival felt like hypebeasty films that never really delivered on their promises. Space movies feel like an excuse to use a lot of CGI and green screens, off-set by a tremendous amount of time in tiny, windowless compartments, and mildly gross shots of people squirting food directly in front of their mouths and then slurping it slowly into their food holes. If there isn’t a fear for space food consumption yet I’m coining it now: cosmophagyphobia.

These vanity projects are so common nowadays that Mekado Murphy from the NYT has a short article outlining the phenomenon of movie stars receiving their own Space Movies as a kind of rite of passage as they hit stardom. Which is all just to say, I know this is a me thing not a movie thing, but I still think the “serious science” genre of space movies has a lot to learn from their goofy younger sci-fi siblings. Also, I blame Tom Hanks for all of this **** **** One spot of joy and light in this movie’s otherwise bleak and craven existence is the fact that Polygon did a fabulous write up of this film in which they summarized the trailer as such, “Brad Astra is Sad Astra because of his Dad Astra”–that recommendation comes care of Friend from work, and I think says everything you need to know about the movie. The thing that really pissed me off every time I saw this goddamn trailer at the movie theater was how **** quickly it appears that things go to **** in this goddamn movie. You see Brad Pitt fighting in a MOONCHASE of all things, because NASA can’t have it’s act together for the 48 hours it takes for him to leave Earth’s orbit, apparently. The fact that **** goes down so quickly really made me feel like the story was putting unnecessary restraints on itself. No one is going to be able to find, neutralize, and resolve an anti-matter death ray on Saturn if they’re having trouble with their very first way station...

All that said, this movie was disappointing in so many ways. Anyone who went expecting that Ruth Negga and Liv Tyler were going to have speaking lines was sorely disappointed. Despite being what I think amounted to “Mayor of Mars,” Negga has effectively no control over any of the operations of her base, not even of the tiny little transmission room they use to let teens play their loud rock music on Mars. Also, the circumstances of her birth and her relationship to the search for extra-terrestial life mission that Sad Pitt’s father was a part of is still really murky to me. Was she conceived before the astronauts went into space and born on Mars? Or was the trip so long that the astronauts had sex in space and then gave birth… on Mars? I’m so confused by this plot point. Although the discovery at the end of this movie is quite nice, it runs into the Mowgli problem, AKA “Traveling at the Speed of Plot,” where a character can run on foot through a burning **** forest in five minutes where it takes him half of his childhood to make it there the first time. So too with Brad Astra. When I asked, “How long DOES it take to get to Saturn?” Friend responds sagely, “It depends how fast you’re going,” which is both wise and infuriating.

My major takeaway is that this movie makes Sandra Bullock look like an **** Everything that she does by the skin of her teeth and only after minutes of calculations and preparation, Brad can do in his sleep. He’s an astronaut and Mars’s most stealthy climber and a skilled nuclear technician and a feelsy ex-husband. Dad mentioned similar things when we checked notes, but he was less bothered by the Moon. He also mentioned the weirdness of not having sent a drone or probe or something to have stopped the anti-matter death ray, so at least we’re on the same page there.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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3

namelessOct 3, 2019

Save your money, it works better when you have the opportunity to fast forward. The users are correct, ignore the professionals. Brad Pitt holds this movie together but it is hard to say this is a movie, it is really a novel brought to theSave your money, it works better when you have the opportunity to fast forward. The users are correct, ignore the professionals. Brad Pitt holds this movie together but it is hard to say this is a movie, it is really a novel brought to the screen. Very little action. Mostly Brad Pitt narrating his thoughts as he moves from point A to point B to point C... Our thoughts are the strength of a novel but not a movie. I think the only reason this got released to the theaters inside of direct to DVD is Brad Pitt.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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3

cfergojrSep 21, 2019

This movie is terrible, don't waste your time and money. Interstellar is way better!

6 of 19 users found this helpful613

All this user's reviews

3

imthenoobJun 10, 2020

Pitt carries this movie beyond its predictable plot and various subplots that are touched upon but never truly explored. Couple that with a crippling slow pace and you have a pretty mediocre movie. I really don't get the praise of this one.Pitt carries this movie beyond its predictable plot and various subplots that are touched upon but never truly explored. Couple that with a crippling slow pace and you have a pretty mediocre movie. I really don't get the praise of this one. There was so much they could have axed out to quicken things up and not miss a beat, would have made for a better movie too.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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3

grimsfieldDec 8, 2019

Let me just say this movie made no sense. The ending of the movie didn't make sense. The way the security agency handled the threat in this movie made no sense. And the events that occurred throughout the movie made no sense. This movie was aLet me just say this movie made no sense. The ending of the movie didn't make sense. The way the security agency handled the threat in this movie made no sense. And the events that occurred throughout the movie made no sense. This movie was a headache to watch and I regret that I won't be able to get those two hours back.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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3

cm5milroySep 23, 2019

This movie is beautiful, no doubt about it. But there is no great payoff, nothing to keep you in your seat for the whole movie.Everything that has the potential to elicit any kind of emotion is never explained or built up well. I was moreThis movie is beautiful, no doubt about it. But there is no great payoff, nothing to keep you in your seat for the whole movie.Everything that has the potential to elicit any kind of emotion is never explained or built up well. I was more entertained by the Rams v Patriots Super Bowl… Expand

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

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3

YogurtSep 21, 2019

I fell asleep twice. Absolutely boring and uninteresting plot. Few events in the film.
The result: wasted time.

10 of 23 users found this helpful1013

All this user's reviews

3

SomniacSep 25, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esta película es un insulto a la inteligencia. Está mal la mires por donde la mires. Para empezar el personaje de Brad Pitt es la cosa más plana que te puedas echar a la cara. Luego tenemos la trama, que es sosa y poco emocionante. Después nos encontramos también con unos personajes secundarios que no aportan NADA a la película; están simplemente para hacer bulto. Se salva únicamente por los efectos especiales, que sin ser nada del otro mundo sí que sorprenden en un par de escenas.

PD: Que alguien me explique cómo cojones hace el personaje de Brad Pitt para atravesar un anillo de asteroides con una plancha de metal y luego aprovechar una explosión nuclear para impulsar su nave y volver a la tierra. Todo eso sin un rasguño.… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

All this user's reviews

3

T4NKESep 28, 2019

Hacía tiempo que no veía nada tan aburrido. Te pasas todo el tiempo esperando que pase algo, hasta que al final... sigue sin pasar nada.

