Unmasking Mammoth Machines: A Review of Patrick Hughes' War Machine

Patrick Hughes, who made a substantial leap from indie films to mega-budget blockbusters with The Expendables 3, The Hitman's Bodyguard, and its sequel along with 2022's The Man from Toronto, brings an exciting new venture with War Machine screening on Netflix from March 6, 2026. His return as a writer and producer is quite a notable spectacle.

The movie features Alan Ritchson, a titan of action movies who recently gained acclaim through his Reacher series. War Machine seems to be designed to leverage Ritchson's physical prowess, even as it falls short on utilizing his magnetism or providing any element of humor.

The plot places Ritchson's character (known only as Staff Sergeant 81) in the core, a tribute to his late brother, a fellow serviceman killed in action. Joined by a team with a mission to locate and dismantle a crashed aircraft sans firearms, a significant twist introduces a lethal alien antagonist, setting a stage for merciless confrontations.

Hughes' mastery of practical stunts and effects shines prominently in War Machine. From grand helicopter shots to vivid scenery, and from brutal clashes with the enormous extraterrestrial terror to visceral effects, Hughes elicits a potent sense of realism throughout the movie.

However, it is not without its caveats. While explosive action is shown in abundance, the plot and character development leave much to be desired, with the story heavily hinging on a mid-feature twist that lacked sufficient buildup. The title character, despite Ritchson's compelling presence, is confined to a brooding archetype with little depth beyond his melancholic backstory. The supporting cast also seems to lack enough depth or engagement.

War Machine carries massive potential for improvement, should Hughes consider a recut to introduce refreshing humor and a robust narrative. Until then, the movie stands as a spectacle of sci-fi action with a vibrant display of stunts and choreography.