Ad Astra Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

5. Its Refreshingly Philosophical Tone

Though there's considerable pressure put upon any expensive sci-fi movie to broaden out its themes and place a bigger focus on the spectacle, Ad Astra is often at its best in its introspective and contemplative moments.

When the iffy narration isn't busy spoonfeeding everything to the audience, there are some thoughtful riffs on human nature, family, the sins of the past, the possibility of intelligent life in the universe and so on.

While none of these ideas are especially fresh on their own, they're presented in a unique and disarming way that, again, may alienate audiences hoping for something more strictly sentimental.