War Machine critics call Netflix movie absurd, and that’s not quite a compliment

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Critics Call It Absurd On Every Level
• The Plot Blends Military Drama With Alien Invasion
• What Audiences Should Expect
• Ritchson Carries The Weight With Action Chops
• Will There Be A War Machine 2?
  • Watch the Trailer
  • Sources

War Machine just landed on Netflix, and critics are calling the new sci-fi action film absurd. But here’s the thing: not all of them mean it as an insult. The aliens-versus-soldiers thriller starring Alan Ritchson doesn’t take itself too seriously, which could be exactly what audiences want.

Critics Call It Absurd On Every Level

The consensus from major critics is crystal clear. Empire magazine declared the film is “absurd on almost every level,” describing it as a “brainless, bombastic, bomb-tastic action romp” that’s somehow “far more fun than it has any right to be.” That’s the core debate: is absurdity a bug or a feature? Early reactions suggest viewers might embrace it.

Roger Ebert noted that War Machine starts like a stereotypical military movie but “evolves into something much weirder,” which could appeal to audiences seeking unconventional entertainment. The film’s R rating for violence and grisly images signals this isn’t a polished superhero spectacle.

The Plot Blends Military Drama With Alien Invasion

The story follows a squad of soldiers led by a warrior identified only as “81” played by Ritchson. These are the final recruits in a “grueling special forces program” who must confront an extraterrestrial war machine. The tone reportedly shifts wildly between gritty military realism and outlandish sci-fi action.

Decider called it “dumb-as-rocks” while JoBlo praised the “gory violence and solid direction.” The film isn’t trying to be prestige cinema. It’s built for viewers who value spectacle over subtlety.

What Audiences Should Expect

Element	Details
Genre Blend	Military drama meets alien science fiction
Tone	Wildly absurd, intentionally over-the-top
Action Level	Frequent and intense with heavy violence
IMDb Rating	6.5/10 from over 3,000 user ratings

“A brainless, bombastic, bomb-tastic action romp, this is absurd on almost every level, and far more fun than it has any right to be.”

— Empire Magazine, Film Critic Review

Ritchson Carries The Weight With Action Chops

Alan Ritchson, fresh off his success with Reacher, brings physical intensity to the role. Critics note he’s essentially a soldier-turned-action-star who fits this type of spectacle. The supporting cast including Dennis Quaid and Stephan James round out an ensemble built for combat sequences rather than dramatic depth.

Bloody Disgusting observed that the film “enters its stride” once it moves past the military setup. That suggests patience with the opening act pays dividends. Director Patrick Hughes has made a name for himself with propulsive action direction that prioritizes movement over contemplation.

Will There Be A War Machine 2?

Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed a sequel, but the cliffhanger ending leaves that door wide open. Alan Ritchson himself teased that War Machine 2 is “fully mapped out” and will be “sick.” As of now, success on the platform will determine if the franchise continues. The film’s willingness to embrace absurdity could actually work in its favor for building a cult fanbase.

Sources

• Cinemablend – Compilation of critical reactions to absurdist elements
• Empire Magazine – Review praising absurdity as entertainment value
• Netflix/Screen Rant – Sequel confirmation and production details