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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3

p2skaSep 23, 2019

Got the ticket for free and thought this could be interesting as Pitt is always fine and i really like sci-fi.. But alas, this is far from Sunshine, not even Solaris (2012) in terms of storytelling. Ok, CGI and acting are fine, but that's itGot the ticket for free and thought this could be interesting as Pitt is always fine and i really like sci-fi.. But alas, this is far from Sunshine, not even Solaris (2012) in terms of storytelling. Ok, CGI and acting are fine, but that's it - plot is ridiculous and boring and without any surprises or plot twists, only long monotonous monologues by mr. Pitt accompanied by melancholic score, there is no logic behind physics displayed, not even trying - especially everything that happens after arriving on Mars - it's terrible to behold :)

User score seems kinda generous (5.8 atm), don't know what crictics see in it (8.0).… Expand

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

All this user's reviews

3

SeussMyTubOct 2, 2019

Brad Pitt as an astronaut who is sent on a mission to contact his father (Tommy Lee Jones as another astronaut) who supposedly went missing almost 30 years ago. It's got big ideas, but it falls totally flat. I didnt like the world buildingBrad Pitt as an astronaut who is sent on a mission to contact his father (Tommy Lee Jones as another astronaut) who supposedly went missing almost 30 years ago. It's got big ideas, but it falls totally flat. I didnt like the world building and the huge plot holes didnt help either. I have no idea why critics would even like this movie.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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3

kirkenderOct 10, 2019

Science Fiction is meant to be inquisitive, thoughtful, expansive and imaginative. Ad Astra is cynical, conservative, boring, and shallow. There is a sense that its meant to be 'realistic' but its lazy and mean. Toxic masculinity: A SpaceScience Fiction is meant to be inquisitive, thoughtful, expansive and imaginative. Ad Astra is cynical, conservative, boring, and shallow. There is a sense that its meant to be 'realistic' but its lazy and mean. Toxic masculinity: A Space Opera. Plot holes are plentiful. There are meandering, meaningless voice overs that do nothing to further the plot or 'emotional' journey. Also; there are 2 black people in the movie and they are brutally killed on screen. All the white people get dignified or off screen deaths. WTF.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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3

Mauro_LanariOct 3, 2019

(Mauro Lanari)
Very little to add to what has already been said and written. The aporia of a successful psychoanalytic session and "Heart of Loneliness", Conrad or Coppola from the odyssey in the inner space to that in the deep space, between(Mauro Lanari)
Very little to add to what has already been said and written. The aporia of a successful psychoanalytic session and "Heart of Loneliness", Conrad or Coppola from the odyssey in the inner space to that in the deep space, between Antonioni, Tarkovskij and Malick. The conclusion changes: instead of "The horror! The horror!", "The boredom! The boredom!". Perhaps metaphysically more appropriate, but in this case totally involuntary. Glad the box-office flop.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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3

JudgeSmailsDec 19, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can't give this a zero because visually this was a very nice movie. The moon rover sequence was especially good visually (although pretty stupid plot wise). But man was the plot dumb overall. Basically, the heroe's Dad goes rogue, murders his crew, and threatens to eradicate humanity. His unemotional son gets recruited to talk some sense into him. That doesn't work, so the son goes rogue, hijacks a ship, murders it's crew, and heads to Neptune to murder his father. After a very strange encounter, he tries to save his father, but his father essentially commits suicide and jumps off into space. The son says "screw it", and then nukes his father and rides the nuclear explosion back to Earth- no idea how he decelerates at the end of his journey. When he gets back to Earth, they apparently forget about how he murdered the crew and stole a multi billion dollar spaceship and nuked the legacy spaceship near Neptune without permission. But by far the dumbest thing in any recent sci fi movie is when Brad Pitt uses a panel off of a space ship to shield him as he "jumps" his way all the way through Neptune's rings. In real life, they are thousands and thousands of miles wide, but in the movie, only about 50 yards. If you watch this movie, do it on an airplane without the headphones in and work on a crossword puzzle at the same time.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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3

TorinHillSep 19, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Terrible writing. The fact that this has an 80 calls these critics' credibility into question. My dude flew through the rings of Neptune, free-solo, using aluminum siding as a shield. I guffawed loudly.
He then collides with an orbiting ship going who-knows-how-fast, and arrests the impact with his... his hands.

An amazing budget squandered on grade school father issue|s.

Our collective intelligence has been insulted.… Expand

16 of 32 users found this helpful1616

All this user's reviews

3

honkytomkSep 21, 2019

Why does the main character go to Mars to send a message, presumably they've not heard of "recording"? Then he uses a thin piece of metal to protect himself while flying through Neptune's rings? This films needs to decide whether it's decentWhy does the main character go to Mars to send a message, presumably they've not heard of "recording"? Then he uses a thin piece of metal to protect himself while flying through Neptune's rings? This films needs to decide whether it's decent science fiction or nonsense.… Expand

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

All this user's reviews

3

drjumpSep 22, 2019

Brad Pitt does a fine job acting and Tommy Lee Jones is - well - TLJ. The special effects are good as well. That's all the positives that I can offer. First, the science is awful all the way around. Also, the story is full of plot holes,Brad Pitt does a fine job acting and Tommy Lee Jones is - well - TLJ. The special effects are good as well. That's all the positives that I can offer. First, the science is awful all the way around. Also, the story is full of plot holes, filled with the usual ploy of moving the story along by having supposedly smart people doing really stupid things, and some parts of the story that simply don't seem to have any rhyme or reason for being there. I don't want to give any spoiler regarding the last point, but I was waiting for one incident that occurs during the story to be linked somehow to the conclusion (and it could have been with a little screen writing) - but that never happened. Why this movie is generally well-rated is beyond me - even if you don't know a thing about basic physics, interplanetary distances, psychology, and the like.… Expand

7 of 20 users found this helpful713

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3

PrleOct 4, 2019

Aside from casting one of the biggest names in Hollywood this movie is awful. No plot nor suspense, failed to to show the structure and good script writing. Pitt seems to have lost interest in making good-quality performances or movies forAside from casting one of the biggest names in Hollywood this movie is awful. No plot nor suspense, failed to to show the structure and good script writing. Pitt seems to have lost interest in making good-quality performances or movies for that matter. Visual effects are below average as well. Just terrible.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

3

GuilhermeCursiOct 20, 2019

Nem mesmo o talento de Brad Pitt pode salvar Ad Astra filme cansativo, com um direção ruim e filme só se destaca em seus efeitos visuais

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

3

francisjohnherbDec 6, 2019

A completely self conscious bore fest that makes perfect use of Brad Pitt's ability to seem incapable of genuine emotion. Sadly I wasted 40 minutes waiting for the story to interest me. A perfect illustration of turgidity I pity those whoA completely self conscious bore fest that makes perfect use of Brad Pitt's ability to seem incapable of genuine emotion. Sadly I wasted 40 minutes waiting for the story to interest me. A perfect illustration of turgidity I pity those who paid to see it.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

3

JackProctorDec 14, 2019

How in the hell did critics think this movie was good? I know it’s a space movie but it’s just so unbelievable...the guy has no fuel to get home so he rides a nuclear blast all the way from Neptune to Earth, Jesus that’s dumb. I could writeHow in the hell did critics think this movie was good? I know it’s a space movie but it’s just so unbelievable...the guy has no fuel to get home so he rides a nuclear blast all the way from Neptune to Earth, Jesus that’s dumb. I could write ten more things but I don’t care enough. Just a bad movie. Worst miss by meta critic since BlackKlansman. Both really poor movies.… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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3

PrimalPrimeMar 28, 2020

I honestly can't see what so many other did in this film. I hear terms like "thematic depth" and "nuanced performance" tossed around in the countless 10/10 reviews this film has gotten, but no one cares to elaborate on these features,I honestly can't see what so many other did in this film. I hear terms like "thematic depth" and "nuanced performance" tossed around in the countless 10/10 reviews this film has gotten, but no one cares to elaborate on these features, seemingly confident that the film speaks for itself. For me it didn't.

