DIRECTOR
Patrick Hughes
The Man from Toronto, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Expendables 3, Red Hill

STARS
Alan Ritchson, Jack Patten, Stephan James, Dennis Quaid, Esai Morales and Alex King

Partly born from a nightmare co-writer and director Patrick Hughes once had, War Machine turns out to be quite the dream escapism machine that is markedly better than it might sound.

After a recent tragedy that occurred in Afghanistan drives but also haunts him, the leading man of this film, who we will come to know by the number ’81’ (played by Alan Ritchson from Prime series ‘Reacher’), takes part in an 8-week selection program at a Ranger Training Base in Colorado. The gruelling requirements enforced by Army Officer Torres (Esai Morales) and Army Sergeant Major Sheridan (Dennis Quaid) make Spartan Race look like a swift walk in the park by comparison yet are never beyond the physical capabilities of ’81’, as keenly observed by Torres and Sheridan. Their concern, as the training squad approach the final round known as Death March, is ’81s’ mental strength and capacity knowing the heavy burden he is carrying. This will be put to the test when ’81’ and the remainder of the squad are engulfed in a real war against an unknown and merciless enemy without any warning that no amount of physical training or prowess could ultimately prepare them for.

Not a dull moment is had in this Australian-made but U.S set actioner. In fact, War Machine establishes and escalates tension to a degree that made me reminisce the masterpiece that is Terminator 2: Judgement Day! Now, let’s not get carried away here, War Machine is never in that echelon of film, nor is it trying to be. Rather, this is to emphasise just how effectively it executes its scenario involving a seemingly indestructible villain in relentless pursuit of our protagonists it targets. Unlike the T-1000, this predator does not possess the capability to shapeshift, but its emerging and evolving capabilities throughout the film make it a constantly growing threat and play a major role in that aforementioned escalating tension. Further key contributors that ensure the heart is racing throughout are its pulsating score and razor-sharp pacing. It’s a blessing in disguise pep talks aren’t ’81s’ forte as there is barely any reprieve from what is following and attacking him and his fellow trainees. Furthermore, its setting in the Colorado mountains are thoughtfully utilised, as are the limited props members of the training squad are equipped with and discover. War Machine’s set-piece sequences also thrill audiences and are brilliantly staged and executed, leading audiences into an exciting climax, rendering it deserving of a big screen and sound experience. 

War Machine is showing in cinemas across Australia from February 12th, 2026, before its streaming release on March 6th, by Netflix.

Moviedoc thanks Roadshow Films for the invitation to the Australian premiere screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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