The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave is a forgettable attempt at a sci-fi dystopian thriller, suffering from a recycled plot and a script that does little to elevate it. The story lacks originality, with predictable twists and rushed pacing that does not allow for proper character development. The first act barely builds any emotional connection before jumping straight into the second act, making the entire setup feel hollow. Starting the movie with a scene from later in the story does not help either, as it fails to create any real suspense or curiosity. The directing feels uninspired, as if following a formula rather than crafting something engaging. Cinematography is decent but nothing remarkable, relying on standard visuals without adding much to the experience. The acting is fine, but the script gives the cast little to work with, often forcing them into awkward or unconvincing dialogue. Moments that should feel dramatic end up feeling forced, making it difficult to stay invested in the characters. The score is forgettable, doing just enough to fill the background without enhancing the tension or emotion. Overall, The 5th Wave misses opportunities to be a compelling sci-fi thriller and ends up as a bland, uninspired adaptation that does not leave much of an impact.

**Spoiler Alert** The ending made me laugh. I don't want to spoil anything, but it's nice that you mention hope saving you in the end, even though the aliens are still present according to the ending. 😂

"The 5th Wave" is a science-fiction thriller directed by J Blakeson and starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Matthew Zuk, and Gabriela Lopez. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Rick Yancey and was released in 2016. The story is set in a world that has been devastated by a series of four catastrophic waves, including an electromagnetic pulse that destroys all electronics and a deadly virus that kills billions of people. The survivors are left to fend for themselves against an alien invasion, with no idea of when or how the fifth wave will come. The film follows Cassie Sullivan, played by Moretz, as she tries to survive in this new world and rescue her younger brother, who has been taken by the military. The movie is filled with action, suspense, and emotional moments, as Cassie encounters both human and alien enemies on her journey. Moretz delivers a strong performance as Cassie, a determined and resourceful protagonist who is forced to make difficult choices to survive. The supporting cast, including Zuk and Lopez, also do a commendable job in their respective roles. The film's special effects and action sequences are impressive, with intense fight scenes and thrilling moments of survival. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of the desolate landscape and eerie depictions of the alien invasion. However, despite these positive aspects, "The 5th Wave" falls short in its execution of the story. The pacing of the film is uneven, with a slow buildup to the action and a rushed conclusion that leaves some questions unanswered. Additionally, some of the plot points feel contrived or predictable. Overall, "The 5th Wave" is a solid science-fiction thriller with some impressive elements but ultimately fails to live up to its full potential. I would rate it a 5 out of 10. While it is an entertaining movie with strong performances and exciting action sequences, the flaws in its storytelling prevent it from being a truly great film. Written and Reviewed by RSOliveira