Brad Pitt's performance felt more wooden than nuanced, though I'm not sure how much of that is his fault given how frustratingly vague the script is. The movie is drenched in sci-fi clichés and tropes, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it seems that every chance it has to play with these tropes is thrown away in favour of playing by them, letting them drive the plot and character development. The result is a movie that feels like it has little of its own to say. Lines of the script unashamedly foreshadow, to the point of spoiling, the single moment they will be relevant later. Design tropes are used to help us identify characters, even when it would have been more thematically appropriate to play with our expectations a bit. Major questions are left unanswered and predictable beats are played like dramatic twists. From start to finish, this movie failed to impress.

That's not to say there was nothing the movie did well. The shots were well put-together and beautiful, though much like the character design they sometimes seemed to work against the themes they were meant to support. Based on my admittedly cursory knowledge of space physics, nothing seemed egregiously wrong, though many characters seemed so stupid and helpless I questioned how they became astronauts in the first place. The designs of vehicles, buildings and technology were possibly the most well thought out and believable parts of the movie, so you may find some value there, but as I mentioned earlier this is often tempered by how they seem to confuse what the movie is apparently using them to say.

Lots of close-ups of Brad Pitt's face, though. If that's what you're looking for, then 10/10.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

jibajabberJan 12, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Im a big brad pit fan and a huge sci fi fan. What could go wrong **** everything. The most boring movie I have ever seen. The most interesting part of this movie is vergin air lines has a space ship. Soundtrack is ass and the set design is copied straight out of a lil nas x music video. Nothing happens in the plot he spends the whole movie looking for his father caps him and is now a hero. WOAH big development. DONT WATCH… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

donelsonSep 20, 2019

Ad Astra
A pitiful reworking of Heart of Darkness up the river to Neptune. Dullest movie of the year so far, with an uninterrupted 45 mins of Brad Pitt closeups thinking meagre and whiny thoughts out loud. Terrible. Also, the mostAd Astra
A pitiful reworking of Heart of Darkness up the river to Neptune. Dullest movie of the year so far, with an uninterrupted 45 mins of Brad Pitt closeups thinking meagre and whiny thoughts out loud. Terrible. Also, the most cringeworthy, stupid space physics and "science" I've ever seen in a modern sci-fi film.… Expand

17 of 33 users found this helpful1716

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2

valrondApr 20, 2020

Booooring.
I love space movies. I have read some things of Brad Pitt saying this movie was about toxic masculinity, so I skipped it on the cinema. And thank God I did, cause this movie is awfully boring. The boringest movie I've seen (well, IBooooring.
I love space movies. I have read some things of Brad Pitt saying this movie was about toxic masculinity, so I skipped it on the cinema. And thank God I did, cause this movie is awfully boring. The boringest movie I've seen (well, I watched just half, it was unberable) in a long time. I rarely don't finish movies, but this was just, well, slow, and most of the time just Brad Pitt wraping his head around his father and other stupid things. Just skip it and save two hours of your life.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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2

GerNFeb 26, 2020

Ad Astra is an overly long mood piece, two hours of techno-malaise with occasional brief violence. There are so many scientific howlers that the movie has no credibility as science fiction, but fantasy should have some fun. Maybe as aAd Astra is an overly long mood piece, two hours of techno-malaise with occasional brief violence. There are so many scientific howlers that the movie has no credibility as science fiction, but fantasy should have some fun. Maybe as a drinking game: a sip of booze whenever somebody spots an error.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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2

cinecineDec 14, 2019

It is a "product" of mixed head. There is no final decision about being art or popular one. There are lots of redundant scenes even parts! Maybe it could be a good short film, maybe...

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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2

lostkid0Oct 23, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A meandering movie that does nothing interesting. It tries to come off as artistic but in the end is just a two hour long ode to someone's desire to punch their absentee father. The physics make no sense, and neither does the plot. Forgettable, unrealistic, pointless. You are better off skipping this film. A waste of Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee jones.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

DimassSep 25, 2019

**** waste of money. All the movie expecting an explanation, something giving sense to all happened before... but nothing there. I like slow movies but not empty ones.

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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2

PanchogulAug 3, 2020

Que decepción, asumo que cuando se trata de películas ambientadas en el espacio mis espectativas se elevan muchísimo, pero creo que aquí aún sin tenerlas tan altas, no me gustó.
Se siente eterna considerando que no supera las dos horas deQue decepción, asumo que cuando se trata de películas ambientadas en el espacio mis espectativas se elevan muchísimo, pero creo que aquí aún sin tenerlas tan altas, no me gustó.
Se siente eterna considerando que no supera las dos horas de duración, la historia es bastante precaria y tiene el mismo rango sentimental de una piedra, o sea, no transmite nada, las actuaciones son buenas, pero nada que se pueda destacar, de no ser porque la protagoniza Brad Pitt hubiese sido un completo desastre.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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2

dafrakDec 4, 2019

It is a intellectual and scientific movie that can not get even the elementary school physics right.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

zacharyhasDec 26, 2019

Brad Pitt is the only good thing about this movie, what wasted potential. First act starts out promising but it becomes both a bore and a mess.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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2

OlivierPielDec 4, 2019

Hollywood, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Trying to pretend to be high-brow and (very poorly) copy Solaris, Kubrick's 2001 or Apocalypse Now all at the same time...while having a stupid car chase on the moon and space monkeys forHollywood, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Trying to pretend to be high-brow and (very poorly) copy Solaris, Kubrick's 2001 or Apocalypse Now all at the same time...while having a stupid car chase on the moon and space monkeys for "entertainment". And those annoying voice overs and lazy psycho mumbojumbo. They even copied Gravity for the opening scene. 2 points for some nice cinematography and decors here and there.

Seriously: It would be more interesting watching to have a documentary on this film and how the moonchase was OKed by the producers. That would make for hilarious viewing!… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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2

GarciaSmithSep 21, 2019

MUUUUUY MUUUUY MALA , nada que ver con otras películas del espacio. Está habla de soledad y en un modo super aburrido exageradamente aburrido ni triste ni doloroso solo aburrido , QUE DESPERDICIÓ DE TALENTO , me gustan mucho las películas deMUUUUUY MUUUUY MALA , nada que ver con otras películas del espacio. Está habla de soledad y en un modo super aburrido exageradamente aburrido ni triste ni doloroso solo aburrido , QUE DESPERDICIÓ DE TALENTO , me gustan mucho las películas de ciencia ficción , está honestamente es la peor que e visto en 10 años, obio tiene algunas Tomás buenas, pero sin más es una perdida de tiempo , RESUMEN DE LA PELICULA: viajó al espacio busco a mi papá lo encuentro y me vengo , así LITERAL UNA PUTA MIERDA! No sucede casi nada interesante en un viaje tan laaaargo.… Expand

