Sci-Fi is not my favourite genre in film, or overall in general life actually, by all means, but that is not to say that it does nothing for me. Actually appreciate it a lot, and a few of my favourite films, and milestones in films, are sci-fi. When Brad Pitt is good and has good material he is great and 'Ad Astra' did look really interesting from the trailer which made it look like a visually stunning and thought provoking film.
'Ad Astra' left me very mixed. Do not think it is as bad as has been said here, not to the extent of vehement hatred anyhow and in my mind there are far worse films out there. Also do not think that 'Ad Astra' is as good as the critical acclaim, or at least largely positive critical reception, it hs garnered. Am talking about my experience of how the film was received just in case anybody is wondering, loved/liked by critics thus far but very mixed on both extremes of love and hate when it comes to the audience reaction.
Beginning with the good things with 'Ad Astra', it boasts both dazzling photography and visual effects, as well as striking set design. One of the best-looking films of the year. The music is great music on its own and didn't ever feel any reservations about how it was placed, "Heaven Can Wait" is made quite powerful use of.
Pitt gives a commanding and dignified lead performance, one of his better ones in recent years in a type of role he's perfect for. All the acting is good even, with the other standout being Tommy Lee Jones.
However, the story never completely grabbed me, what aimed to be thrilling or thrill-packed were anything but to me, and never found myself connecting with it emotionally. Most of the time, especially in the final act that too much of it was ridiculous and didn't make sense was a turn off. The script had some intelligent thoughtful moments but also too many perplexing and awkward in flow ones.
The pace was often dull to the point of monotony, apparent from the start and never really gained momentum, but the film suffered too from having too many ideas and doing little with most. Others have mentioned the non-existent science so will leave it to them. The ending was a head-scratcher when it came to sense.
Concluding, watchable and somewhat intriguing but wanted to like it so much more. 5/10
'Ad Astra' left me very mixed. Do not think it is as bad as has been said here, not to the extent of vehement hatred anyhow and in my mind there are far worse films out there. Also do not think that 'Ad Astra' is as good as the critical acclaim, or at least largely positive critical reception, it hs garnered. Am talking about my experience of how the film was received just in case anybody is wondering, loved/liked by critics thus far but very mixed on both extremes of love and hate when it comes to the audience reaction.
Beginning with the good things with 'Ad Astra', it boasts both dazzling photography and visual effects, as well as striking set design. One of the best-looking films of the year. The music is great music on its own and didn't ever feel any reservations about how it was placed, "Heaven Can Wait" is made quite powerful use of.
Pitt gives a commanding and dignified lead performance, one of his better ones in recent years in a type of role he's perfect for. All the acting is good even, with the other standout being Tommy Lee Jones.
However, the story never completely grabbed me, what aimed to be thrilling or thrill-packed were anything but to me, and never found myself connecting with it emotionally. Most of the time, especially in the final act that too much of it was ridiculous and didn't make sense was a turn off. The script had some intelligent thoughtful moments but also too many perplexing and awkward in flow ones.
The pace was often dull to the point of monotony, apparent from the start and never really gained momentum, but the film suffered too from having too many ideas and doing little with most. Others have mentioned the non-existent science so will leave it to them. The ending was a head-scratcher when it came to sense.
Concluding, watchable and somewhat intriguing but wanted to like it so much more. 5/10