ICYMI: 'Ad Astra' Has Brad Pitt Traveling To Space To Save Tommy Lee Jones & Aliens!

The past few years have been, what I would consider, the Golden Age of science-fiction films. Audiences have had their minds blown with thought-provoking narratives and stellar visuals, providing them with genuinely unique cinematic experiences. Game-changing titles like Arrival, Gravity, and Interstellar have not only pushed the boundaries of sci-fi but have redefined the genre as a potential awards powerhouse. What was once mundane alien invasions with UFOs on wires has transformed into stunning, critically-acclaimed classics that can be enjoyed by even the most casual of moviegoers. Moreover, now to add to the list of great films taking place in the dark void of space comes James Gray's highly-anticipated 20th Century Fox sci-fi drama Ad Astra with a trailer that looks magnificent. 

The Earth needs saving, and Brad Pitt is the man for the job. From starting fight clubs to becoming a decorated veteran of the dreaded World War Z, Brad has shown time and time again that he knows how to play the guy that can save the day. Pitt's character in this one is a man named Roy McBride, an astronaut whose dad -- played by the legendary Tommy Lee Jones -- was sent on a mission to find aliens at the edge of the solar system. Then, years later, after a mysterious threat called The Surge strikes the planet, McBride is informed that there was much more to his old man's mission. So, of course, he must suit up, find his pops, and save all of humanity. If you are thinking what I'm thinking, this seems like a pretty solid mix of Interstellar, Gravity, and Arrival, which honestly doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. Along with these powerhouses for the ride are Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland, Jamie Kennedy, John Finn, Kimberly Elise, Bobby Nish, LisaGay Hamilton, and John Ortiz. 

A slow burn science-fiction existential drama with a compelling narrative that leaves us guessing until the very end forcing us to ponder its wonders meant long after the credits roll sounds like a good reason to go to the movies, if you ask me. Also, you know it's going to be a good one, and not just from the plot or star power, because Pitt's production company Plan B is producing the space drama with New Regency. Plan B is also responsible for the Academy Award-winner 12 Years a Slave, the Oscar-nominated film The Big Short, and the upcoming Ryan Coogler film Wrong Answer. It appears that the studio believes it has the potential to outdo expectations, as it has been moved from its original May release date for an opening in September in hopes of an Awards Season push.

Ad Astra isn't just another straight-to-video hunk of space junk, so make sure not to miss what could easily be a cinematic experience that soars well past the stratosphere when it opens in theaters on September 20.