4 of 16 users found this helpful412

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2

Popcorn55Sep 23, 2019

Instead of soaring through the cosmos, it was SNORING through the cosmos! How do you say "the great yawning" in Latin? OMG that should have been the title. It's like they took the slowest, most boring, and talky parts of "2001", "FirstInstead of soaring through the cosmos, it was SNORING through the cosmos! How do you say "the great yawning" in Latin? OMG that should have been the title. It's like they took the slowest, most boring, and talky parts of "2001", "First Man", "Interstellar", "The Martian", and "Gravity", and spliced them together with slow, sad kind of background music: result, the ultimate space snoozer ever made! Even the rocket launches that should at least have some awe and thunder... are often silent with tinkly sad keyboard music. Whaaat?? And the constant self-analytical voice-overs explaining his feelings?? omiGAWD people -- this is sposed to be a sci-fi ADVENTURE DRAMA and instead it's like... monks marching sadly to their doom. That's basically the feeling of it. Rent this one at Redbox, do NOT spend $20 to see it!!… Expand

9 of 26 users found this helpful917

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2

Gabby1Sep 24, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I found this movie very unconvincing. The story was way too small for all of the craft that went into it. Oh dear, a man is conflicted following in his absent father's footsteps and unable to express himself emotionally, has an epiphany and comes home to the still-available woman he treated heartlessly. All of this hoo-ha for something that could have been treated by a good therapist. Wasted talent.… Expand

4 of 15 users found this helpful411

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2

jackronnerSep 20, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler Alert: if don't want to spoil your evening, avoid "Ad Astra" movie. Besides being slow, wooden in writing and acting and its plot making no sense, not since T-Rump has science been so utterly ignored. E.g., Within minutes of sending it, Pitt asks if they've received a response to his radio message to Neptune; it would take 8 hours at light speed before the msg was answered. And, 89 days to go 2.5 billion miles? A million miles an hour on average? The acceleration values would have splattered them over the bulkheads. They keep suddenly falling in space when there is no inciting force or gravity to account for it, etc. (same problem in the inaptly named "Gravity" with George Clooney). I'll bet the MIT message boards are exploding in laughter. Can't they ask someone with a smidge of knowledge before they produce this dreck? Did I mention it was boring? Astonished at the gushing professional reviews once again, especially since the writing was as subtle as a two-by-four to the head.… Expand

16 of 36 users found this helpful1620

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2

EFRAMDec 25, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a Sci-fi fan I was looking forward to Ad Astra. However, as a Sci-Fi fan I found the film to be pedantic, dreary, boring and contrived. The voice over narration was at times both annoying and obsequious, but the biggest problem for me was the concept of the "Surge". This is the basic premise holding the film together, and when all was said and done, the "Surge" was not only not adequately explained, it was totally glossed over. Careless Sci-Fi-fi is the worst kind of film making duplicity because it's easy to "create" a sci-fi-fi narrative that has no real basis in actual facts. Such was the case here. A waste of 88 million dollars and a lot of good PD efforts.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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2

PetexianFeb 2, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A mess of a plot and poor research. I enjoy science fiction and am willing to suspend belief but the science behind many scenes is too flawed. For example: Sometimes theirs gravity sometimes there isn’t.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

xenogSep 20, 2019

A mission is sent to Neptune to search for extraterrestrial intelligence, as it is evident that this resource is dwnindling on Earth.

At the start of the twenty-first century Hollywood ran out of competent storytellers and writers, churningA mission is sent to Neptune to search for extraterrestrial intelligence, as it is evident that this resource is dwnindling on Earth.

At the start of the twenty-first century Hollywood ran out of competent storytellers and writers, churning out a lithany of low quality films with flashy special effects. The arrival of computers led creators to believe that they no longer needed to write stories to accompany the moving images they produced. Films could not spark the imaginations of filmgoers, leading to progressive degeneration of people's cognitive ability. Our only hope was to set up a lunar base, and one on Mars, so that we could send a mission to Neptune in order to possibly get an extraterrestrial intelligence to send help before it was too late.

But it was too late. Roy McBride went to space at the end of the 21 century to deal with his daddy issues and save the mission sent out to find extraterrestrial intelligence. He got psychological evaluations every five minutes, as the creative black hole that consumed our planet left him in a state of psychological disarray.

By the time the aliens arrived at our planet they found billions of whining dumbed down ape-like creatures that entertain themselves creating and watching pointless movies on small screens manufactured by ancient automated robots that nobody understands anymore.… Expand

27 of 51 users found this helpful2724

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2

abtothestractSep 21, 2019

Slow-moving and heavy-handed, repeatedly violates the "show don't tell" dictum with repetitive narration

18 of 37 users found this helpful1819

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2

Dirk_McDirtSep 23, 2019

The movie was very slow and boring. The plot was very weak. The action sequences seemed like they were tacked on - probably because the film studio execs told the director that the movie was too boring and needed some action scenes. A filmThe movie was very slow and boring. The plot was very weak. The action sequences seemed like they were tacked on - probably because the film studio execs told the director that the movie was too boring and needed some action scenes. A film student could've written a less disappointing story. Wait until it comes out on TV. That way you can change the channel after 15 minutes when you discover how dull it is.… Expand

4 of 16 users found this helpful412

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2

ShepppySep 24, 2019

Great effects but how can space travel be so boring another soul searching in space that costs me 2hrs of my life. First time of seen so many people walk out of a movie before.

4 of 17 users found this helpful413

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2

RasgonSep 26, 2019

Aburrida. Absurda. Guion lleno de trampas y deus ex machina. Terrence Malick de Hacendado. Guion que no hay por dónde cogerlo. Trama absurda. Voz en off con carga filosófica nivel Mr Wonderful. Un despropósito.

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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2

NerdsinriSep 27, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie starts... Amazing.... By the end I was angry that I wasted my time watching this. With a huge budget, great cast I had high hopes. Could this be another Martian type movie? Nope. Chew on some broken glass instead of seeing this movie. It will be more productive… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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2

chi7891Sep 28, 2019

It’s a bad movie that had the potential to be decent but had a horrible editor. The editing was just so bad... the movie was an hour too long.

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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2

Gamer2077Jul 30, 2022

Good movie if you want to fall asleep.

They tried to capture attention with some suspense. They failed miserably.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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2

BoozehoundOct 2, 2019

Boring, nonsensical drama. Like typical films of our time, all of the worthwhile scenes are in the trailer. Do not recommend, unless you are sleep deprived.

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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2

marconaOct 9, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another bloated, over-produced let down in an era of bloated, over produced letdowns. This movie wants to be everything, but winds up being a muddled pile of nothing.

Brad Pitt is a fine actor and he does his best, but the story is ungodly awful. I realize this is sci-fi and we are suspending belief, but they have asked an awful lot of us here.

The main premise is that a guy who has been traveling space for almost 30 years (unheard from for 16 years, supposedly dead) is parked outside Neptune and is firing life-ending energy blasts at Earth. This guy is Brad Pitt's dad and they recruit him to get kill/retrieve/stop him. Okay, cute premise.

Brad then needs to go to the moon (flew commercial, terrible scene), then Mars (3 days trip, goofy side story), then to Neptune. The trip to Neptune takes 63 days, if I recall. So, a madman is out there on Neptune, we can go get him in 2 months, and they wait 16 years? Granted, the energy surges just started, but still... wouldn't you want to follow up?

