Ad Astra (2019)
Having heard some negativity about this film, it was pleasantly surprising how absorbing this production was. The first half especially was impressive in its freshness and intrigue. The film periodically borrowed from
2001: A Space Odyssey, but then most space films have.
The story went a little off the rails in the second half, although it's tricky to pinpoint why. Each individual scene worked very well as produced, but the overall premise of the picture seemed too far-fetched for the stated time setting of "the near future". Having astronauts able to ply the far reaches of Neptune and the limits of our solar system wouldn't seem achievable until centuries into the future.
The performances were first rate, and it occurred to me while observing Brad Pitt's portrayal that he is a much better actor to whom I'd previously given credit. His character is reserved, subtle and nuanced, and always feels genuine. Tommy Lee Jones too is first rate in a performance that is more introspective than his usual roles. He has comparatively little screen time, but he makes the most of it.
The picture's special effects and cinematography are top of the line, which one might expect in this type of production. And once the premise is accepted, most of the action is impressive: the Moon chase sequences, the attacks within a biomedical research station, and the rings of Neptune are all memorable.
The PG-13 rating was appreciated. The film avoided the unnecessary trappings of R-rated triteness. This may be a "space opera", but it is solidly earth bound (in contrast to
Star Wars and the like). So the draw of Earth as being home are never ignored, and is able to set up a gratifying ending.
This is my favorite of director/writer James Gray's pictures. Had I realized his previous film was
The Lost City of Z, it would have caused me even more reluctance to see
Ad Astra. But I'm a sucker for happy endings, and it appears as though Gray has the same predilection. We'll be looking forward to his next picture.
Doc's rating 7/10