Think about this, what is the first thing that pops to mind when you see an advertisement for a film that stars Academy Award winner Brad Pitt in a film where he travels into space. Have you thought about it? Okay good...sounds strangely bizarre but in a weird way you can see this work. I mean we have gotten a wide variety of space movies in the last few years from Interstellar to The Martian, but now throw Brad Pitt in the mix and let see what the results are in this film, Ad Astra. The film takes place sometime in the future, where Earth is being harmed by a mysterious power surge that could possibly lead to the end of humanity. The cause of this power surge is believed to have been originated by Brad Pitt's father, a hero astronaut named Cliff McBride played by Tommy Lee Jones, leading a daring mission to find other lifeforms around the galaxy. Years have passed and McBride long to have been missing, has suddenly reappeared alive in the galaxy, near Neptune. His son Roy, played by Brad Pitt, is called in by the U.S Space Command, essentially the NASA of this film, to find his father, destroy the "Lima Project" that is causing the power surges. In doing so, Brad Pitt is figuring his life and purpose on Earth, especially with his estranged wife Eve, played by Liv Tyler, and dealing with other astronauts along the way, including Colonel Pruitt played by Donald Sutherland. Overall, this film is breathtaking and stunning. Starting with the acting, Brad Pitt, coming off a career performance in Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood, simply states to the audience, hey you thought that was good check this out. Their is some serious Oscar buzz for his performance and I would not personally be surprised if he is nominated for both films. With that being said, the roles are much different in terms of range and character, but Brad Pitt manages to form an identity around Roy and we feel the emotions and conflicts of both life and space. On top of Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones gave a outstanding performance that is underappreciated and beautiful that always has us second guessing ourselves as the viewer. As for the story, I did not know much about this film going into it, meaning I was unsure of the main tone of the film, other than Pitt having to go into space to save the world. To me, the studio false advertised the film to sort make it look as if was this Hollywood action race against the clock film, where it finds itself being much more than what the commercials say and being a genuine surprise of a drama, sort of as cross of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Apocalypse Now. The visual effects and cinematography of this film were outstanding, as well as the set pieces. Director James Gray shoots this film as if we are also traveling alongside Roy and are going through the fears, emotions, and joys of Roy's life and mission. One thing I was not as crazy about or even thrown off with a little is the missing storylines and character developments of a few people. The film introduces to this variety of characters that have a connection to Pitt, but in some cases you never return or hear about, and some in a way without spoiling, at this point are deemed unnecessary to the story. Ad Astra is a must see for all throughout this fall/Oscar season, as well as a great way to get things and provide much debate to the Best Actor Category this year. It is able to create its own identity against previous space films to fit in and will be remembered as one of Pitt's strongest performances.
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