Sorry for being glib, but the movie itself is glib. It is filled with empty emotion, meaningless action sequences, and long stretches of nothing. It has no identity. It desperately wants to be Apocalypse Now, but it falls woefully short. Wait for the streaming release.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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2

madagascar68Dec 5, 2019

An immature School boys failed school project, Sorry Mr.Director. I know its harsh. But you tortured us.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

OuchPotatoOct 17, 2020

Boring boring boring. Dull movie that leaves you wondering why you watched it. I have no idea why half the characters are in it and even the random insertion of three "action" scenes that have nothing to do with the story arc can't liven upBoring boring boring. Dull movie that leaves you wondering why you watched it. I have no idea why half the characters are in it and even the random insertion of three "action" scenes that have nothing to do with the story arc can't liven up this dreary mess. Do not fall for any nonsense that it's about some sort of father/son emotional journey, it really isn't. It's like watching paint dry.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

MerkkFeb 6, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story in this movie is utterly pointless and completely unrealistic (spoilers ahead). Somehow antimatter is leaking from a ship and that's making neptune blast out cosmic rays which can destroy the solar system. What?!? Did anyone bother to maybe just speak to a scientist just a little bit?

But ok, if that's ok with you, the entire movie involves random people who have nothing to do with the plot, dying in horrible accidents that have nothing to do with the plot (how about a monkey eating a guys face off on a space station floating in the asteroid belt somewhere). All while Brad Pitt is taking a pointless trip to mars to send a broadcast to his dad (Tommy Lee Jones), whom he hasn't seen in 15-20 years, because for some reason he couldn't just record a message from earth. After his pointless trip to mars, he takes a pointless trip to neptune, but accidentally kills the entire crew of the ship. Which means he takes the trip alone, which means we have a lot of pointless shots of Pitt acting all emotionally distressed at being alone. And when he finally sees his dad again after 15-20 years, they have a brief conversation while Pitt sets up a nuclear bomb to stop the antimatter leak. And then Jones decides he'd rather die alone floating in space. So Pitt then hops back in his empty ship and takes another long lonely trip back home. The end.

This movie had no interesting twists or anything at all to what barely amounts to a plot. One positive thing I can say is the acting was good. This is basically a movie about Brad Pitt dealing with his repressed emotions and daddy issues. But this was just a really crappy story to try and explore that.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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1

ILikeEyeBallsJan 4, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was actually somewhat enjoying this movie until the main character magically jumps from one spacestation to another through Neptune's rings, uses a nuclear explosion to accurately propel his ship back to earth, then finds enlightenment and inner peace out of nowhere. Worst ending to a movie I have seen in a long time.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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1

jimlockSep 26, 2019

The movie is terrible. Its one of the worst sci fi worlds put on screen. The setting is anything but realistic. 70s like rockets and old school moon rovers and suits simply to remind us of 1969 while humanity has dug immense tunnels bellow Mars...

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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1

GreatMartinSep 20, 2019

Being as nice as I can, and a Brad Pitt fan, I would not call this the worst movie of the year, though it is certainly a contender, let's just call it the worst Brad Pitt movie ever!

Instead of making a large, long list of negatives like itBeing as nice as I can, and a Brad Pitt fan, I would not call this the worst movie of the year, though it is certainly a contender, let's just call it the worst Brad Pitt movie ever!

Instead of making a large, long list of negatives like it is one of the longest 2 hour movies I have ever seen let me just tell you not to see it!… Expand

16 of 38 users found this helpful1622

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1

TrunkisOct 8, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Saw the reviews for this and was really excited for it. But this was dreadful. The story just doesn't make sense. Obviously radio waves just don't exist in this universe! If they did this story wouldn't have been necessary. A guy needs travel all the way to mars to send a voice message to Neptune?? It couldn't have been sent to Mars? Brad Pitt needed to be in a sound proof room to record a message?? He's able to board a rocket as it launches? Obviously G forces don't exist either or Newton's laws of motion for that matter. When is this set?? They had better Luna buggy's in 1970's! A wave capable of power surges billions of miles through space but doesn't effect the source in any way! Ridiculous character reactions ruin the acting too! The most important mission in human history and they pack pitt off on a commercial flight for secrecy?? With a geriatric?? My god. I was actually laughing every few minutes. If this was fantasy sci-fi fine, but this seemed to want to be "realistic". Baah. Space 1999 was more realistic than this. By the end you have to ask what was the point and how are you not up for 3 counts of manslaughter? It gets 1 star for the visuals only.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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1

alenkaczJun 14, 2020

I must have watched a different Ad Astra than the ones giving this a positive review. The one I viewed was a confusing mess with a ridiculous plot and completely inaccurate science. A antenna repairman battles moon pirates and space monkeys.I must have watched a different Ad Astra than the ones giving this a positive review. The one I viewed was a confusing mess with a ridiculous plot and completely inaccurate science. A antenna repairman battles moon pirates and space monkeys. Hijacks the ship kills the crew and bonds with old dad at Neptune. Returns to earth then hooks up with his ex-wife in a diner.
This is accomplished in two hours of poor acting, rambling dialog and dreary space music.
Save your time and money, watch 2001 A space Oddessy instead.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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1

BitashJul 26, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was so hopeful, as movie went on it got worse and worse, I stopped watching and hour and half into it, didn’t really care how it ended. It was THAT bad! This movie failed on so many levels... 1. Brad Pitt not believable= worse performance ever, constant boohoo me was killing me as the plot was heavily focused on his daddy issues.. enough already...his constant whining throughout the movies was nauseating ....and On top of that he just wasn’t believable 2. Writing was the worse= the concept of the movie was the Surge, writers didn’t expand on that instead focused on Brads father issues...Lack of real science = writers didn’t consult with NASA or MIT scientist before writing this awful script ,
A. Brads dad somehow magically survives in space for a decade! How he gets water and food we don’t know....

B. ...they send a message to his dad in Neptune from Mars, he responds right away...it takes way longer than couple of minutes for message to get transmitted..

C. The Cargo space ship responds to mayday, how on earth does space ship just stop in the middle of traveling ? You can’t just stop it when ever you want! D. ...the scene of him flying through Neptune ..with a shield!!!! E.Brad claims the side of the rocket while it is firing, he magically gets into the spaceship before it launches! He would be smoked from heat gasses of the rocket! F.....and he rides a nuclear blast all the way from Neptune to Earth landing just right!!!!!!!! A joke..., so many holes scientifically that it’s redicilous, any scientist watching this would have laughed.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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1

thebagginsSep 27, 2019

You wont be challenged by this movie, there's no science fiction here, but go and see it if you like Brad Pitt, dramas and a story of a guy with latent daddy issues. So mind-numbing. 1 point for out of focus space scenes.

