#REVIEW: “THE 5TH WAVE”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

In today’s world, Dystopic Sci-Fi has become opium of the masses. From teen fiction to their cinematic cousins there’s a lot of people trying to cash in on the formula. The 5th Wave is the latest concoction. The books began in 2013, and the Trilogy is set to wrap-up later this year. The Film rights were purchased in 2014, and were adapted to the screen by Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich).

Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, the story is as follows: 16 year old Cassiopeia (Cassie) Sullivan goes from teen-drama queen to the tragic lead. Aliens have invaded, and Cassie loses her loved ones to their destructive forces. All but her six year old brother, Sammie (Zackary Arthur), who’s been taken to a military training facility. In this parallel universe American children have been enlisted as earth’s only hope.

It’s an interesting story, and Moretz is capable in front of the camera. Her co-star, Alex Roe, is also worthy of the screen time he’s afforded. He plays Evan Walker, a bridge between the human and alien sides of the story. He’s also a sculpted love interest for Cassie. Nick Robinson (Jurassic World) rounds-out the triumvirate of young talent. His character, Ben “Zombie” Parish, is the leader of Sammie’s division at Camp Haven.

All of that said, these narratives collapse before concluding. Their dramatic tones come off a bit flat, and the script stutters through its allusions to the Novel. So by the end it feels a lot sillier than when it started. Or so it may seem when compared to a contemporary masterpiece like The Hunger Games. However, fans of the book may be happy with it, and if they back it along with a considerable part of the public, it may get a sequel like The Maze Runner, or a series like The Mortal Instruments. The 5th Wave has its merits, but whether it has the strength to survive in a saturated marketplace is another subject entirely. This one may be better served on a streaming service, but it’s in theatres now if you’re keen on finding out for yourself.

Sony Pictures Canada release The 5th Wave Friday, January 22, 2016.