Review of Ad Astra (2019) by Kpb1973 — 07 Oct 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 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.