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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1

AlterIISep 21, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nothing even close to interstellar and Martian. This film should be prescribed to people with acute bouts of insomnia. Heroes - dummies, involvement in action - 0. Experiences for the heroes - 0, because you do not know them. Musical accompaniment (everyone remembered interstellar) - I'm not sure what the music was at all. Disclosure of characters - there is no such thing. Bottom line: "sterile." Grab a pillow. I didn’t think that you could make a film so badly with such actors.… Expand

7 of 21 users found this helpful714

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1

jtmason3Jan 29, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of those times where I just can't understand how the critics score was so high and it causes one to wonder if a price was paid to get those ratings. The audience ratings seem to be more aligned with reality this time. This was an unbelievably bad movie. The acting was bland, the pacing was off, and the story was riddled with so many plot holes and inconsistencies, it's obvious something went haywire in the entire script to production process. It almost appears that a full script was written for an engaging space epic, so big time talent was then attached. Then somewhere half-way through production, budget was severely cut, the script was gutted, and powers that be went in for just a quick money grab based on the attached talent. The lawn chairs on the space rovers should have been our warning to quit and save ourselves another hour of agony. The critics seemed to be impressed enough with the visuals to carry the movie, but it just doesn’t. I’ve seen better visuals Syfy channel movies. Brad Pitts acting wasn’t horrible, but the critics again grossly overstated the quality of the performance. He read his lines accurately, often in a “literal” sense off his script it seems… that was it, nothing earth shattering. Performances from other big time talent were just woefully underused and underserved. Again it seems to be the case where critics and audiences are watching two very different movies, and I just don’t understand how this can be, other than some sort of under the table bribing. As crass and ridiculous as that sounds, it’s a more logical and sensible story than that of Ad Astra itself.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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1

JEsFsFApr 4, 2020

Bad Astra.

I'm am still getting grief from family and friends for subjecting them to this film. My response is "I did due diligence. I check the Metacritic critic score: it was fine!" This movie is the Pearl Harbor of outer space. But atBad Astra.

I'm am still getting grief from family and friends for subjecting them to this film. My response is "I did due diligence. I check the Metacritic critic score: it was fine!" This movie is the Pearl Harbor of outer space. But at least that film had a theme (A Japanese sneak attack on an American Love Triangle).

This looked like a film whose individual scenes were submitted filmed and spliced together by random people with only a cursory attempt to knit a story. "Does the timeline seem to go forward? Good enough." Well not random people: writers without an iota of science understanding. I found more coherence in the random shots of people in a commercial doing those things that the advertise prescription medicine will get them back to doing.

It did have some great looking but nonsensical imagery.

Bad Astra.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

InstantkrmaSep 24, 2019

This movie is boring and dumb on so many levels. Apparently the guy who directed this has no idea what makes movies like 2001 soo great. He basically cut and pasted themes from movies like Interstellar and 2001 with little meaning and skill.This movie is boring and dumb on so many levels. Apparently the guy who directed this has no idea what makes movies like 2001 soo great. He basically cut and pasted themes from movies like Interstellar and 2001 with little meaning and skill. So this is my take away from this movie! 1. Space is lonely, cold, devoid of human interactions so pretty much don't leave earth. WTF 2. Reality in space is whatever the director needs it to be. 3. NASA needs a two hour commercial for some reason. 4. Men in future have soo much toxic masculinity that they are bad,future man bad! 5. That Brad Pitt can have a stupid freaking look on face for two hours. Two hours of my life I will never get back!!! Don't see unless you are a sadist!… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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1

KlebartSep 27, 2019

Poor science. No special effects. Tries to be something deep and meaningful but fails. Boring. I went in expecting little and I was still disappointed. Left the movie before the end. Too boring.

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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1

rose_rdSep 19, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Once again, I am shocked at the degree of corruption among movie reviewers - it's quite evident that these people are either extremely purchasable or hopelessly pretentious. Ad Astra is the worst space movie to come out in recent times. Terrible writing overall, with shallow, one-dimensional characters who are about as memorable as the cold rice porridge I had this morning. Brad Pitt spends most of the movie rambling to himself about his daddy issues, and it all comes off as terribly pretentious - I don't even know what theme they were trying to explore with this movie, but it just fails. I don't even remember the character's name, despite the movie being very focused on the character's relationship with his father.

The science in this movie is bad enough that it was impossible to suspend any disbelief. Like Mr. TorinHill said, I could not help but gasp due to the sheer mediocrity of the scene where the main character grabs a thin metal shield and just...floats through the rings of Neptune, which are depicted as being an asteroid field a la Star Wars, about maybe a few hundred meters thick. It's a goddamn travesty and all of it is rather pointless and stupid, and contrasts with this movie's failed attempts at portraying itself as a science fiction movie with gravitas. Light speed and other factors are also completely ignored.

There is no main plotline. Through the course of the movie, the focus is either on resolving a generic world-ending crisis caused by an ' electrical surge' caused by an antimatter leak in a spacecraft in Neptune, which is the worst excuse for a fictional existential threat that I've ever seen, due to the exposition being pathetically weak overall - nobody ever explains why the spacecraft ever had any anti-matter at all. The protagonist's father spends decades either travelling to Neptune or doing research there, nothing is ever made clear. What's evident is that the character can just zip over to Neptune in a few months, which makes the other plotline, involving investigating his father's disappearance over Neptune (a decade after the fact) weak and pointless. Someone would have done it already. Anyway, there is no coherent plotline to speak off. It all ends stupidly and without meaningful resolution.

Disgusting. Weakest performance by Brad Pitt in decades, as someone else said. I want two hours of my life back.

One point for the Moon and Neptune visuals.… Expand

18 of 34 users found this helpful1816

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1

WX8Sep 20, 2019

BORING, wast of your time to watch. Like others said, should have just filmed a daddy issue movie on earth, of no science fiction value. Love Brad Pitt but forget this one. Terrible...Watch something at home that you like and have seen beforeBORING, wast of your time to watch. Like others said, should have just filmed a daddy issue movie on earth, of no science fiction value. Love Brad Pitt but forget this one. Terrible...Watch something at home that you like and have seen before and save the time and money. I wouldn't recommend it for free on cable to anyone.… Expand

12 of 26 users found this helpful1214

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1

Faszfej70Sep 21, 2019

As boring as that other two were some time ago.The Gravity and the Interstaller.

4 of 19 users found this helpful415

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1

IgeraidiSep 21, 2019

Gravity in the Moon and Mars equal to Earth. Enter in a rocket during launch from behind the engines. Time of radio comunication instantaneous through out space . everything in this movie is ridiculous.

10 of 22 users found this helpful1012

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1

xerifeSep 21, 2019

Slow, boring and silly movie... a waste of time...I wanted to leave the theater but waited and waited to see if something extraordinary would happen towards the end and turn a bad movie into something worth it. didn't happen...

14 of 28 users found this helpful1414

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1

RgboomerSep 22, 2019

character motivation is not clear, takes it self too seriously without providing a clear moral message, and technology does not make sense based on current theories on space travel.

