Netflix’s “War Machine” Offers Solid Action, Reflects AI Concerns
“Reacher” star Alan Ritchson leads in “War Machine,” a new action film directed by Patrick Hughes (“The Expendables 3,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “The Man From Toronto”). While initially hesitant due to the generic title – and the existence of another Netflix film sharing the same name, a 2017 Brad Pitt vehicle – the film proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable action experience.
A Familiar Premise, Well Executed
“War Machine” follows a haunted Army Ranger candidate and his team during a rigorous training exercise that unexpectedly turns real. They encounter a large, bipedal alien machine that has crash-landed on Earth, forcing them into a fight for survival. The film delivers on the action expected from this type of story, featuring a clear narrative structure, a compelling character arc for the protagonist, and practical on-location filming that avoids relying heavily on CGI.
Echoes of “Predator” and Modern AI Fears
The film draws clear inspiration from John McTiernan’s classic sci-fi action film “Predator,” pitting a group of highly trained soldiers against an alien threat in a wilderness setting. However, “War Machine” isn’t simply a copycat. The alien machine serves as a metaphor for the growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, and the film’s ending suggests a proactive stance against inevitable technological takeover.
Recent events, such as the reported use of AI by the United States government in an illegal attack on Iran, add another layer of relevance to the film’s themes.1 Despite a potentially jingoistic undercurrent inherent in a story centered around Army Rangers, “War Machine” offers a viewing experience akin to a classic action film one might repeatedly enjoy on television.
Reception and Comparison to Other Netflix Films
As of March 6, 2026, “War Machine” holds a 3.2 rating on Letterboxd.2 It is favorably compared to other recent Netflix releases, such as “The Old Guard 2” and “Heart of Stone,” which have been criticized for their lack of polish and narrative coherence.
While not reaching the heights of “Predator,” “War Machine” provides a solid action experience and a thought-provoking, if somewhat simplistic, exploration of AI anxieties.
Worth a look