Grade: D
There are no words to describe the blandness and predictability of the J Blakeson-directed “The 5th Wave.”
Based on Rick Yancey’s science fiction novel of the same name, “The 5th Wave” follows Cassie Sullivan, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, trying to save her little brother Sammy, played by Zackary Arthur, from a military training camp.
She must also learn to survive in the midst of in invasion by an alien species called the Others, who have set Earth back to the Stone Age.
The Others’ invasion happens in waves, hence the title. Each wave is much deadlier than the last and more human lives are taken with each one.
Those who remain must struggle to survive and constantly keep their guard up, not knowing who to trust.
Along the way, Cassie runs into Evan Walker, played by Alex Roe, who is clearly too old for the part of a just-out-of-high-school love interest. It was impossible to feel anything other than disturbed at the romance between the two characters.
There is also a subplot at the training camp where Cassie’s brother is being kept with other kids in his unit. All of them try to improve their abilities as soldiers. The camp is led by Cassie’s high school crush Ben Parish, played by Nick Robinson. Fellow soldiers include Ringer, played by Maika Monroe; Dumbo, played by Toni Revolori; and Teacup, played by Talitha Bateman.
One good thing in the movie was Cassie’s clothing — it was always practical during the fight scenes.
Additionally, a competent leader was found in Monroe’s performance as Ringer. Her no-nonsense attitude was wonderful to see, as was her willingness to stand up for herself.
The chemistry between Moretz and Arthur was also a nice aspect of the movie. It was easy to believe the pair were actually brother and sister.
Other good performances came from Maria Bello as Sgt. Reznik and Liev Schreiber as Colonel Vosch.
Given the material she worked with, Moretz also did a good job as Cassie. She gives Cassie the conviction and drive that is often missing from female protagonists of dystopian stories such as this one. It was easy to believe that she had her entire world at stake.
This had the potential to be a fantastic movie — if the characters had been more fleshed out and the plot less familiar.
There have been hopes that “The 5th Wave” will become a cultural phenomenon in the vein of “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games,” and it seems possible, given that it is the sixth-highest grossing movie for its weekend. However, like its predecessors, the plot is predicted within the first few minutes and contains an unnecessary romance in times of peril.
Just once, it would be wonderful to see a sci-fi action movie with a female protagonist who realizes there is no time for love when you’re trying to save the world.
Rather than rushing to the nearest theater to see “The 5th Wave,” the best option would be to wait for its release on DVD.