4 of 15 users found this helpful411

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1

KenGiveMeABreakSep 23, 2019

What a waste of two hours. Time constantly “filled” with the barrage of Mr. Pitt’s character being required to submit to a biological and mental health evaluation for almost every “door” that Mr. Pitt travels through. As for cinematography.What a waste of two hours. Time constantly “filled” with the barrage of Mr. Pitt’s character being required to submit to a biological and mental health evaluation for almost every “door” that Mr. Pitt travels through. As for cinematography. Give me a break. The scenes of our solar system are free on thousands of internet sites and various television broadcast channels. Simply a Three-Name draw for most adults over 50 and a Single-Name draw for those less than 30. Save your money. PS: the “space-buggy” scene on the New Mexico stage Moon’s surface was hilarious.… Expand

7 of 20 users found this helpful713

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1

Captain-JimSep 24, 2019

This movie moves so slowly. Long periods of boredom followed by more boredom. No exciting moments! Nothing to really put you on the edge of your seat! Some 'big name' actors in this film but certainly not challenged by the character partsThis movie moves so slowly. Long periods of boredom followed by more boredom. No exciting moments! Nothing to really put you on the edge of your seat! Some 'big name' actors in this film but certainly not challenged by the character parts they portrayed. If you need a couple hours of sleep, this movie will help you dose off. … Expand

4 of 17 users found this helpful413

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1

MetaTimmehSep 25, 2019

This movie is an incredibly slow paced, mediocre at best sci-fi Snore fest.The total quiet scenes were so drab, that the pop corn chewing from people two rows ahead and two rows behind offered some kind solace in a time of solitude as I satThis movie is an incredibly slow paced, mediocre at best sci-fi Snore fest.The total quiet scenes were so drab, that the pop corn chewing from people two rows ahead and two rows behind offered some kind solace in a time of solitude as I sat there wondering where this story was headed. the story seemed set to a infinite backdrop of intergalactic vacuum of hope and despair coupled with a father son breach of love. an incredibly long journey only to let his(Brad Pit) father die alone in space just minutes before detonating a nuclear devise catapulting his craft back home. the most exciting part of the movie is when he woke up with a beard. this was the sign that the movie was coming to an end. the absolute best comment I heard as an elderly gentleman stood up to leave the theatre was '' I feel like I was on a long journey to Jupiter'' Gigli staring Ben Afleck and Jennifer Lopez (Total Bomb) had a better story than this. I rate this movie 5 on 5 Kakamojis and bag of tears!… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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1

caioniloSep 29, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. lfcvvcfhdhdhdhdbdbxbxbdbdbdbdbddbhdhdhxchchcggcvyvyvyvtvtvttvtvtvtvtvtvtvtv… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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1

BondanhoOct 2, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don’t understand why I have gone to this film because it doesn’t show anything new in the industry if it only contradicts to the all physics laws and uses Brad Pitt’s name to PR but in fact it is just second-rate film with no humor, breathtaking actor’s play and logic. 1 point only for the special effects and beautiful landscapes.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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1

Amano81Oct 4, 2019

Most boring movie ever, I want my time and money back. The movie industry completely run out of imagination and creativity it’s almost impossible to watch a good movie nowadays. Also the ratings and critics in sites like this one failMost boring movie ever, I want my time and money back. The movie industry completely run out of imagination and creativity it’s almost impossible to watch a good movie nowadays. Also the ratings and critics in sites like this one fail completely to distinguish what is worth watching.. all seem fake and sponsor by lobbies - somehow this movie is highly rated here (by some virtual reviewers) yet every real person I talk to has the same opinion as me that this was the most boring movie they have ever watched!… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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1

cpnscarletOct 4, 2019

It is a stupid, pretentious movie with a story that tries to be too smart by half. The final reveal is an interesting concept, but it is so wrapped up and almost totally buried in a "Daddy doesn't love me anymore" story, that you just won'tIt is a stupid, pretentious movie with a story that tries to be too smart by half. The final reveal is an interesting concept, but it is so wrapped up and almost totally buried in a "Daddy doesn't love me anymore" story, that you just won't care. The space tech is just a tiny bit interesting toward the start of the movie, but that charm is rapidly lost in interior insipid monologues.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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1

TreasuresamericOct 11, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. People have compared this to Interstellar and Contact. There is no comparison, as those two movies were immeasurably better.

This movie was advertised to have a “realistic” depiction of space travel. Nope. There was nothing realistic (whatsoever).

In essence, the entire movie can be summed up as: Brad Pitt, a quirky guy, misses dad. Brad Pitt undergoes unrealistic, boring experiences. Brad Pitt finds his dad. Brad Pitt loses his dad. Brad Pitt comes home. Roll end credits.

It’s a boring movie with nothing profound or entertaining about it. No comedy, no action, no compelling imagery, no real story, and nothing reality based about space travel. The other actors the trailer makes seem important are virtually non-existent in the film.

Tommy Lee Jones gets about 6 minutes... 4 of which are repeated videos from decades ago playing on his futuristic iPad. Liv Tyler hets about 2 minutes, all as flashbacks from the past. Donald Sutherland gets 5 minutes, but has a heart attack in the beginning of the movie and doesn’t die... so..(?)

Now, the solitary reason it gets even one star from me (instead of zero) is that, given the character that poor Brad Pitt was given to play, he played it well. The character is ridiculous, but is played well.

Spaceballs and Howard the Duck were better films.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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1

jonnyrockDec 5, 2019

Was really excited to see this. What an incredible disappointment. So so bad.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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1

MalikiaMar 13, 2020

I can only blame the director James Gray, for allowing this chunky soft turd to escape from his butt in the form of this horrible movie. Brad Pitt does his best to carry his role Tommy Lee Jones does his best to carry his role, but nothing inI can only blame the director James Gray, for allowing this chunky soft turd to escape from his butt in the form of this horrible movie. Brad Pitt does his best to carry his role Tommy Lee Jones does his best to carry his role, but nothing in the movie adheres to any scientific principles of space travel that can be found in any 4th grade elementary book. When you leave the Earth for extended. Of time and you come back, everyone else in the earth it should have aged by default drastically more than you have. It should not be waiting you will return with open arms and lipstick Jujubes. All of the quote unquote easy things… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

RohaldFeb 28, 2023

Boring movie with no coherent plot. It's a space trip from one planet to another where very little happens and most of the time it's the main character talking to himself.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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0

hellomikeySep 22, 2019

Nothing happenes in this movie. It’s the weakest story. Brad accepts a role where the character’s superpower is they he shows no emotion. This is the opposite of good acting.

10 of 22 users found this helpful1012

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0

BarnyJan 1, 2022

Two things are really stunning in this movie: the photography, the music. The rest is filled with more holes than a sponge. For instance, it is understandable that people sent in space have to be mentally stable, but to the point of repeatingTwo things are really stunning in this movie: the photography, the music. The rest is filled with more holes than a sponge. For instance, it is understandable that people sent in space have to be mentally stable, but to the point of repeating "psychological evaluations" at every turn seems an overstretch.

The fundamental background elements of the story are wrong, the physics is wrong, the time aspects are wrong (8 light hours separate mars to neptune, expecting an answer in less than 30 seconds is what?). The premise that we would be better equipped to detect alien life at this distance from earth is ridiculous and with high res pictures of those planets too (why, oh why?). No speaking of space monkeys exploding in vacuum (this one was hilarious) or having the capability to destroy a vacuum rated visor repaired magically with duct tape (why?). Going through a debris filled space with a simple shield after jumping from a rotating antenna (with precision to reach and land perfectly on a ship. The nuclear explosion used as a mechanism to propel a ship (think of a dumbed down 2010). I forgot about the space pirates and a lot of other nonsense. 79 days from Mars to Neptune, at a constant speed would represent, give or take 0.2% the speed of light (during which there is no "surge"). Let's forget the acceleration or decceleration, the amount of fuel required, the required size of the spacecraft, etc. The movie is utterly nihilistic as the message is clearly: "there is no Earth 2, we are alone, any endeavour to leave earth is futile and dangerous".

