WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The instinct for survival. It is an innate trait among almost any living creature when faced with a peril that threatens its existence. How intense the need is to discover any possible means to maintain the state of being called life is subject to the level of menace or risk involved. Those degrees can vary, and the manner or avenue by which said state is sustained could ebb and flow in a heartbeat. Cassie Sullivan (Chloe Grace-Moretz) used to be just another teenager, attending high school, hanging with friends, going to parties, and being smitten with the popular kid, Ben Parish (Nick Robinson). But so many things have been altered, affected, and forever redefined–thanks to The Others.
Reflecting on a previous, now distant time, Cassie has become a reluctant but necessary fighter against a hostile, invading, alien force that has struck the Earth in waves of attacks, targeting specific elements that decimate humanity. Initially with her family, especially her beloved little brother Sam (Zackary Arthur), circumstances have separated them. Desperate to reunite, Cassie struggles to survive in a new world where insidious danger wears a human face. Linking up with an unexpected ally, Evan (Alex Roe), it becomes apparent that those she trusts the most, plus a coldly-focused Army leader, Colonel Vosch (Liev Schreiber), might have other agendas. As Cassie’s perilous endeavor to find her brother takes shape, secrets are revealed that shake everyone to the core, as all brace for the 5th wave.
Next, my Mind:
With the latest attempt to adapt a young adult sci-fi/fantasy novel for the big screen, director J Blakeson presents a decidedly solid take on the material and brings an alien invasion narrative to life that, like the book, really is more character drama than all-out action a la “Independence Day”. While, like many adaptions, there are plenty of details missing here, Blakeson captures key moments and the overall essence of the tale in good form, the more human side of everything being at the forefront. Some might see this as boring, but the mix of dialogue-heavy moments infused with action sequences felt fresh and, in some ways, more engaging as a whole, as opposed to all-out chaos, which is a tribute to author Rick Yancey’s ideas.
Still-rising actress Grace-Moretz is, for this reviewer, ideal for playing Cassie, in that she can be that overtly vulnerable, scared teen girl in the midst of what seems like the end of the world while still believably putting forth the situation-hardened attitude and determination of someone forced to grow up far quicker than should have been. The emotional connection between Cassie and her younger brother Sam adds some potent times of pathos along the way as well. Roe plays the role of Evan as one would expect, with good looks and bravado, and well enough to fill the need here. Arthur is endearing as Zackary, and Schreiber once again channels his seriously tough act in playing the enigmatic Vosch.
Plenty of supporting cast fills in additional needs for the sake of the story and the finale is one that promotes the idea of a continuation. There is a second novel out there, so we will have to wait and see if box office performance is enough to get the next installment made. Overall, “The 5th Wave” is good entertainment and something a little different in a sea of genre films that could use a refreshing boost.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
