2.5 out of 5 stars
One of the catalysts for many news accounts is reporting on how events will impact future generations. These predictions may cause some readers to act and others to scroll onto the next news account. Still, it might be different if those future generations were to show up to ask for assistance. This is the premise of Chris Pratt’s (Guardians of the Galaxy) latest sci-fi adventure, where a portal opens from the future with a band of soldiers asking for help as humanity’s existence is in jeopardy.
As Dan Forester (Pratt) celebrates the holidays with his family and friends in 2022 by watching the World Cup, they witness a world-changing event. Along with the rest of the world, the biology teacher and Iraq War veteran see a group of futuristic warriors come to ask the world for help with the battle of alien invaders. This desperate request motivates the world’s leaders to unite to fight for the future of mankind by sending troops from every country into the future to battle the White Spikes
Despite the inspirational nature of this bringing together of nations, they realise that these vicious creatures are nearly impossible to defeat. Only 20% of the forces sent to 2051 ever return, leading to a worldwide draft. This unpopular choice leads to anarchy around the world and protests against these governmental actions are a daily occurence. This does not stop new recruits from being sent in each week to fight these merciless creatures. Eventually, Dan is called up and even considers defecting with the help of his father (J.K. Simmons), but does succumb to the governmental request and goes to the future to battle for the sake of his daughter’s generation. As he faces the nasty enemy, these beasts pale in comparison to what he must confront when he meets the inhabitants of tomorrow’s world.
As a premise, screenwriter Zach Dean (Deadfall) has developed an original and compelling concept. Even with some glaring plot holes, the break-neck speed of the story moves audiences along without time to consider the political and ethical implications. This is helped along by the humorous and convincing action hero nature of Pratt, Simmons and the supporting cast. Who all manage to make the first half of the film accessible and entertaining within the distinct aspects of this genre. Then as the surviving characters return to the present, the whole concept takes an unexpected turn.
Every sci-fi action flick has a dramatic climax that motivates the central cast to respond to their current situation. The challenge with this story arch is that it feels like it is the beginning of a new film. The final act attempts to address the issues introduced at the beginning, but the originality seen in the beginning moves towards an illogical and predictable conclusion. Which sounds like a bizarre critique when you are dealing with alien invasions and time travel in the same film. Yet, this feels like it was meant to be a franchise and then the producers decided to force two films into one. Which means that all of the ingenuity of the original concept is lost to a conclusion of predictability and throw-away one liners. If they do proceed with a sequel, let's hope they get back to the magic of the first half of this film and forget the second part even happened.
REEL DIALOGUE: What to do with Daddy issues
'Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.' Psalm 127:3-5
The Tomorrow War has daddy issues. Multiple points within the storyline address the challenges of abandonment. Eventually, these difficulties all get resolved within the film. Still, it does open the wounds that many experience with the issue of absentee fathers.
One aspect of Dan Forester’s life is how he shows that fatherhood is not merely a responsibility but also a privilege. He proves that raising children is truly a blessing. Every day can bring about new challenges and opportunities as fathers experience the early morning feedings or the latest car smash. Yet, these incidental things should not diminish the gift that they are in our lives.
Fathers need to look at this opportunity as an honour and do all that can be done to be the men our children need us to be. Some days are more complicated than others, but thankfully the Bible gives us the instruction manual to help to mould our children. While prayer provides the comfort to watch over them in all situations.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" - Joshua 24:15