This movie deserves a zero given the plot holes, inconsistencies, and the utter nonsense it carries.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

heloheSep 29, 2019

I am a physicist, but I can enjoy some good sci-fi movie from time to time. I also don't mind some scientific inaccuracies if the movie is enjoyable. But this one is just bad. Literally everything about the movie is bad. Boring plot. BoringI am a physicist, but I can enjoy some good sci-fi movie from time to time. I also don't mind some scientific inaccuracies if the movie is enjoyable. But this one is just bad. Literally everything about the movie is bad. Boring plot. Boring ending. Bad science. Nonsensical message. Bad acting. I don't really understand why this movie even exists.
I have to say the sets and camera work is quite nice though.… Expand

10 of 17 users found this helpful107

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0

MFCOct 6, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Can't believe this movie is getting any good reviews. Linear, superficial, soppy and dull.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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0

fumarioSep 20, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only bad is falling short. The argument could have been great, but it has been left in an empty, slow, boring, without beginning or end. The primates scene made no sense in the middle of the plot, except to animate something boring. the only thing worth mentioning is the interpretation of bradd pit.… Expand

8 of 21 users found this helpful813

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0

CivilizationAceFeb 6, 2021

A what can go wrong will go wrong mess that doesn't sell its characterisation efforts. It's instantly forgettable, with only one good performance, by Liv Tyler, but sadly she's only on screen for a few minutes. Pitt's performance is bipolar,A what can go wrong will go wrong mess that doesn't sell its characterisation efforts. It's instantly forgettable, with only one good performance, by Liv Tyler, but sadly she's only on screen for a few minutes. Pitt's performance is bipolar, non-existent most of the time and then hammed horribly. This is time I wish I hadn't wasted.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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0

inopinatusSep 28, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excruciating, nails-down-the-blackboard stuff for anyone with a science education or familiarity with the works of Joseph Conrad or human behaviour. This hairdo edition of Heart of Darkness violates basic physics in practically every scene, and the storyline, far from reaching for the stars as the title might suggest, never gets past reaching for the mood stabiliser pills.

The narrative construction is ridiculous from start to finish, whether it's the confected "power surge" crisis, the moon pirates, the decades-long but oddly mundane exploratory mission, the Murderous Space Baboon (no, really), or the gross misunderstanding of Project Orion-style propulsion, and everything in between.

Brad Pitt's flat affect is ideal for portraying a man with a flat affect and unresolved issues with his father, but there's little depth of hidden feeling here.

The director intended for the film to feature "the most realistic depiction of space travel that's been put in a movie". Well, it ain't. It's one of the least realistic. The rocketry is drivel from start to finish. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky is turning in his grave. The depiction of orbital mechanics is not merely flawed; major plot elements of the film depend on them being radically different to real world physics.

There are three scenes with aerodynamic significance. In the first, where aerodynamics are used to create a false sense of danger, there isn't any real danger, and in the second and third, the director seems to be entirely unaware that in the real world the maneuvers depicted would be sensationally difficult, dangerous, and probably fatal.

The idea that a spaceship on interplanetary transfer can make a quick "stop" to board another one is as absurd as the (impossibly) brief transfer they were already making. Basically the director has assumed that humans can survive G-forces that would turn real people into smeared pulp.

The energy physics of the confected "crisis" involving "antimatter surges" is just invented babble.

The idea of traveling to Mars, in person just to radio Neptune is drivel. We already have bidirectional radios and relay stations reaching further.

The psychology of every crew depicted has more in common with schlocky sci-fi-horror video games than with real-world hiring practices. Basically it's your choice between steely-eyed-missile-men, or hopeless flakes that in a highly regulated society (such as that depicted) would never have been in a cockpit at all.

There isn't a single scene that stands up to a moment's scientific scrutiny. Comparisons with 2001, Gravity, or even Interstellar are just bunk.

There isn't a single scene of literary significance, either. Comparisons with Heart of Darkness are fair, but unlike Coppola's work, only negative ones. All the allegorical significance is clobbered by the effort to portray a character rather than a society.

In the end, it turns out that Ruth Negga's turn as a burned-out Martian is the only good thing in this film, and her outfit rocks.… Expand

8 of 16 users found this helpful88

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0

jwcritic123Sep 22, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This review contains spoilers, but really, is it possible to spoil dreck? What I find even more offensive than the existence of this God-awful, pretentiously-titled, horribly contrived, and plodding movie is the fact that prominent film critics are pretending to adore it. It’s as if a child with muddy sneakers walked around on a blank canvas and the experts proclaimed “Brilliant!”, “Marvelous!”, “A Master Work!”. Even the highly over-rated and ludicrous Gravity had a single redeeming feature: it was truly visually stunning. In contrast, many of the effects in Ad Astra are almost Buck Rogers amateurish, while at best the film breaks zero new ground in the CGI department. It’s rare that I watch a big budget feature movie and can’t find ANYTHING to praise. Plot, nope. The number of plot holes and suspension-of-beliefisms are far too numerous to track. The laws of physics be damned, your average Marvel comics flick is more scientifically plausible. Objects and astronauts hurtle toward each other at breakneck speeds only to magically slow down at the last second and thus avoid catastrophe. Buildings and ships in the vacuum of space have no apparent airlocks or failsafe devices, and all docking systems are universal no matter their age or origin. Let’s not even bother to place Brad in suspended animation as he travels to the outskirts of the solar system in a few weeks when a simple nap will do. Crazed carnivorous giant baboons as experimental space station test subjects, sure why not, what could possibly go wrong? Anonymous fearless moon pirates who attack 60’s-era government rovers for absolutely no evident reason, and cannot be successfully defended against even when said assaults are totally anticipated, go for it. And how about designing a manned exploratory mission in which the research vessel happens to contain a cosmic ray gadget that can somehow be programmed to obliterate the entire universe by a heroically unstable rogue commander (coincidentally, Brad Pitt’s erstwhile absentee daddy Tommy Lee Jones who grows a beard during a 29 year span but otherwise fails to age). Sets, nope. Imagine the human colonizers of Mars having the foresight to create an outlandishly textured giant room for the seemingly sole purpose of having Brad Pitt speak plaintively into a microphone while they monitor him from behind an incongruously low-tech metal grate. Character development, nope. Most of the participants barely attain two-dimensional status. The talents of actors such as Donald Sutherland, Liv Tyler, and Natasha Lyonne are totally squandered in roles too insubstantial to be even considered cameos. This is Brad’s biggest acting debacle since the dismal World War Z, and there’s not much to be said about poor Tommy Lee in this movie other than he must have needed the paycheck. Dialogue, God no! Stilted boring droning Pitt-narrations, and unrealistic sappy prose designed to jerk a tear from every duct (me and my family: frequent eye rolling and occasional incredulous hiccups of laughter). Pace, holy crap! Undoubtedly the worst aspect of this movie is that it is beyond glacially slow. However, unlike other overly long space epics, such as its slightly tedious venerable predecessor Silent Running, Ad Astra is definitely not worth the mind-numbing two hours and three very long minutes voyage.… Expand

11 of 22 users found this helpful1111

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