War Machine (Patrick Hughes, 2026)⭐⭐

What if Predator, but exploding and not as good? is the question asked and answered by this Alan Ritchson vehicle.

Ritchson plays Jack Rea... wait, no. He plays a completely unique character who is attempting to pass the grueling US Army Rangers selection process.because of a promise he made to his brother, who was killed in a tragic flashback incident.

As part of the final 'Death March' test, Ritchson - named '81' here, as all the Ranger tryouts are referred to only as numbers during the process - leads a squad, armed only with blank-firing rifles, in an exercise to blow up a 'downed aircraft'.

But wait. That's not a downed aircraft. It's not even a pretend downed aircraft. It's... A GIANT ROBOT KILLING MACHINE THAT WAS ON THE MYSTERIOUS ASTEROID THAT KEEPS BEING ON NEWS REPORTS IN THE BACKGROUND OF SCENES EARLIER IN THE FILM! What are the chances?

It's pretty daft, and some of the action looks rather CGI-ish but the direction keeps the pace up and although Ritchson has perhaps the most limited range of any current working actor this sits very firmly in his wheelhouse.

This film is predictable and fairly shoddy around the edges but it makes for a decent snack.