Ad Astra review - Why do space movies have to be so boring?

A family member came over a few evenings ago, and I suggested four movies that we could watch. Unfortunately, the decision fell on Ad Astra (a movie neither of us had seen before), hoping that Brad Pitt in space would give the evening a nice boost.

To be honest, I didn't know much about the movie before we started, and I didn't watch the trailer, nor did I read reviews or see stats. If I had, I guess the Rotten Tomatoes scores would have revealed a lot. The critics' score is 84%, while the audience score is 40%. Guess which category I consider myself to be?

Before I discuss the movie itself, let me tell you that I have trouble with space movies. I don't know why, but I guess since all scenes are supposed to be so fantastic and space-like, they use a lot of resources and money trying to create something like that. So, since all scenes should be so fantastic (and they are so expensive), they also have to be in slow-motion-mode. I guess some people sit in awe of this, but I fall asleep (just like I did watching Gravity in cinema). Interstellar was a bit better than Gravity, but I had trouble with that movie as well.

So, if I have to watch space movies, I guess my vote has to be for Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, or maybe Space Balls!

What is Ad Astra about?

Brad Pitt plays the role of an astronaut. His father never returned after a mission about 20 years ago. They last heard signals from him on March, before he continued his travel to Saturn. Now, many years later, they have received some signals that might reveal the fact that he is alive. So, his son is sent to the moon, then to March, and then to Saturn to discover what's up and find the reality about what happened to his dad.

It might sound interesting and cool, but it turns into something completely boring. Brad Pitt has a nice face, and that is almost the only face we see throughout the movie. Had it been a worse-looking face, it would have been a tragedy. So, Brad Pitt is saving the movie, as much as the film is possible to save at all.

They have for sure spent lots of money on the effects and creating moon-like, March like, and other space like circumstances, but it isn't enough to make this movie worth watching. It is simply too boring. It is like watching a documentary, just made with Hollywood effects. Of course, there are a few action scenes and some surprising elements, but it still doesn't make it worth spending two hours watching this movie.

What should be my conclusion to the movie? Don't watch it, unless you really love this kind of movies. If you loved Gravity, you might like this one. If you liked Interstellar, you might like this one. But, if you hated both, go far away from this movie.

Do something else, or watch Space Balls, Guardians of the Galaxy, or a Star Wars movie instead. That would be my suggestion, at least. If you still want to see it, the movie is still not to be found on Netflix, so you will most likely have to pay to rent it or buy it somewhere else.

Ad Astra score
3/10

Have you seen the movie? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. Do you agree with me, or did you enjoy every bit and sequence of the film? Write a comment and let me know about it!